Honorary Degrees
The University of Memphis has the authority to award up to two honorary degrees each year to distinguished individuals who merit special recognition for extraordinary achievements that have improved the community they serve, contributed to society, as well as benefited the University of Memphis.
How to Nominate
You are invited to nominate a person for his or her outstanding performance and to
whom the University of Memphis can show its appreciation. The guidelines for awarding
honorary degrees are outlined in UofM Policy - AA3023 - Awarding the Honorary Degree. In order to nominate a person please review this policy and include the following:
- A letter of nomination, including:
- A summary of the distinguished contributions made by the nominee whose career reflects
sustained, exceptional achievement in some field of scholarship, public service, or
in an artistic, literary, governmental, financial, professional, research, leadership,
cultural affairs, or other endeavor.
- The nominator's relationship with the candidate, and any perceived potential conflicts
of interest.
- An indication of the extent to which the nominee has been associated with the University
of Memphis.
- Any additional pertinent information.
- A summary of the distinguished contributions made by the nominee whose career reflects
sustained, exceptional achievement in some field of scholarship, public service, or
in an artistic, literary, governmental, financial, professional, research, leadership,
cultural affairs, or other endeavor.
After review of the nominees, the Honorary Degree Committee will solicit additional supporting materials including the nominee's vita and three (3) letters of recommendation from within or outside of the university explaining why the candidate is worthy of further consideration for the award of an honorary degree from the University of Memphis.
Send your nomination to provost@memphis.edu.
Previous Recipients
- 2023 Raymond Zimmerman
- 2022 No degree awarded
- 2021 Bill Haslam
- 2020 Richard C. Shadyac, Jr.
- 2019 Alan B. Graf Jr | Dr. Michael J. Spalding | Vice Admiral Walter E. "Ted" Carter, Jr.
- 2018 Donald E. Graham | Dr. Robert Waller
- 2017 Dr. John B. King, Jr.
- 2016 Donald E. Godwin
- 2015 Gary Shorb | Dr. Scott Morris
- 2014 Honey Scheidt | R. Brad Martin
- 2013 Jim Ayers
- 2012 Larry Papasan
- 2011 Bert Bornblum
- 2010 Maxine Smith
- 2009 Robert Fogelman
- 2008 Fred Smith
- 2007 Rudi E. Scheidt
- 2006 Harry W. Feinstone