Honorary Degree Nominations

The Honorary Degree Committee is currently soliciting nominations to add to the list of Board approved honorary degree candidates.  As outlined in the honorary degree policy, you are encouraged to nominate those persons:

  • of unusual ability, who have distinguished themselves within their profession
  • whose accomplishments are of national and/or international note, particularly in areas which improve the human condition
  • whose lives have had a significant impact on Spelman College

Submission Procedures

Your nomination shall consist of three components:

  • a letter in support of the candidate detailing why they should be honored
  • a curricula vitae
  • additional supporting documentation

Nominations should be submitted to Mr. Ray Galloway, assistant to the Secretary of the College, via email at rgallowa@spelman.edu or campus mail:

Spelman College
Office of the Secretary of the College
P.O. Box 1701 Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Submission Deadline

All nominations must be received by Wednesday, September 26, 2012 

Candidates and Past Honorees

You may download list of candidates who have been approved by the Board of Trustees, but have yet to receive a degree; as well as a list of all past honorary degree recipients. 

Past recipients are not eligible to receive an additional honorary degree, and it is not necessary to nominate candidates already on the approved list as they will automatically be considered.  Please note: honorary degrees are not awarded posthumously.

Review Procedures

Once all nominations are received, the Honorary Degree Committee will convene to ensure each nominee meets the stated criteria.  All eligible nominees will then be presented to the faculty for a vote.  A list of candidates endorsed by the faculty will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval at its October 19-20, 2012 meeting. 

The final selection of 2013 invitees will be identified from the approved list by Dr. Tatum in consultation with the Honorary Degree Committee. 

Final Selection Process

Several factors are taken into consideration in the final selection process for any given year including:

  • candidates’ disciplinary affiliation
  • availability
  • relevancy to current events and institutional priorities

Candidates on the approved list who are not selected in a given year will remain on the list for consideration in the future.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email at tkdavis@spelman.edu

We look forward to your participation in this important process.

With Kindest Regards,

Tamaria Kai Davis, C’2001
Secretary of the College