Riley Green Awarded Honorary Doctorate at Jacksonville State University
Riley Green, country music artist and former Jacksonville State University quarterback, received an honorary Doctor of Letters from his alma mater during the spring 2026 commencement ceremony. He was recognized for his music achievements and ongoing support of the university and his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. Green also delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and perseverance.
- ▪Riley Green was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, by Jacksonville State University.
- ▪The degree recognizes his music accomplishments and his role as an ambassador for Jacksonville and Jax State.
- ▪Green served as keynote speaker and shared personal stories about work ethic from his time as a student-athlete and construction worker.
- ▪Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. praised Green for representing the values of the university.
- ▪Green has achieved four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and is nominated for multiple ACM Awards.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Riley Green speaks during Jacksonville State University commencement ceremony. Alyssa Cash, Jax State Digital Media Services / Courtesy Jacksonville State University In addition to calling Riley Green a chart-topper, singer and songwriter, fans can now also call him doctor. Related Musicians With Honorary Degrees Usher & Roberta Flack to Receive Honorary Doctorates From Berklee College PinkPantheress Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From University of Kent: ‘It’s Dr. Pantheress’ The 37-year-old artist has received an honorary doctorate from Alabama’s Jacksonville State University.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Billboard.
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