Which university awarded Simone Biles an honorary doctorate in 2025?
Answer
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis awarded Simone Biles an honorary doctorate in 2025.
The university conferred the honor during its 164th Commencement on May 12, 2025. Biles also delivered the commencement address, making the ceremony a notable connection between her athletic achievements, advocacy, and the university’s graduating class.
Her degree was an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. An honorary doctorate recognizes a person’s contributions and does not mean the recipient completed a conventional doctoral program or earned a research PhD at that institution. That distinction is especially important because headlines often shorten the honor to “doctorate.”
Washington University selected Biles in recognition of her influence as an athlete and public figure, including her advocacy for mental health, child welfare, and survivors of abuse. She has also received other honorary recognition, so the university’s name and the degree type are the key details that separate this 2025 honor from her broader awards history.