Honorary Degrees

Honorary Degrees

What’s an honorary degree?

The University of Missouri awards honorary doctorates to individuals of exceptional distinction who have provided meritorious and outstanding service to the University of Missouri, the State of Missouri, the United States, or to humanity at large. Honorary doctorates are the highest form of recognition offered by the University of Missouri.

Learn how to submit a nomination

2025 Recipients

  • Barbara Stubbs Cochran, is an award-winning journalist whose career has included top jobs in the print, broadcast and nonprofit worlds.
  • Hayes Barnard, is the founder, chair and CEO of GoodLeap, the largest financial technology company in the U.S. focused on home improvement.
  • Robert O. Riney is a business leader and philanthropist best known as the founder of Scottrade, and for his and his wife Paula’s longstanding philanthropic endeavors in Missouri, including the establishment of the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation to support research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of multiple myeloma and related cancers, as well as other philanthropic causes, primarily in Missouri.
Meet the 2026 Recipients
Headshots of the 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients; Barbara Stubbs Cochran, Hayes Barnard, and Rodger O. Riney

Past Recipients

Since 1869, the University of Missouri has recognized more than 460 highly esteemed individuals with honorary doctorates. From famous authors such as Samuel L. Clemens (i.e. Mark Twain) to prominent researchers, engineers and civic leaders to internationally known musicians like Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, this group of individuals have made a lasting impact on their industry and ultimately, the world.

Meet Past Recipients