Scholar, university administrator, and public servant, George Alexander Heard has served his region and his country ably and with distinction. His writing on southern politics and the financing of political campaigns established his reputation as a distinguished and insightful political scientist. His tenure as graduate dean at the University of North Carolina and as chancellor of Vanderbilt University represented a quarter-century of distinguished academic leadership. His service on many presidential commissions and as a special presidential advisor has enhanced the body politic of which we are all a part.

It is thus a rare combination of diverse vocations that we honor today. Each by itself would be worthy of recognition. Taken together, they are indeed a model of excellence and accomplishment. In recognition of his profound contributions to higher education and to government, Southern Methodist University is proud to confer upon George Alexander Heard the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.