Honorary degrees presented to leaders in business, education, business and public service

Rudolph William Louis Giuliani III 
Principled Leader and  Dedicated Public Servant

Rudy Giuliani is an American lawyer, businessman and former mayor who demonstrated exceptional leadership during one of this country’s most troubling times. Nearly six years ago, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the course of this nation’s history.

Throughout that day and the weeks that followed, Giuliani emerged as a true leader. His name became a household word in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks as he reassured the country that New York City would survive and thrive.

Because of his courage and leadership, Time Magazine named Maor Giuliani its 2001 Person of the Year. Queen Elizabeth II granted Giuliani honorary knighthood in 2002, and people everywhere recognized him as a voice of calm in the midst of chaos.

Giuliani enjoyed some remarkable achievements during his two terms as mayor of this nation’s largest city. He focused on health and quality of life issues. His success in reducing crime earned New York City the FBI’s designation as America’s safest large city for five consecutive years.

Since stepping down as mayor, Rudy Giuliani has remained a prominent figure in national politics. He is currently a Republican candidate for president of the United States.

Because of his leadership and inspiration to all Americans in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration to Rudolph William Louis Giuliani III.

John McKissick
Principled Leader and Inspiring Mentor

John McKissick, the legendary athletic director and head football coach at Summerville High School, has influenced thousands of young men while serving as a coach and mentor for more than 50 years. His teachings on teamwork, discipline, sportsmanlike conduct and excellence of effort have left their mark on generations of students.

One of the best-known names in South Carolina football, Coach McKissick holds the national record for winning the most games of any football coach on any level. His teams also hold the longest winning streak in the history of South Carolina football. With a career record of 543 wins, 128 losses and 13 ties, John McKissick’s teams have won 30 regional titles and 10 state championships.

While his accomplishments and honors are impressive, the qualities best remembered by his players and students are his unwavering sense of integrity and his caring spirit.

A native of Kingstree, John McKissick served in the United States Army and later graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He earned his Master’s degrees in Psychology and Education from Western Carolina University.

Coach McKissick has been recognized across the state and the nation for his contributions to high school football. Therefore, The Citadel Board of Visitors takes great pleasure in presenting the honorary degree of Doctor of Education to John McKissick.

Emmett Irwin Davis, Jr.
Principled Leader and Distinguished Engineer

Emmett Irwin Davis, Jr., the co-founder, chief executive officer and chairman of Davis & Floyd, Incorporated, is a nationally recognized leader in engineering circles. A member of The Citadel Class of 1950, Mr. Davis earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and then served twelve years with the Corps of Engineers, United States Army Reserve. In 1954, he helped launch Davis & Floyd – a company that is recognized as one of the preeminent engineering and environmental firms in the Southeast.

The signature work of Emmett Davis’s company can be seen across the state and across this campus in the rebuilding of Padgett-Thomas, Law, Murray and Watts Barracks, Thompson Hall and many other projects.

Mr. Davis is a leader in professional engineering societies as well as in civic and community organizations, serving as an elder in his church, a member and former chairman of the board of Erskine College, a former director and president of The Citadel Development Foundation and many other organizations.

Because of his love for his profession and alma mater, Mr. Davis established the Davis Family Scholarship – a program that awards five civil engineering students $10,000 a year and helps the School of Engineering attract and retain top students.

Therefore in recognition of his distinguished career and leadership in his community, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present Emmett Irwin Davis, Jr. with the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering.

Linda Huffstetler Short
Principled Leader and Dedicated Public Servant

Senator Linda Huffstetler Short has served in the South Carolina Senate since 1993. A tireless advocate for efforts that improve the health and well-being of families, Senator Short is a homemaker whose leadership has helped improve the lives of all South Carolinians.

Senator Short married Paul E. Short, Jr., a member of the Class of 1968, shortly after his graduation from The Citadel. She spent the early years of their marriage at home, raising their two daughters. In 1984, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Winthrop College and became actively involved in the county school system. She served on the Chester County School Board for ten years, part of that time as chair.

In 1992, Linda Short was elected to the South Carolina Senate. Currently the only woman serving in that legislative body, Senator Short has been recognized for excellent leadership from such agencies as the Coalition for Affordable Housing, the Girl Scouts, the South Carolina Education Association, the American Association of Retired People and the American Red Cross.

Therefore in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the improvement of the state of South Carolina, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present Linda Huffstetler Short with the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration.

Walter B. Edgar
Principled Leader and Distinguished Scholar

There is no one individual more closely identified with the history of South Carolina than Dr. Walter B. Edgar, the George Washington Distinguished Professor of History at the University of South Carolina. A recognized authority on the history of this state, Dr. Edgar has devoted his career to helping others understand the rich and colorful story of the State of South Carolina.

Dr. Edgar is a prolific writer and has authored or edited numerous books and articles about South Carolina and the American South. His premier work, South Carolina: A History, is recognized as the seminal work on the history of this state.

A graduate of Davidson College, Dr. Edgar received his Ph.D. in History from the University of South Carolina in 1969. After a tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Army, he returned to Columbia as a post-doctoral fellow at the university. In 1972, he joined the History Department faculty and in 1980, became director of the Institute for Southern Studies.

Dr. Edgar is active in many community and historical organizations. He also served for 30 years in the United States Army Reserves, retiring in 1995 with the rank of colonel.

Dr. Edgar has led thousands to a better understanding of issues facing this state with his weekly appearances on South Carolina Public Radio.

Therefore in recognition of his service and intellectual gifts to the State of South Carolina, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to present Walter B. Edgar with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.