Office of University Communications 

University seeks nominations for honorary doctor’s degree

SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State University is seeking nominations for the university’s annual honorary doctorate. In 2002, the Board of Governors approved a policy authorizing the granting of an honorary doctorate degree recognizing the extraordinary achievements of distinguished citizens. Any member of the Missouri State University community, including alumni, may nominate candidates for the degree. The deadline for receiving nominations is Sept. 30, 2008.

“The honorary doctorate originated as a faculty initiative solely to honor the extraordinary and outstanding accomplishments of distinguished citizens,” said Dr. Paula Kemp, Honorary Doctorate Committee chair and distinguished professor of mathematics. 

The individual honored should have a strong tie to this community, state or region. Although individuals with nationwide and worldwide recognition should not be excluded, preference should be given to distinguished candidates who have not been widely recognized and honored.

Current members of the Missouri State staff, faculty, administration and the Board of Governors, as well as elected officials currently in office, are not eligible. Financial considerations should not be part of the selection process.

Four types of honorary doctorates may be bestowed: the Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D), given to persons who have distinguished themselves in the humanities; the Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.), given to scholars in particular disciplines; the Doctor of Public Affairs (A.P.D.), given to persons distinguished in general service to the public, to learning and to humankind; and the Doctor of Science (Sc.D.), given to persons who have made distinguished contributions to sciences.

All nominations are kept confidential and should include a formal letter of nomination, providing a detailed rationale about the nominee’s qualifications, including education, publications and community service as appropriate. The letter and supporting documentation should be sent to Dr. Paula Kemp, Honorary Doctorate Committee chair, Missouri State University department of mathematics, 901 S. National, Springfield, Mo. 65897.