Jamey Johnson Receives Honorary Doctorate From Jacksonville State University
Jamey Johnson speaking during Jacksonville State University’s 2023 graduation ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of Jacksonville State University
Jamey Johnson was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Jacksonville State University (JSU), and also served as the commencement speaker during Friday (Dec. 15)’s graduation ceremony at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Johnson is also launching a new annual music series at JSU to allow students to learn from successful recording artists and songwriters through performances, workshops and lectures. Additionally, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed that Dec. 15 would henceforth be known as Jamey Johnson Day throughout the state, which he was born and raised.
“In my family, we have a rule about relationships: we only choose the ones that choose us back,” said Johnson. “Jacksonville State University and I chose each other 30 years ago and we still stand together today. I am proud to receive this honorary doctorate and I look forward to working with the faculty and students to raise money for scholarships and support local musicians and songwriters in their quests for success in the field of music. And I couldn’t be prouder of our Gamecocks for their recent win in New Orleans.”
On Thursday night (Dec. 14), Johnson took the stage at JSU’s Stone Center to help raise money for scholarships and the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. He was joined by fellow JSU alumni Owen, Riley Green and Gordon Mote during the show, which was hosted by JSU alum Bill “Bubba” Bussey of The Rick & Bubba Show.
Johnson enrolled at the university in 1993 and studied music education. He received a full scholarship to play the French horn and mellophone in the Marching Southerners, and left JSU to join the Marines, where he served for eight years. He then moved to Nashville to launch his career in country music.
The week was a big week for the entertainer, who also performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (Dec. 16), and on Sunday (Dec. 17) sang “Georgia On My Mind” during the star-studded CBS primetime special Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration.
