Jacksonville State University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Jacksonville native Riley Green during its Spring Commencement ceremony last week at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Green, who also served as keynote speaker for the ceremony honoring graduates from the College of Education and Professional Studies, received the honor prior to addressing the graduates.
Green offered a message centered on work ethic, persistence, and taking ownership of one's path.
"So my advice to the 2026 graduating class is grab the heavy end," said Green. "Whatever you're doing, whatever it is that you find that you're good at—and you will find something— don't let it get away. Chase it."
The honorary doctorate was presented in recognition of Green's "outstanding contributions to music, his continued service to his hometown, and his unwavering support of Jacksonville State University."
A former Jax State quarterback, Green began his journey on campus before pursuing a successful career in country music. Today, he is recognized as one of the genre's most prominent voices, earning multiple Academy of Country Music honors and producing chart-topping hits, including "There Was This Girl," "I Wish Grandpas Never Died," and "Half of Me."
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