Missouri State University is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all facets of research, teaching, and public service. As the university rewards faculty, staff and students for their accomplishments, so too does it seek to recognize extraordinary achievements of distinguished citizens by awarding Honorary Degrees. Two distinct Honorary Degrees are given; the Honorary Doctorate Degree and the Honorary Undergraduate Degree. It is the university’s hope that such recognition will encourage others to strive for exceptional accomplishments.
Eligibility
The honoree must be living at the time of selection and be present at the award ceremony. Current members of the Missouri State University staff, faculty, administration, and the Board of Governors are not eligible. Financial considerations should not be involved in the selection process. Elected officials, while holding elected office, are not eligible. 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. Even more ideally, the individual honored should have some tie to this community, state or region. Consistent with our Public Affairs mission, accomplishments of the nominee which are not associated with a paid or elected position are viewed most favorably. No more than two honorary degrees will be conferred annually. The ceremony will take place at the Spring commencement.
Procedures
Any member of the university community (past or present) can nominate: other individuals are encouraged to work with a member of the university if they would like to see a worthy candidate nominated. All nominations are to be kept confidential and are to include a summary of significant achievements of the individual being nominated. The Committee will complete its deliberations by November 30th and present its recommendation (if any) to the Faculty Senate for its December meeting. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the selection process up to the point at which the Committee recommendation is placed on the agenda for consideration by the Faculty Senate. Upon the approval of the Senate, the recommendation is forwarded to the President and the Board of Governors.
Nominations are open September 1 - November 1.
The nomination period for 2025-2026 has closed.