DATE: March 4, 2021
SUBJECT: Approval of Honorary Degree Candidate(s)
FROM: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ACTION ITEM: YES
BACKGROUND: Lamman Rucker, born October 6, 1971, is an American actor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, however spent most of his childhood in the Maryland area. Mr. Rucker began his career on the daytime soap operas As the World Turns and All My Children, before roles in The Temptations Miniseries, Tyler Perry's films Why Did I Get Married?, Why Did I Get Married Too?, and Meet the Browns. In 2016, he began starring as Jacob Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series, Greenleaf. A passionate activist, Rucker is a spokesperson for several charitable efforts and community action initiatives. With a Master's in Education and as a former high school teacher, Rucker continues to use his teaching gift on the international speaking circuits and in educational capacities. Rucker is married to Kelly Davis Rucker, a graduate of Hampton University. Lamman Rucker studied at Carnegie-Mellon University and Duquesne University. Mr. Rucker holds an undergraduate degree in information technology and business and a graduate degree in education and curriculum development.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: Awarding of honorary degree at the Spring 2021 Commencement Exercises.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC GOALS:
Goal 1: Enhance Student Enrollment, Improve Student Life and Engagement, and Improve Student Advising and Career Development.
PROGRAM IMPLICATIONS: N/A
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A
RECOMMENDATION: Kentucky State University Board of Regents to award an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Lamman Rucker.
ATTACHMENTS: YES