Honorary Degree

Mike McIntyre

Mike McIntyre with an American Flag in the background.

Throughout his life, in his professional, community, civic, church and personal activities – and through his exemplary public service — Douglas Carmichael “Mike” McIntyre II has relentlessly advocated for a better understanding of our Constitution and legal system and made significant contributions to humanity locally, statewide, nationally, internationally and on behalf of our university.

As a Morehead Scholar, double Tar Heel and Congressman for nearly two decades, he advocated for marginalized and rural populations while reforming agricultural and economic policies, fought for federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe and authored legislation for the tobacco buyout and helped distressed communities in the southeastern United States.

Internationally, he promoted workforce development and agriculture—and represented our country on the Helsinki Commission, as Co-Chair of the UK and Scotland Caucuses and as Vice-Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism.

Earning national awards for economic development, coastal, agricultural, veterans, senior citizens, rural healthcare, law enforcement, youth sports, parks and recreation issues, he was also honored by the Secretary of the Navy for work with the Navy & Marines and by the legal profession for strengthening democracy. Voted “Least Partisan Member of Congress,” his emphasis was always “doing what’s best for the people back home.”

In North Carolina, he has preserved our beaches as environmental treasures, championed funds for our military bases, increased the number of veterans clinics, expanded healthcare for rural areas, organized business summits, promoted civic responsibility, coached our youth, mentored our students and inspired our next generation of leaders.

A true servant-leader, Mike McIntyre epitomizes the very essence of distinguished public service.

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