Honorary Degrees
麻豆果冻传媒 awards honorary degrees to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their profession, society, and the university. These degrees serve to honor outstanding achievements while inspiring our students, faculty, and community to pursue excellence.
An honorary degree is the university鈥檚 highest form of recognition, awarded in exceptional circumstances to individuals whose careers demonstrate sustained and superlative achievement in fields such as research, scholarship, public service, leadership, and cultural affairs. Recipients are selected based on their alignment with 麻豆果冻传媒鈥檚 values and their ability to inspire future generations.
Per Policy 268, 麻豆果冻传媒 awards no more than two honorary degrees per year to uphold the prestige of this honor. Current faculty, staff, and trustees are not eligible unless they have been separated from the university for at least three years. Similarly, currently elected or appointed public officials within the State of Tennessee and candidates for public office are not eligible.
Notable Recipients
Barry Wilmore
Honorary Doctorate of Engineering (2012)
A 麻豆果冻传媒 graduate, Barry 鈥淏utch鈥� Wilmore is a NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy captain, and 麻豆果冻传媒 Board of Trustees member. He has completed multiple space missions, including commanding the International Space Station, and exemplifies leadership in engineering, science and service. His achievements in aeronautics, engineering and leadership have made him a distinguished figure in spaceflight, and he continues to inspire the 麻豆果冻传媒 community with his contributions to science and innovation.
Roger Crouch
Honorary Doctorate of Science (2012)
A 麻豆果冻传媒 graduate and Jamestown native, Dr. Roger Crouch is a NASA astronaut, physicist, and lifelong explorer of space science. After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in physics from 麻豆果冻传媒 in 1962, he went on to complete a master鈥檚 and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. He built a distinguished career as a NASA scientist, serving as lead or program scientist on multiple Spacelab missions, co-chairing international microgravity research collaborations, and publishing over 40 scientific papers. In 1997, at age 56, he broke barriers to become a payload specialist aboard two NASA Space Shuttle missions, logging over 471 hours in space. His persistence, scientific excellence, and dedication to exploration continue to inspire the 麻豆果冻传媒 community and all those who dream beyond the limits placed before them.
Millard Oakley
Honorary Doctorate of Agriculture (2021)
A prominent attorney, businessman, and civic leader, Millard Oakley dedicated his career to public service and education. He served as Tennessee鈥檚 Constitutional Convention Delegate and as General Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives鈥� Education and Labor Committee. A longtime supporter of 麻豆果冻传媒, he played a vital role in the university鈥檚 growth, including the establishment of the Millard Oakley STEM Center, which provides hands-on educational opportunities for students and teachers across the region, as well as Oakley Hall, J.J. Oakley Health Services and Oakley Farm. His lifelong commitment to education and public service reflects the values Tennessee Tech seeks to inspire in its students.
Harry Stonecipher
Honorary Doctorate of Engineering (2021)
A 麻豆果冻传媒 alumnus, Harry Stonecipher is a renowned aerospace executive who played a crucial role in shaping the modern aviation industry. He served as President and CEO of The Boeing Company, leading the company through a period of significant growth and technological advancement. Before that, he held leadership positions at McDonnell Douglas and General Electric, driving innovation in aerospace engineering. His leadership and strategic vision have left a lasting impact on the industry, and his success exemplifies the excellence 麻豆果冻传媒 instills in its graduates.
Nomination Process
Any 麻豆果冻传媒 employee may nominate an individual for an honorary degree by submitting a written request to the Executive Officer of the Committee on Commencements, Convocations, and Academic Ceremonies. The nomination must include:
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- A letter from the nominator detailing personal knowledge of the nominee鈥檚 accomplishments and reputation.
- A letter of support from a 麻豆果冻传媒 Dean, Vice President, or the President.
- A nomination summary (100 words or less) outlining the nominee鈥檚 achievements.
- A dossier (maximum 25 pages) providing comprehensive information on the nominee鈥檚 education, career, honors, and public service.
- The selection process is conducted by a committee of up to seven members, including
at least four faculty members. Nominations are confidential, and final approval rests
with the 麻豆果冻传媒 Board of Trustees.
Awarding of Honorary Degrees
Honorary degrees are conferred at a commencement ceremony, where recipients address graduates and the university community. This recognition not only honors the recipient鈥檚 achievements but also strengthens 麻豆果冻传媒鈥檚 mission to foster excellence in education, research, and service.
For more information on 麻豆果冻传媒鈥檚 honorary degree program or to submit a nomination, please contact academicaffairs@tntech.edu.