The Shade Room is running down the list of 19 celebrities who have received honorary doctorate degrees.
Celebrities With Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Dwyane Wade
As The Shade Room previously reported, in May 2022, Dwyane Wade received his honorary doctorate from Marquette University.
“Those times when you get up early and you work hard, those times when you stay up late and you work hard, those times when you don’t feel like working and you’re too tired and you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway. That is actually the dream. It’s not the destination, the journey,” Wade reportedly told the university’s graduating class at the time of his acceptance speech.
Waka Flocka Flame
In May 2022, Waka Flocka accepted an honorary professor degree from the Bible Institute of America. The degree was reportedly highlighted in the field of Humanitarianism and Philanthropy. Furthermore, Waka was honored alongside Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the accolade adorned his previous achievement of receiving an honorary doctorate from the institute in 2020, per The Shade Room.
Russell Wilson
In June 2022, Russell Wilson received his honorary doctorate in human letters from Dartmouth College, per The Shade Room.
“For your poise, leadership, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, for your commitment to improving the lives of others, and for your belief in the power of positivity in helping people reach their full potential, Dartmouth is proud to award you the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters,” the college’s president, Philip J. Hanlon, told Wilson during the commencement speech.
Naomi Campbell
As The Shade Room previously reported, in July 2022, Naomi Campbell received an honorary doctorate from the University of Creative Arts.
“…I’m beyond words of gratitude and emotion to receive such an honor from @unicreativearts. Thank you for the warm embrace class of 20, 21, 22…You are our future creatives and cannot wait to see your contribution to the world,” she wrote in part via Instagram at the time.
#2
2X Honoree: Missy Elliot
In December 2022, Missy Elliot received her second honorary doctoral degree from Norfolk State University, per The Shade Room.
“Two time Doctorate ‘Dr. Elliott’ I am so Humbly Grateful. Thank you @norfolkstateuniversityfor having me today & showing so much love,” the rapper wrote in part at the time via Instagram.
As previously reported, Elliot was initially awarded an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in May 2019.
#4
Tracee Ellis Ross
In May 2023, Tracee Ellis Ross received her honorary PhD from Spelman College. Per UAGC, an honorary PhD is considered one type of doctorate degree.
“There is a particular kind of quickening that happens in my heart when I am in a sea of Blackness. But when I get to swim in the particularly special current of Black sisterhood, my heart rate settles, my shoulders drop, and I am reminded of my worthiness. Because I see yours,” Ross reportedly told the graduating class at the commencement ceremony.
#6
Angela White, Formerly Known As Blac Chyna
In July 2023, Angela White, formerly known as Blac Chyna, received her honorary doctorate from the Sacramento Theological Seminary & Bible School. As previously reported by The Shade Room, White shared a speech during the commencement ceremony.
I” would like to thank God, thank Jesus, thank the Holy Spirit. I’m very grateful to be here, to receive my doctor’s degree. God has never given up on me. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and He’s been changing my life… and I think He loves me,” she said in part.
#8
Bobby Brown & His Wife Alicia
In March, Bobby Brown and his wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, were given honorary doctorates by the Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University, an “accredited Christian Bible University,” per The Shade Room.
#10
Pretty Vee
As The Shade Room previously reported, in June, Pretty Vee revealed that she received her first honorary doctorate degree in humanitarianism.
“From now on , Address Me As Dr.Excell 🎓🤩I am Very honored & blessed to receive my First Honorary Doctoral In Humanitarianism! ✨” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “Thank You Jesus, Mother,Family, Friends For Always Supporting Me Through It All! This Moment Right Here Is ALL GOD….”
#12
Tyrese
As The Shade Room previously reported, in August, Tyrese received an honorary doctorate degree from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University. At the time, the singer took to Instagram Live to document the commencement event with fans.
Additionally, he humorously instructed viewers to now refer to him as “Dr. Gibson.”
#14
Busta Rhymes
According to Black Enterprise, Busta Rhymes received his honorary doctorate degree from Harvest Christian University in Dallas, Texas, in early February. At the time, Busta shared the achievement with his fans with a video and length caption posted via Instagram.
#15
“I WILL NEVER STOP SAYING IT!! THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP NEVER EVER EVER!! DON’T LET NOBODY EVER STEAL YOUR JOY!!! IT’S OFFICIAL!! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU WILL FOREVER KNOW ME AS DR. RHYMES‼️‼️‼️ SUCH AN HONOR AND A BLESSING TO BE CHOSEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED IN THIS WAY!!” he wrote in part.
Peep the footage the rapper shared below.
#17
Usher
In May 2025, Usher joined the long list of celebs who’ve received honorary doctorate degrees. Per Emory University, the singer was awarded the honor by the establishment at Emory University’s 180th Commencement.
“There are few artists in the history of popular music who have innovated as ceaselessly as Usher. Through acclaimed albums, era-defining songs, global tours and live performances that showcase his peerless talent as a singer, songwriter and dancer, Usher has connected profoundly with generations of fans, building a dedicated audience that continues to grow,” Emory President Gregory L. Fenves reportedly stated.
Additionally, Usher also shared a speech at the event.
#19
Boosie
In May 2025, Boosie was honored with not one but two doctorate degrees from Kingdom Heritage University. As The Shade Room previously reported, the degrees commemorated Boosie’s skills in Music Composition and Music Management.
“You have carried your story raw, honestly,” they said. “Your pain has not been wasted, your platform has a purpose. Your legacy is just beginning. We know your name as Lil Boosie, heaven will now know you as Dr. Hatch,” the University’s officials reportedly told him.
#21
Yung Joc, Towanda Braxton, Case & Cynthia Bailey
In August 2025, photos were shared to social media showing that Yung Joc, Towanda Braxton, Case, and Cynthia Bailey were honored with doctorates from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University.
#23
Trina & Trick Daddy
Before 2025’s month of September concluded, the Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University took to its Instagram to share that Trina and Trick Daddy were being welcomed to the University’s “Doctors club.” Furthermore, the post honored the pair for being celebrated at its 2025 Miami Graduation.
#25
Furthermore, the university also shared footage of Trina speaking about her accomplishment and sharing her gratitude.
#26
Check out more photos and videos shared by Trina, showing the celebration — including a glimpse of her alongside her husband on the special day below.
