Honorary Doctorate
Program
Honoring extraordinary individuals whose lifelong contributions to faith, service, leadership, and community have made a lasting Kingdom impact.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
— JEREMIAH 29:11
What is an Honorary Doctorate?
An Honorary Doctorate from Poinsette International Christian University is the highest recognition we bestow — a formal acknowledgment of extraordinary achievement, unwavering faith, and transformative impact on communities and the Kingdom of God.
Unlike traditional academic degrees, the Honorary Doctorate is conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions through their life's work — whether in ministry, education, business, humanitarian service, or community leadership.
Recipients are formally recognized at our annual commencement ceremony, receiving full academic regalia, an official PICU diploma, and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa.
The Founding Ceremony
Our inaugural commencement ceremony brought together three Founding Fellows — representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — before a gathering of 100 guests who came to witness and celebrate this historic Kingdom moment.
"The three Founding Fellows — representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — hold their diplomas at the December 2024 ceremony."
"Joy unspeakable — the Kingdom celebrates its champions."
"Community, love, and celebration filled every corner of the venue."
"Three trailblazers — united in purpose, honored for a lifetime."
"This is what Kingdom looks like — love, honor, and belonging."
Spring 2026 Honorees
We are honored to present the inaugural class of Honorary Doctoral Candidates to be conferred at the Hamilton East Public Library — Fishers, Indiana 46032.
Hamilton East Public Library · Fishers, Indiana 46032
Visit Official Website
Your Story Deserves to Be Honored
"I know firsthand what it means to be recognized for a life of service. Receiving my own honorary doctorate was one of the most humbling and powerful moments of my life — and I want that same experience for you or someone you love."
As Chancellor of Poinsette International Christian University, it is my personal mission to ensure that Kingdom leaders — those who have given their lives to faith, community, and service — are formally celebrated and recognized.
I personally review every nomination and look forward to honoring the next generation of PICU Honorary Doctors at our upcoming ceremony.
Who Qualifies?
The Honorary Doctorate is awarded across six categories, each recognizing a distinct form of Kingdom impact and community service.
Ministry & Theology
Pastors, evangelists, chaplains, and faith leaders who have demonstrated decades of dedicated service to the Body of Christ and the advancement of the Gospel.
Education & Academia
Educators, professors, and academic leaders who have shaped generations of learners and advanced Christian scholarship and intellectual excellence.
Humanitarian Service
Individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the marginalized, fighting injustice, and embodying the compassion of Christ in their communities.
Community Leadership
Community organizers, civic leaders, and advocates who have built stronger, more equitable communities through faith-driven leadership and service.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Faith-driven entrepreneurs and business leaders who have used their platforms and resources to create opportunity, employment, and Kingdom impact.
Arts, Culture & Media
Artists, musicians, authors, and media professionals who have used their gifts to glorify God, uplift communities, and advance Christian culture.
Nominate for an Honorary Doctorate
You may nominate yourself or someone you know. All nominations are reviewed by the PICU Honorary Doctorate Committee. Submissions go directly to our administrative team.
Spread the Word
Know Someone Worthy of This Honor?
Share the nomination page with your community and help us recognize more Kingdom leaders.
Schedule a Discovery Call with Dr. Poinsette
Have questions about the Honorary Doctorate program? Want to discuss a nomination in detail? Dr. Lesley Poinsette, Chancellor of PICU, invites you to schedule a personal one-on-one discovery call.
In this call, you'll learn more about the nomination process, eligibility criteria, ceremony details, and how PICU recognizes Kingdom leaders who have made a lasting impact.
Your Journey Doesn't End at Commencement
Upon receiving your Honorary Doctorate, you are formally invited into an exclusive body of Kingdom leaders committed to continued impact, faith-centered leadership, and global influence.
How the Selection Process Works
Every nomination is reviewed with care, prayer, and discernment. Our process is designed to honor those who have genuinely served — not simply those who seek recognition.
Submit Nomination
Complete the online nomination form. You may nominate yourself or someone you know. All submissions are treated with full confidentiality.
Initial Review
The PICU administrative team performs a preliminary review to confirm the nominee meets the basic eligibility criteria and program alignment.
Committee Evaluation
Eligible nominations are forwarded to the PICU Honorary Doctorate Advisory Committee, who evaluate each candidate based on documented impact, character, and Kingdom contribution.
