Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees recognize those who have made profound and enduring contributions to scholarship, culture, and improved quality of life in society at large.

USM Board of Regents Criteria

Honorary degree nominees must meet the criteria established by the USM Board of Regents listed in their Policy on the Awarding of Honorary Degrees.

Towson University's Procedures

Honorary degree nominees are selected by Towson University's Honorary Degree Committee according to USM criteria and following Towson University's procedures on the awarding of honorary degrees.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Achievements of national or international significance receive the strongest consideration by university's Honorary Degree Committee. Any member of the university community can submit a nomination and it is important that recipients be persons of great integrity, as the choices we make reflect our values as an institution. Towson University has awarded more than 100 degrees  since 1969.

Early History

The first Towson University honorary degrees, Doctors of Humane Letters, were conferred in 1969 upon Benjamin Arthur Quarles, who was a historian, administrator, scholar, educator, and writer, and Marvin Mandel a politician and Maryland's 56th governor.