Basketball icon and Ohio native LeBron James is set to receive one of the highest honors from The Ohio State University — an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree — in recognition of his outstanding philanthropic efforts and deep commitment to uplifting communities through education and advocacy.
The honorary degree, which will be formally awarded at Ohio State’s upcoming commencement ceremony, celebrates James’s work off the court, particularly through the LeBron James Family Foundation. Since its founding in 2004, the foundation has focused on empowering underserved children and families, with its most notable initiative being the “I PROMISE” program — a long-term commitment that supports over 1,600 Akron students and their families through academic assistance, mentorship, and wraparound services.
LeBron’s impact has extended far beyond basketball. His efforts to promote educational equity, combat poverty, and champion youth development have earned him praise from educators, civic leaders, and fellow philanthropists alike. The “I PROMISE School,” which opened in Akron in 2018, has become a national model for how community-focused education can transform lives. The school offers trauma-informed instruction, extended school days, and family support resources, all rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
“This recognition isn’t just about me,” James said in a statement. “It’s about the incredible students and families in Akron who continue to inspire me every day. Our foundation’s mission has always been to listen to what the community needs — and then to act boldly to meet those needs.”
James, who famously skipped college to enter the NBA directly from high school, has maintained a close and meaningful relationship with Ohio State. Though he never played college basketball, he has long expressed that had he attended college, he would have chosen to be a Buckeye. His support of the university has included attending games, outfitting athletes with custom Nike gear, and maintaining an honorary locker in the men’s basketball locker room.
The degree will place James among a prestigious list of honorary Ohio State recipients, including national figures like President Barack Obama, astronaut John Glenn, golfer Jack Nicklaus, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
University officials cited not just James’s charitable giving, but his hands-on approach and consistent presence in his hometown as reasons for the honor. “LeBron James exemplifies what it means to lead through service,” said an Ohio State spokesperson. “His dedication to community-driven change and his unrelenting support for young people align perfectly with the values we aim to instill in every graduate.”
As he continues to inspire both on and off the court, LeBron James’s honorary doctorate is a testament to the power of using influence for good. It reflects not just his celebrity, but his tireless commitment to leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world — starting right at home in Ohio.
