Honorary doctorate from UT recognizes Bob Booker's leadership and courage | Opinion
An honorary degree from the University of Tennessee is the institution’s highest distinction, reserved only for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to society.
That’s why it was so meaningful earlier this month to gather at the home of Robert J. “Bob” Booker and grant him an honorary doctorate in humanities from the College of Arts and Sciences. The honor recognizes his lifetime of service as a civil rights leader, an elected official, a historian and a writer.
Dr. Booker, like many African American Tennesseans of his time, harbored aspirations to attend the University of Tennessee but was denied admission due to his race. Consequently, the conferral of a terminal degree from the university symbolizes a meaningful step forward in the institution's journey toward progress and inclusivity, while also honoring his many achievements.
The process leading to Dr. Booker’s honorary degree was meticulous and thorough, beginning with a recommendation from the College of Arts and Sciences. Endorsements from the Faculty Senate, provost and chancellor culminated in formal approval from the University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees last summer.
While we hoped to bestow the honor on Dr. Booker at commencement, his declining health made it impossible. Instead, I joined Chancellor Donde Plowman, Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences RJ Hinde and a handful of others in Dr. Booker’s home.
It was an emotional and moving day — not only because of the opportunity for the state’s flagship university to recognize a leader of his caliber, but because the moment clearly meant so much to him.
From the U.S. Army, to student government at Knoxville College, to the halls of Tennessee’s General Assembly, Dr. Booker spent his life in service to others and lighting the way for a better world.
He has now joined the esteemed ranks of individuals such as fellow civil rights leader Theotis Robinson Jr., former Ambassador A.B. Culvahouse Jr., First Amendment advocate John Seigenthaler, Vice President Al Gore, Gov. Bill Haslam and country music icon Dolly Parton, among others, who have received honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee.
The legacy of Dr. Bob Booker is one characterized by service, leadership and scholarship, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Knoxville's history and society.
His unwavering dedication to justice, community empowerment and historical preservation serves as an enduring source of inspiration for all who follow in his footsteps. His life's accomplishments motivate young people, and all people, to emulate his example, demonstrating that they, too, can enact meaningful change both personally and professionally. Through his exceptional leadership and unwavering courage, Dr. Booker made remarkable contributions not only to the Knoxville community but also across the state and beyond. His life epitomized the Volunteer spirit, resonating in every endeavor he pursued.
We are humbled to have recognized Dr. Booker’s many achievements with a well-earned honorary doctoral degree and look forward to sharing his legacy and life lessons with our upcoming graduates at commencement as we do all honorary doctoral recipients.
Tyvi Small, Ph.D., is the vice chancellor for Access and Engagementat the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Opinion: Honorary doctorate from UT recognizes Bob Booker's legacy
