Cedric “The Entertainer” to Receive Honorary Doctoral Degree
Southeast Missouri State University is sending off future leaders and professionals as 1,565 graduate during two ceremonies May 10.
“Commencement is a special day to celebrate our students’ many years of hard work and accomplishment with them and their families,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “We are proud see them begin the next chapter of their bright futures.”
An Honorary Degree
SEMO Alumnus Cedric Antonio Kyles will receive an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Southeast Missouri State University during spring commencement May 10 at the Show Me Center.
An honorary degree is one of the most prestigious awards presented by Southeast Missouri State University and has only been conferred 11 times in the University’s history. It is awarded to an individual for distinguished achievement, accomplishment or service in an area related to the institution’s mission.
The SEMO Board of Governors approved conferring the degree at the 10 a.m. ceremony in which graduates from the Holland College of Arts and Media will participate. Kyles will also serve as commencement speaker during this ceremony.
About the Speakers
Cedric Antonio Kyles is a 1987 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in mass communication. His career spanning 30 years as an actor and comedian has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier performers on the stage, in film, and on television.Currently, Cedric is starring in and is the executive producer of the CBS Television hit comedy “The Neighborhood,” hosting and serving as executive producer for “The Greatest #AtHome Videos,” serving as executive producer the dramedy “Johnson” for Bounce TV and served as executive producer and host for the 73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2008, Cedric was awarded a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and in 2018, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cedric won a 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Neighborhood.” In addition to his professional success, he has impacted many lives through his philanthropic endeavors with the Kyles Family Foundation.
In March 2024, Cedric headlined “A Night with Cedric the Entertainer,” which raised money for SEMO’s Department of Mass Media as well as scholarships for his fraternity as part of the University’s Sesquicentennial celebration and the Transforming Lives comprehensive campaign.
