Chancellor Phyllis Wise earned an honorary doctorate from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom Thursday. She was named a “Doctor of Science.”

Wise was presented with the award during the university’s annual commencement ceremony. According to a press release, Sir David Eastwood, vice chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said Wise’s commitment to academic excellence earned her the doctorate from his institution.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Wise over the last five years…. Together we are ensuring both universities have the critical mass to compete in today’s competitive environment, whilst also delivering positive impact across the globe,” Eastwood said.

According to the press release, Wise said she was humbled by the honor in her acceptance speech and deemed her selection “unexpected.” Still, she noted the milestone as being “the greatest personal and professional pride for me in my academic career.”

Wise has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College and a doctorate degree in zoology from the University of Michigan. She has served as a chancellor at the University since 2011.

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