The University of New Mexico has announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Honorary Degree recipients. The tradition began in 1924, when John J. Tigert, then U.S. Commissioner of Education, became the first person to receive an honorary degree from UNM.
Since then, over 150 individuals have been recognized by the university with honorary degrees. These honors are typically given to people who have made significant contributions either to a specific field or to society as a whole. According to the university, “Strong candidates are eminent individuals and scholars whose contributions are of general significance and transcend geographical limitations.” The university also encourages nominations for those who have had a substantial impact on the cultural or scientific development of the Southwest or on the welfare of its people.
Each year, a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate Graduate & Professional Committee solicits nominations for these awards. Currently, nominations are being accepted for honorary degrees that will be presented at the Spring 2025 Commencement.
“A successful nominee must have an exemplary record of academic or public accomplishment in keeping with the University’s standards of rigor, quality, and significance,” according to university officials. Honorary degrees are awarded during spring commencement ceremonies.
Nominations should include a detailed letter explaining why the individual deserves recognition, along with biographical information, a record of achievements, and supporting letters. The committee asks nominators to provide as complete a nomination package as possible because it must choose among many distinguished candidates.
Submissions can be sent to the Office of the University Secretary at Scholes Hall, Room 103 or via email at univsec@unm.edu. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.
If someone is nominated by an individual or department outside their discipline—for example, if a music department nominates an engineer—the committee will consult faculty from the nominee’s field before making any recommendations.
Information about the Honorary Degree Policy and a list of past recipients can be found on the University Secretary’s website: https://secretary.unm.edu/awards/honorary_degrees .
