James Patterson Awarded UF Honorary Doctorate

James Patterson in a graduation robe.

James Patterson, bestselling author and literacy advocate, was awarded a UF Honorary Doctorate at UF’s Spring 2019 Commencement. Patterson’s prominent role as an invaluable partner of the University of Florida and the college, and his efforts to spread good will through literacy around the globe, are celebrated by this honorary doctor of education degree. To date, 28 students have been supported James Patterson Scholars program, which established in 2003 to future educators. The James Patterson Literacy Challenge, established by a $3 million gift in 2017 and expanded by an additional $4.5 million in 2019, has the audacious goal of doubling the number of children in Florida who can read proficiently. According to Patterson, “Better readers make better people and citizens… I believe reading saves lives.”