Toby Keith will receive an honorary degree at the University of Oklahoma (OU)’s Commencement. His daughter, Krystal Keith, will stand in for the late singer to receive the honor during the ceremony this Saturday (May 11) at Lloyd Noble Center.
The country star first learned he was receiving the accolade last year, and was honored and happy to be acknowledged by the university that he loved and sent his children to for their education.
“He loved OU! His passion started as far back as when he was 12 [or] 13 years old, and [he] worked in the stadium selling Cokes just so he could see the games,” recalls Krystal. “For as long as I can remember, he took us to every bowl game no matter what his work schedule was. And he was on the sidelines of nearly all the different OU sporting events. He bled crimson and cream.”
Educator, economist and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones, Love’s Travel Stops Founder Tom E. Love and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient David Proctor will also receive honorary degrees from OU this year. Love and Jones will be honored during a ceremony scheduled for this Friday (May 10).
“Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s honorary degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world,” says Joseph Harroz Jr., OU President. “Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”