An ad hoc Honorary Degree Committee of faculty, in consultation with President Kyle Farmbry, is accepting nominations through Jan. 13. Guilford faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Board of Trustees are invited to submit confidential nominations.

Guilford’s honorary degree is one of the highest recognitions the College can bestow. The impressive and diverse list of past recipients includes pioneers and leaders in their respective fields such as Susan Briggs, Doug Gilmer, Rev. William J. Barber II, Adair Armfield, Dennis Quaintance, Johnnetta B. Cole (pictured at right, during Commencement 2019), Jocelyn Bell Burnell and most recently, Mandy Cohen. 

When considering nominees, the committee will be looking for candidates who have made distinguished and broad contributions to society. These may be in the traditional areas of scholarship and creative arts, research and development, the learned professions, public service, philanthropy, or business and industry. A candidate’s contributions should reflect all or most of Guilford’s Core Values, with an emphasis on excellence and Integrity. 

Candidates whose contributions to society reflect principled problem-solving are also desirable. The College also prefers, but does not require, that honorary degree recipients have had some connection with Guilford and its mission and be widely known by the general public.

An honorary degree recipient may have a speaking role at Commencement. Faculty, the President and trustees are involved in the decision process for awarding honorary degrees.

Please submit confidential nominations by Jan. 13 to the Office of the President via the nomination form found at this link.