Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree
The Honorary Degree Committee invites nominations from the members of the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) Senate, the Board of Governors, Founding Parties, students in-course and graduates.
A maximum of two (2) appointments will be made in any year.
Submitted nominations are held in strict confidence. Under no circumstances should the nominee be made aware of their nomination.
Any breach of this confidentiality will result in the immediate cessation of the candidate's consideration by the Honorary Degree Committee.
The Committee considers all received nominations and presents its selection(s) to Senate for approval. Once the President has contacted the recipient(s) and received confirmation of their acceptance, the names of recipients will be made public.
About the criteria:
The AST Honorary Doctorate is awarded to persons who exemplify our mission to serve by shaping faithful and effective ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith, and who would be perceived as bridge-builders. Bridge-building may begin inside or outside of the specific faith traditions that are most central to the life of AST.
Current staff and faculty of AST are not eligible.
The degree reflects the theological commitment of AST and our aspirational vision as a university that develops connections with different religious traditions and communities beyond.
AST may award the Doctor of Divinity honoris causa to persons whose public views are consistent with the ecumenical ethos, and who have made outstanding lifelong contributions in any of the following: church, community, business, public service, culture, arts, and education.
Recipients will typically inhabit the Christian tradition, but they may also inhabit a different tradition. If possible, they will have local connections but may also be honoured on the basis of national or international reputation. They should embody who we are but may also help show us who we aspire to be.
Submission details:
Please fill out the Honorary Doctorate nomination form 2026 .
Also attach a letter of recommendation no longer than two pages, outlining the reasons for nomination and how the criteria of selection are met by the nominee(s).
Mail them to:
The Chair of the AST Honorary Degree Committee
C/O The President’s Office
Atlantic School of Theology
660 Francklyn Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3B5
Or email them to: beth.pyesmany@astheology.ns.ca with the subject “Nomination Submission: Honourary Doctor of Divinity Degree 2026”.
Should you require any assistance with the online nomination forms, please don't hesitate to contact Beth Pyesmany at beth.pyesmany@astheology.ns.ca
Closing date for nominations: January 12, 2026