(ELGIN, IL – September 20, 2022) National recognized leader in Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Judson University at the university’s Founder’s Day observance on October 21. The honorary degree is conferred on a person who has distinguished themselves in the political realm, or in the fields of Business or public service.
Dr. Thomas Meredith was a university president and head of three university systems. Most recently he served as Commissioner of Higher Education for Mississippi’s university system of eight universities. In January 2002, he was appointed chancellor for the University System of Georgia, responsible for the state’s 34 public colleges and universities. Prior to this appointment, he served as chancellor of the University of Alabama System, as well as president and professor of education at Western Kentucky University. He also was a vice chancellor at the University of Mississippi. He began his career as a high school teacher and later served as a high school principal.
Dr. Meredith earned his B.A. degree from Kentucky Wesleyan University, an M.A. from Western Kentucky University, and an Ed.D. from the University of Mississippi. He also completed the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University and the Higher Education Roundtable at Oxford University. He holds two honorary doctorates. He has served on numerous educational and corporate boards. He also was president of the National Association of System Heads and chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Dr. Meredith has also served on the executive committee of the Southern Regional Education Board and has served as the chair of the Council of Presidents in both Alabama and Kentucky. Dr. Meredith is a member of the alumni hall of fame at all three of his alma maters and has a building named in his honor at Western Kentucky University.
Judson’s Founders’ Day celebration will include a gathering of Judson’s Fox Valley Spiritual Council in the morning, before the 10 a.m. chapel where Dr. Meredith will receive his honor.