Ohio State’s Board of Trustees are voting Wednesday to award LeBron James an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for his impact in Akron and communities across America…..
Ohio State to Honor LeBron James with Doctor of Public Service Degree
Columbus, OH – In a powerful acknowledgment of athletic greatness paired with a transformative commitment to community service, The Ohio State University Board of Trustees will vote Wednesday on awarding NBA superstar and philanthropist LeBron James an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree—the university’s highest recognition.
If approved, the honor will officially be bestowed during Ohio State’s 2025 Spring Commencement, celebrating not only James’ globally recognized basketball achievements but also his profound and sustained impact on education, equity, and community empowerment in his hometown of Akron and across the country.
A Legacy Far Beyond Basketball
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is no stranger to accolades. Four-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, all-time NBA scoring leader—his on-court resume is unparalleled. But the honorary degree from Ohio State aims to recognize something deeper: his unwavering commitment to uplifting underserved communities and redefining what it means to give back.
“LeBron James embodies the values we hold dear at Ohio State—excellence, impact, and service,” said Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, chair of the Board of Trustees. “His work through education, youth development, and social justice is extraordinary and has changed countless lives.”
The “I PROMISE” Movement
Central to the board’s decision is James’ work through the LeBron James Family Foundation, founded in 2004. The foundation’s signature initiative, the I PROMISE program, began as a commitment to support at-risk youth in Akron. It has since evolved into a national model for holistic education reform and community development.
In 2018, James partnered with Akron Public Schools to open the I PROMISE School, a public institution designed to serve the city’s most challenged students and families. The school provides free tuition, meals, transportation, uniforms, and wraparound support for both students and their parents.
The school’s results have been nothing short of inspiring. Students who entered the school two grade levels behind have posted some of the highest growth metrics in the district. The I PROMISE campus also includes a Family Resource Center, transitional housing, and even plans for an I PROMISE HealthQuarters to address community wellness needs.
“LeBron is changing the trajectory of generations of families in Akron,” said Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Ohio State’s executive vice president and provost. “His vision of education is one that empowers, uplifts, and never gives up on potential.”
Strong Ties to Ohio
Though LeBron James never played for Ohio State, his deep connection to the university and state is well-documented. A proud Ohio native, James has frequently worn Ohio State gear, attended Buckeye football games, and publicly supported the university across multiple platforms.
Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day has praised James’ leadership, both on and off the court, calling him “a proud son of Ohio who represents everything great about this state.”
Athletic Director Gene Smith, who will retire in 2025, also expressed strong support for the honorary degree, calling it “a long-overdue tribute to a man who’s used his global platform to uplift the very communities he came from.”
“There’s no question that LeBron could have walked away from Akron the moment he became a superstar,” Smith said. “Instead, he ran back into the fire to lift others up. That’s Buckeye spirit through and through.”
Honoring a National Figure
Beyond Ohio, LeBron’s work has earned him national and global accolades. He was named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, and featured in Forbes for his influence in business and activism. In 2021, he became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, using his wealth to fund schools, scholarships, and community development.
He also co-founded More Than A Vote, a nonprofit organization aimed at fighting voter suppression and promoting civic engagement, particularly among communities of color.
“The honorary degree recognizes his national impact,” said Dr. Amanda Sims, a member of the University Senate. “LeBron has used his voice and resources to confront systemic issues and promote equity—values central to the mission of public service.”
A Symbol for Future Generations
For many in the Ohio State community, honoring LeBron James is more than symbolic—it’s aspirational. It’s about showing current and future students what leadership in the 21st century can look like: driven, inclusive, and purpose-led.
LeBron’s presence at the 2025 Spring Commencement—should the board approve the degree—will serve as a reminder that success is not just measured in personal achievements, but in the lives we change along the way.
“In awarding this degree,” said President Ted Carter, “we affirm that greatness is not just about records and championships, but about the lives improved and the communities transformed.”
Final Thoughts
As the Ohio State Board of Trustees prepares to cast its vote, the anticipation around the university—and the broader Ohio community—is palpable. For many, LeBron James is already a doctor in the hearts of those he’s helped: a doctor of hope, change, and relentless service.
With this recognition, Ohio State will officially place its name alongside those who honor not only athletic greatness but enduring human impact.
