The Taylor University board of trustees recently announced three honorary doctorates for the university’s 2022 commencement ceremony.
Those being honored are author Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Bishop Claude Alexander and former Taylor first lady Janie Kesler.
These honorary doctorates will be presented by President Michael Lindsay and Chairman of the Board, Chris Goeglein (‘84). Each recipient will give a short response, and will be awarded a degree correlating with the nature of their service.
“The Board and I are deeply excited for the opportunity to recognize these exemplars of the faith, and we give thanks to God for their impact across so many areas of the church and wider society,” Lindsay said.
Wolgemuth, also known as Nancy Leigh DeMoss, is a Christian author who has sold more than 5 million copies of books like “Adorned'' and “Lies Women Believe.” In addition to her work as an author, Wolgemuth hosts two daily radio shows, Seeking Him and Revive Our Hearts. She is a graduate of University of Southern California, where she studied piano performance.
In 2015, she married Robert Wolgemuth (‘69), a Taylor University alumnus, author and publisher.
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth will receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Alexander is the pastor of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the current chair on the board of directors for Christianity Today. He also serves on the boards of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Wycliffe Bible Translators. He obtained his bachelor's degree in philosophy at Morehouse College, his master of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and his doctorate in ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Alexander will be the recipient of a Doctorate of Divinity, honoris causa.
“Not only has Bishop Alexander led his church for decades, but he has been a leader in the important work of racial reconciliation, of mobilizing the Church for godly good, and in building up evangelical institutions that serve the Lord in a variety of ways,” said Will Hagen, vice president for strategy and chief of staff at Taylor.
As a capstone to Taylor University’s 175th anniversary celebrations, Kesler was chosen for her service to Taylor and the worldwide Evangelical church. Kesler was first lady of Taylor University for 15 years, while her husband, President Emeritus Jay Kesler (‘68), served as president. She and her husband have remained actively involved in the campus and Taylor community for many years.
Commencement is scheduled for May 21 at 10 a.m. in the Kesler Student Activities Center.
