This weekend, a couple of celebrities became doctors!
Belmont University in Nashville bestowed CeCe Winans with an honorary Doctor of University degree for her impact on both Belmont and the Nashville Community. She received the honor on Saturday May 6th at the the university's commencement ceremony. Cece Winans is a former trustee of the university and a parent of two Belmont alumni.
Belmont University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee.
In addition, CeCe Winans will partner with The Fisher Center of Performing Arts at Belmont University as its very first Artist in Residence starting in the fall of 2023. As part of her residency, Winans will perform at Belmont on September 15th. Her residency at also includes a Chapel Service and other unique and meaningful opportunities for interactions with students.
CeCe Winans holds 15 Grammy Awards, 23 Dove Awards and 15 Stellar Awards. She is the best selling female gospel artist of all time.
Radio talk show, Rickey Smiley, also received an honorary doctorate this weekend.
Miles Collegeis a private HBCU located in Fairfield, Alabama. It's associated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME Church).
Rickey spent time at Miles College, before ultimately graduating from Alabama State University.
During his acceptance speech, Rickey shared, "it would not be a Rickey Smiley, if it was not for Miles College."
Rickey Smiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. He's starred in the sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show, which aired on TV One. He is also a featured columnist on the nationally-syndicated show Dish Nation.
Click the video below to hear Rickey Smiley's acceptance speech in its entirety.
Congratulations to both CeCe Winans and Rickey Smiley on this awesome recognition of their achievements!