Honorary Degrees
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Western Kentucky University awards honorary degrees to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the University, the state, the nation, or the world. Recipients of honorary degrees will be recognized for their general excellence and for their extraordinary achievements in areas of human endeavor which reflect the ideals and objectives of the University. Individuals who receive honorary degrees will exemplify the University's values, vision and service mission. Honorary degrees may be awarded to outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth, outstanding alumni of the University, outstanding living benefactors of the University, or individuals of national or international prominence whose contributions have enhanced society as a whole. Since honorary degrees are awarded on highly selective basis, no more than four will be conferred in any one year. Nominations for honorary degrees are solicited from the campus community, and recipients are selected by a committee of faculty members. The following honorary degrees have been awarded by WKU: |
| August, 1979 | William H. Natcher | Doctor of Laws |
| May, 1980 | Tim Lee Carter | Doctor of Humane Letters |
| May, 1988 | Bert Combs | Doctor of Humane Letters |
| December, 1998 | Thomas D. Clark | Doctor of Humanities |
| May, 1999 | Nicholas Kafoglis | Doctor of Humanities |
| May, 1999 | Joy Bale Boone | Doctor of Humanities |
| December, 1999 | Don Vitale | Doctor of Humanities |
| December, 1999 | Sallie Bingham | Doctor of Humanities |
| May, 2000 | Wendell Berry | Doctor of Humane Letters |
| December, 2000 | Terrence W. Wilcutt | Doctor of Science |
| May, 2001 | Larry Jones | Doctor of Public Service |
| December, 2001 | Jerry Baker | Doctor of Fine Arts |
| May, 2003 | Eddie Pennington | Doctor of Fine Arts |
| May, 2003 | Raymond B. Preston | Doctor of Public Service |
| December, 2003 | Helen Thomas | Doctor of Humane Letters |
| May, 2004 | Mitch McConnell | Doctor of Public Service |
| December, 2004 | Ed Hamilton | Doctor of Fine Arts |
| May, 2007 | John Carpenter | Doctor of Fine Arts |
| December, 2008 | Larnelle Harris | Doctor of Fine Arts |
| December, 2009 | Jody Richards | Doctor of Public Service |
| May, 2010 | Vicki Phillips | Doctor of Public Service |
| May, 2011 | Elaine Chao | Doctor of Public Service |
| May, 2011 | Xu Lin | Doctor of Public Service |
