Dr. Melissa Hyde, a University of Florida professor of art history and a Research Foundation professor, recently received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from her alma mater, Colorado College.
According to the college, the honorary doctorate is reserved for alumni who embody the successful application of their liberal arts education. Honorees like Hyde are presented to the college community and are utilized as examples of what students can aspire to.
“It really kind of knocked me over when I got the letter,” she said. “It was completely unexpected.”
Hyde, who graduated in 1985, was also pleasantly surprised to find three of her favorite professors still on the faculty. One of the three, Professor Susan Ashley, was even able to attend the ceremony and write an introduction for Hyde.
“I graduated 30 years ago, and they’re still there,” Hyde said. “They were some of the most inspiring teachers I had, so it really meant a huge amount to me that they were supportive of this idea.
