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So let’s talk about it.
Recently, Koryn Hawthorne—that fierce, fun, Grammy-nominated powerhouse we’ve all come to love—was awarded an honorary doctorate alongside a few other notable names. Sounds like a celebration, right?
Well, in the age of social media, even good news can turn into a battleground. Folks were in the comments raising eyebrows, throwing shade, and acting like someone gave her a medical license instead of recognizing her impact.
But baby, Koryn was not having it. She politely—but thoroughly—read the critics for filth. She reminded everyone that she has worked, produced, created, and built more than some folks with fancy letters behind their names.
And you know what? She made an excellent point.
Here’s what others had to say:
Now, let me say this: I have degrees. I’m a lifelong learner. I believe in education—formal, informal, spiritual, experiential.
I’ve evolved in business, career, and calling. And I’ve also learned to value both paths: the scholar and the practitioner.
Let’s break it down.
There’s the theoretical (research) path—those who research, explore, philosophize, test, and contribute to our understanding of ethics, science, and society. These are our professors, thinkers, and lifelong academics. Their work lays the foundation for policies, innovation, and even future education.
Then there’s the practical (application) path—the people in the field, solving real-world problems, building businesses, pushing culture, and implementing the very research the theorists develop. These folks are the proof of the concept. And they, too, build knowledge and shape the future.
Here’s the truth: both are hard. Research isn’t easy. Coming up with something that’s never been done before? That’s brilliance. But so is building a brand from the ground up, impacting lives, and shifting industries.
It’s like the age-old question: what came first, the chicken or the egg? The answer is—we need both.
Sure, there are people who exploit both sides. The degree chasers who don’t practice. The doers who cut corners. But that’s not a reason to devalue the contributions of either. Especially when we see artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries doing the work—just in a different way.
So no, I don’t have a problem with honorary degrees. I recognize them as if someone has spent 4 years in a university because I understand both sides.
Not when they’re earned through excellence and service. The key? Both sides—whether credentialed or crowned—must commit to continuous learning. And understand the ethics of your industry so that you are responsible and respected. Because if you lack the education and mishandled the position then it makes it harder for those coming behind you. Not that anyone has to be perfect.
That’s what keeps the culture moving.
Koryn said what she said—and honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
Keep your faith. Keep your fire. And keep your receipts. Congratulations, hun!
