Honorary doctoral degrees recognize individuals of outstanding accomplishment in scholarship, creativity, public service, education or contributions to human welfare. During the spring 2024 commencement, Boise State University we present former Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter with an honorary doctorate of laws, and Cherie Buckner-Webb with an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
This year’s honorary doctorate recipients have deep roots in Idaho, and their decades-long careers have served all who call the state home.
Boise State University is grateful for the service of these two outstanding individuals and leaders.
Butch Otter
C.L. “Butch” Otter honorably served his country as a member of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Armored Cavalry. He went on to serve three terms in Congress, four terms as Idaho’s lieutenant governor – longer than anyone in Idaho history, and, of course, as Idaho’s governor. His 30-year career in business included membership on the Board of Directors of the J.R. Simplot Company, where he served as director of the Food Products Division, president of Simplot Livestock and president of Simplot International.
Cherie Buckner-Webb
Cherie Buckner-Webb served as a member of the Idaho Legislature and on the boards of many impactful community organizations. She is a small business owner, inspiring speaker and a recognized leader. Many organizations have honored her work: She received the 2010 Community Hero award from Boise State; Excellence in the Arts award; Idaho Governor’s Award in the Arts; the Jefferson Award for public service; 2012 NAACP Heritage Hall of Fame award, Hewlett Packard Award for Distinguished Leadership in Human Rights; United Nations Human Rights Award, and more.