ST. PETERSBURG, Fl. — Western Orthodox University has taken a bold move to confer Dr. Rashad Richey, a nationally-known television broadcaster and college professor, the highly coveted Pontifical Doctorate of Philosophy degree through their ad eundem policy.
Western Orthodox University was founded in 1945 by the Prince-Catholicos of the Catholicate of the West, and today continues to be managed by the Catholicate of the West in union with the Apostolic Episcopal Church, a traditionalist Anglican denomination. The Western Orthodox University is classified as a Pontifical University in that it is administered under episcopal authority. The institution is a research-based university with a long standing tradition of preserving some of the most delicate and historical documents and literature available internationally.
The Pontifical Doctor of Philosophy ad eundem degree is not an honorary degree, but rather recognized in academia as an academic degree through a process called incorporation, whereby the degree-granting university engages in an assessment of formal academic credits earned, overall research, and scholarship of the candidate and grants the degree upon this evaluation. Usually, the recipient of the ad eundem degree is often a faculty member at the institution which awards the degree, e.g. at the University of Cambridge, where incorporation is expressly limited to a person who “has been admitted to a University office or a Headship or a Fellowship (other than an Honorary Fellowship) of a College, or holds a post in the University Press … or is a Head-elect or designate of a College,” but it is not a requirement at all institutions. Although an ad eundem degree is not a traditional educational model for granting an academic degree, both the original degree(s) assessed by the university and the incorporated (ad eundem) degree are able to be listed in the post-nominals according to the Oxford Reference.
Dr. Richey is the weekday anchor for the popular opinion news show, ‘Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey’ on the TYT Network, which was named “Fastest Growing TV News Show in America,” an Emmy-nominated political analyst, award-winning talk radio personality who can be heard on SiriusXM’s Urban View and News & Talk 1380-WAOK, and noted university lecturer. As if Dr. Richey’s schedule wasn’t busy enough, he’s also founder of The Rashad Richey Foundation, an organization that provides mentorship and cultural experiences for gang-affiliated and gang-affected youth.
Dr. Richey, who’s currently in law school at Birmingham School of Law completing his Juris Doctor degree, was asked by America News Now if he believes the current racial conflicts in American culture can be reconciled.
“The issues we face today as a society are primarily being championed by a few leaders who benefit from rhetoric rather than results. Equitable outcomes require we all pay attention to root causes. We must uphold principles higher than personalities to achieve this goal. While no one expects us to all agree, we can work to appreciate the true beauty of society and nature, which is rooted in variety and uniqueness,” Dr. Richey said.
Dr. Richey shared with America News Now something he has not yet discussed publicly. In addition to being an already overcommitted adult and a law student, he has simultaneously engaged in the study of physics and quantum mechanics, which is a significant contrast to his social science and activist background. Dr. Richey showed America News Now his completed studies, which highlights he’s one thesis paper away from having his master’s degree in physics and plans to enroll in a doctoral physics program upon completion of law school, which would make Dr. Richey one of the most academically-credentialed individuals in American history.
Dr. Richey, who serves as president of Rolling Out Magazine, the largest free-print urban publication in America, has graced the networks of The Fox News Channel, MSNBC, CNBC, and other national platforms providing commentary and analysis on issues nationally and abroad. Dr. Richey holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration from Beulah Heights University, Doctor of Education in federal higher education policy reform from Clark Atlanta University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Scofield Seminary, where his research and dissertation focused on “The Global Effect of Western Religion on Politics, Policy, and Government.”
“Dr. Rashad Richey is not only a national thought leader, he’s an international force, scholar, national broadcaster, and well-respected human rights advocate. The Western Orthodox University is honored to bestow upon Dr. Richey the Pontifical Doctorate of Philosophy degree. This type of degree is based on a comprehensive academic analysis of formal collegiate education and published research. We know Dr. Richey will continue to lead with distinction, conviction, and integrity,” said Chancellor The Most Reverend Professor John Kersey.
Western Orthodox University has a full relationship of reciprocal partnership, recognition and accreditation with the historic Pontificia Accademia Tiberina in Rome, Italy, founded in 1813 and recognized by the Sacred Congregation of Studies under Pope Leo XII in 1825.
The Western Orthodox University is also accredited by the Anglican Association of Colleges and Schools, the umbrella body for the educational institutions of the Catholicate of the West and the Apostolic Episcopal Church, and holds a number of other recognitions and validation agreements.
