Gov. Mike Beebe will receive an honorary degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville at the school's commencement ceremony Saturday, the university announced earlier this month.
The university had planned to award the degree earlier this year at its May commencement ceremony, but a death in Beebe's family postponed the conferral. Beebe, a graduate of the UA School of Law, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws.
"Mike Beebe is widely regarded as among the most capable, accomplished and popular leaders in Arkansas history -- a living example of what the term 'career politician' should mean. Simply put, he has improved the lives of all Arkansans," UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a statement. Beebe is in his final weeks as governor after being elected to two terms, the maximum allowed in Arkansas.
Also receiving honorary degrees are Michael Duke, former Wal-Mart president and chief executive officer, and Andrew Hamilton, University of Oxford vice chancellor.
Duke led Wal-Mart from 2009 until his retirement this year. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Engineering.
Hamilton has led the renowned English university since 2009. He oversees the school's yearly commemoration of J. William Fulbright, a former U.S. senator from Arkansas who studied at Oxford and as a legislator worked to establish the Fulbright Program for international education. Hamilton will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts and Sciences.
The three honorees will address graduating students as part of the ceremony to be held on campus at Barnhill Arena.
Metro on 12/17/2014