Charlotte, NC — Emmy-winning TV host, actress, stand-up comic, and philanthropist Sheryl Underwood delivered the 2025 Commencement Address at Johnson C. Smith University and was bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the historic HBCU.
This marks Sheryl Underwood’s fifth honorary doctorate. Underwood has been awarded with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Benedict College, South Carolina State University, University of Illinois-Chicago, and Voorhees College.
A proud member and 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Underwood also earned an associate’s degree from Fresno City College, a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and master’s degrees in media management and mass communication from Governors State University.
Sheryl Underwood has expressed tremendous gratitude and would like to thank President Dr. Valerie Kinloch, Chair Steven Boyd, Provost Patrick Martin, and the JSCU board for the opportunity to be a part of this momentous occasion
“As Founder & CEO of the Pack Rat Foundation for Education (PRFFE), my focus is, and will always be, on higher education, and emphasizing HBCUs,” said Underwood. “We are needed now more than ever.”
Media Contact: Lawrence J. Turner at ljturner@turner-law.com
