Grammy winner gets honorary doctorate at Anderson University

Grammy award-winning gospel singer and songwriter Chris Brown received an honorary doctorate at Anderson University’s Spring Commencement on Friday morning.

Brown is known for his chart-topping hits such as “Graves Into Gardens,” “Praise,” “Jireh,” “Same God,” and “O Come to the Altar.”

Brown lent an original song to Anderson University this year to promote the university, according to a news release. The video can be seen here.

“My years at Anderson were some of the most formative, fun, and unforgettable of my life,” Brown said.

In 2004, Brown graduated from Anderson University’s School of the Arts with a degree in vocal performance art. After completing his studies, he became a worship leader at Elevation Worship in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006.

His passion for ministry and worship helped Elevation Worship grow into a multisite organization with locations in Toronto, Melbourne, and Florida.

“Anderson University is enormously proud of Chris, who has served honorably as an ambassador for Anderson University,” said Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker. “He is just one example of the thousands of men and women who have used their Anderson University education to make an impact on our world for the cause of Christ and of Christian higher education.”

With Elevation Worship, Brown has collaborated with numerous bands and artists, such as Maverick City Music, Brandon Lake, Kari Jobe, and Hillsong Worship.

Several of Elevation Worship’s albums, such as “Can You Imagine?” and “Old Church Basement” peaked at No. 1 on the United States Christian Music Charts.

Other notable awards include multiple GMA Dove Awards and two Billboard Music Awards.

“I never imagined the path God would put our family on after graduating, but I’m grateful beyond words that He loves exceeding our expectations with how He works in and through us,” Brown said.

Chris and his wife, Beth, also an Anderson University alum, live in Charlotte, North Carolina with their two children.

KEN RUINARD/INDEPENDENT MAIL Chris Brown, right, alumni, receives an honorary degree from President Evans Whitaker during the Anderson University commencement on the school's front lawn in Anderson on May 3.