SPRINGFIELD, MO — KY3 news anchor and Emmy Award-winning journalist Steve Grant was presented with the first honorary doctorate in the history of Evangel University, on Friday, July 31, 2020.
EU President Carol A. Taylor, Ph.D., made the presentation at a private ceremony held prior to Steve’s taping of the University’s 2020 Commencement address. A small gathering of appropriately masked family and friends was present for the presentation.
Grant is a 1976 graduate of Evangel and said he was honored to be asked to present the Commencement speech this year, adding that the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters was a humbling surprise.
The 62nd Annual Commencement for Evangel will be held virtually due to public health considerations at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020. It will be live-streamed at https://www.evangel.edu/commencement/
“The awarding of an honorary doctorate is one the most significant tributes offered by a university,” President Taylor said.
“This year the Evangel Board of Trustees approved a policy for the awarding of honorary doctorates on a highly selective basis, and today it is my honor to present Evangel University’s first honorary doctorate to alumnus Steve Grant.”
Grant wore the doctoral regalia for the taping of his speech, following the ceremony.
A career worthy of honor
Steve Grant began his career at KY3 in 1974 while still a student at Evangel and just after his 20th birthday.
For decades, he anchored the No. 1-rated morning news show on the NBC network. He currently serves as the noon and evening anchor for KY3, historically one of the Top 5 NBC affiliates in the country. In addition, he currently serves as president of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Mid-America Chapter.
During the honorary doctorate presentation, President Taylor highlighted some of Grant’s professional endeavors.
“Because of his reputation as a wise leader with a calming presence, Steve was hand-picked to go to WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia, in August 2015, after two journalists were murdered while on the air,” she said.
“Steve was the first person that Marci Burdick, then senior vice president for Schurz Communications, thought of to send as the professional who would also be a ‘calming presence with a literal and figurative shoulder’ of support.
“One of my favorite pictures of Steve is comforting the morning anchor, Kimberly McBroom, on air,” added President Taylor.
An overview of several civic, religious and charitable organizations for which Steve has served was also shared.
They ranged from his current work with the Springfield (Sheltered) Workshop to his previous success with the Ozarks Honor Flights. Several years ago, he helped raise $1 million to take 1,300 WWII veterans to the World War II Memorial in Washington, setting a record for the national Honor Flight program.
In her conclusion, President Taylor remarked, “As I’ve watched and gotten to know you over the years, you are an inspirational model of one who lives by what the ancient prophet Micah wrote, that God said was good and requires of us — you are one who ‘strives to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.’ And so it is my distinct privilege to present this, our University’s highest honor.”
Steve and his wife, Stephanie, are both Evangel graduates. She earned a Master of Organizational Leadership degree from the University in 2009.
Evangel University, which includes AGTS, is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally.
Evangel serves more than 2,300 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 70 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees.
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