Honorary doctorate

Will Hueston awarded honorary doctorate from Chiang Mai University

(February 8, 2013) — Dr. Will Hueston, executive director of the Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership and Endowed Chair in Global Food Systems Leadership in the College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Public Health, received an honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine from Chiang Mai University (CMU) in Thailand on January 24. The degree was presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the public research university's annual graduation ceremony, where 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students received their diplomas.

Chiang Mai University presented a statement about Hueston’s work and contributions to CMU in the graduation program, noting, "As a great contributor working tirelessly, Professor Dr. William D. Hueston reveals expertise in his profession and he continously dedicated himself to academic advancement. As a result, he has been accepted widely in the veterinary field. The University Council of Chiang Mai University has resolved that Professor Dr. William D. Hueston be awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine at the royal commencement for distinct honor and pleasure."

“I personally felt that I received the honor on behalf of the University of Minnesota One Health team in veterinary medicine, public health, nursing, and medicine — and the absolutely fantastic One Health team at Chiang Mai with whom I've had the honor to collaborate over the past four years, including faculty members in veterinary medicine, nursing, medicine, and economics,” Hueston says. “Together we've led several workshops for CMU and supported their development of a public health residency and international MPH program. Furthermore, we've contributed to their receipt of funding from both Rockefeller Foundation and USAID through the RESPOND project.”

Hueston also provided commencement comments for the veterinary school graduation and was honored at a number of celebrations for recipients of honorary doctorates.

“It was a humbling experience, and I'm deeply honored,” Hueston says.

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