Chancellor's Approval
The Chancellor, Dr. Lesley Poinsette, reviews the Committee's recommendations and makes the final conferral decision. All decisions are final.
Conferral Ceremony
Approved candidates are formally conferred at the next available commencement ceremony and receive full academic regalia, an official PICU diploma, and permanent Fellow status.
Submission of a nomination does not guarantee conferral. All decisions are made at the sole discretion of the PICU Honorary Doctorate Advisory Committee and the Chancellor. The Honorary Doctorate is a ceremonial recognition and does not confer academic authority or replace earned qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria
The PICU Honorary Doctorate is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary, verifiable impact through a life of service, faith, and leadership. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection — the Committee evaluates each nomination holistically.
Honorary Degree Types
"Not sure which category fits? Schedule a discovery call with Dr. Poinsette and she will guide you through the nomination process personally."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PICU accredited?+
Poinsette International Christian University is a faith-based, Christian institution operating under ecclesiastical authority. The Honorary Doctorate is a ceremonial recognition conferred by the University and does not constitute an earned academic degree. It is not intended for use in professional licensing, statutory purposes, or as a substitute for earned academic credentials. For full accreditation information, please visit poinsettechristianuniversity.com.
Is the Honorary Doctorate a real degree?+
The PICU Honorary Doctorate is a formal ceremonial recognition — not an earned academic degree. Like honorary doctorates conferred by institutions worldwide, it acknowledges extraordinary contributions to faith, service, leadership, and community. Recipients receive an official PICU diploma, full academic regalia, and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. It does not require coursework, examinations, or a dissertation.
Can I nominate myself?+
Yes. Self-nominations are accepted and reviewed with the same rigor as third-party nominations. We encourage individuals who believe they meet the eligibility criteria to submit their own nomination. All submissions are treated with full confidentiality.
How long does the review process take?+
The review process typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date of submission. During peak nomination periods (60 days before a commencement ceremony), processing may take longer. You will be notified by email once a decision has been made.
Does nomination guarantee conferral?+
No. Submission of a nomination does not guarantee conferral. All decisions are made at the sole discretion of the PICU Honorary Doctorate Advisory Committee and the Chancellor. The Committee evaluates each candidate holistically, and not all nominees will be selected.
What is included with the Honorary Doctorate?+
Conferred Fellows receive: an official PICU diploma with the university seal, full academic regalia (cap, gown, hood, and stole), permanent recognition in PICU's Honoree Archive, PICU Global Doctoral Fellow status, access to the quarterly Leadership Roundtable, and an exclusive discount on PICU degree programs.
Is there a fee associated with the Honorary Doctorate?+
There is an administrative and ceremony participation fee that covers regalia, diploma production, venue, and program costs. Fee details are communicated during the review process. No payment is required at the time of nomination.
When is the next ceremony?+
The Spring 2026 Commencement is scheduled for March 28, 2026 at the Hamilton East Public Library, Fishers, Indiana 46032 at 3:00pm EST. The Fall 2026 Commencement will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. Nominations are open now for both ceremonies.
Still have questions? Dr. Poinsette personally answers every inquiry.
Pursue Your Degree at PICU
From Bachelor's to Doctorate, PICU offers fully online, faith-centered degree programs at a fraction of mainstream seminary costs. Active Fellows receive an exclusive tuition discount upon conferral.
✦ Active PICU Fellows receive 15% off with a payment plan or 20% off when paid in full — discount code shared privately upon Fellowship activation
View All PICU DegreesWorld-Class Education. Kingdom Prices.
Mainstream seminaries and divinity schools charge tens of thousands of dollars for the same credentials PICU offers at a fraction of the cost — 100% online, fully accredited, and faith-centered.
| Program | Mainstream Cost | PICU Tuition | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's in Ministry / Chaplaincy | $25,000–$45,000 | $4,000 | Up to $41,000 |
| Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Chaplaincy | $22,000–$70,000 | $5,400 | Up to $64,600 |
| Master's in Christian Education | $20,000–$43,000 | $5,400 | Up to $37,600 |
| Doctor of Divinity / PhD in Chaplaincy | $30,000–$75,000 | $6,400 | Up to $68,600 |
| PhD in Christian Entrepreneurship | $35,000–$60,000 | $6,400 | Up to $53,600 |
| Life & Business Coaching Certification | $2,000–$13,500 | $497 | Up to $13,000 |
| