Charge
The honorary doctorate is the highest academic honor awarded by the university. It is bestowed in recognition of outstanding contributions to society through intellectual, professional, scientific, artistic, or public service efforts. In granting an honorary degree, the University of Central Arkansas acknowledges excellence and provides an example to members of the university community.
Membership
- Four tenured faculty members. Faculty members will serve staggered four-year terms. No academic college may have more than one representative.
- One appointed by the president.
- One appointed by the provost.
- Two appointed by the Faculty Senate.
- The president of the Faculty Senate, or designee
- The president of the Student Government Association, or designee
- The president of the Staff Senate, or designee
- The president of the Alumni Association
- The dean of the Graduate School
The dean of the Graduate School will serve as committee chair, but will be a non-voting member.
Members
Kelly Johnson
CAHSS
Presidential Appointment
2026
Holly Langster
CHBS
Provost Appointment
2026
Shoudong Feng
COE
Faculty Senate Appointments
2029
Donna Bowman
Unaffiliated
Faculty Senate Appointments
2026
Joe Thomas
President of Faculty Senate
2026
Sherita Kern
President of Staff Senate
2026
Talia Burton
President of SGA
2026
Ben Branscum Burgess
President of Alumni Association
2026
Michael Mills
Dean of Graduate School, Chair, Non-Voting
Permanent
Meetings
on call
Reports
to Provost
Page last updated: August 10, 2026