GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 4, 2018) – Bob Jones University will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on United States Senator Tim Scott during its 91st commencement exercises at 2 p.m. today in Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium on the BJU campus.
“We are privileged to honor Senator Scott with an honorary doctorate,” said BJU President Steve Pettit. “Tim is a tireless public servant who has dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina at the county, state and federal levels.”
After graduating from Charleston Southern University in 1988, Senator Scott worked in insurance and real estate. In 1995 he was elected to the Charleston County Council, serving for 13 years, and in 2008 was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. Two years later he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2012, then South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley appointed Scott to complete the term of retiring U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, making Scott the first southern African-American senator since the late 1800s. He won the election to retain his seat in 2014 and was re-elected in 2016.
As a U.S. Senator, Scott is known for leadership in the areas of tax reform, education and job training. He serves on six Senate committees: Finance; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Armed Services; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and Special Committee of Aging.
In addition to the conferral of Senator Scott’s honorary degree, over 600 students will receive degrees. In addition to the 474 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, 89 students will receive master’s degrees and 46 students will receive associate degrees. Three candidates will receive earned doctoral degrees and another candidate will receive an honorary doctorate.
Since its founding in 1927, Bob Jones University has conferred over 50,000 degrees.
