Dobelle Receives Honorary Doctoral Degree from University of North Carolina Asheville

ASHEVILLE, NC — University of Hawaiʻi President Evan S. Dobelle was one of four to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville) on Saturday, May 8. The degree is presented to individuals who have exemplified bold leadership to achieve change for the advancement of society and a better quality of life for future generations.

Dobelle was conferred with the honorary degree at the UNC Asheville commencement ceremony where about 600 students were candidates for degrees — the largest graduating class in the university‘s history. He was recognized for his work as an advocate for the liberal arts, a supporter of research and technology, and a promoter of public partnerships to stimulate economic development.

Honorary doctoral degrees were also awarded to science columnist Sharon Begley of The Wall Street Journal, Carolina Panthers professional NFL team owner Jerry Richardson, and corporate, higher education, diplomat and foreign policy leader, Clifton R. Wharton Jr., who delivered the commencement address.

UNC Asheville, a four-year public liberal arts university located in the mountains of western North Carolina, has earned national reputation for its programs in the humanities, undergraduate research and environmental studies. It is the designated undergraduate liberal arts university in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system with an enrollment of approximately 3,300 students. For more information about UNC Asheville, visit www.unca.edu.