University of Virginia Library

Doctors And Misters

Reprinted from The Richmond News Leader

Overheard recently in Richmond: "Dr.
X, meet Dr. Y; Dr. Y, this Dr. X."

It may be a relatively insignificant point,
but just for the record, one of those so-called
"doctors" received his degree from an
institution that doesn't even have a graduate
school. The other received his from a center
of learning that has yet to win accreditation
from any respectable agency. The degrees
were honorary.

To most persons, the flaunting of an
honorary degree is simply an exercise in
poor taste. But the tragic thing is that
those of the laity who take things at face
value see the "Dr." title as a beguiling
token of academic respectability-respectability
that legitimately attaches to the
Ph.D., the M.D. and, to some extent, to
the Ed.D. At times, honorary degrees do
go to men of high achievement. Yet almost
without exception, these are the men
who accept the award with thanks, and go
quietly on their way using the title of "Mr."

If all colleges and universities followed
the University of Virginia the problem would
be solved. The University awards no
honorary degrees and, had Mr. Jefferson
had his way, it wouldn't have started giving
earned degrees either.

The background of the University's position
has been preserved by Thomas Perkins
Abernethy, professor emeritus of history.
Other than the degree of doctor of medicine,
initially awarded in 1829, Professor
Abernethy says the first degree to be
granted by the University was a master
of arts, starting in 1831. This certified that
the recipient had been graduated in the
schools of ancient languages, mathematics,
natural philosophy, chemistry and moral
philosophy.

Perhaps some other institutions could follow
the University's thinking: If a consolation
degree must be given, let it be at the
bachelor-not the doctor-level. It would
do much to prevent some persons from
putting on airs.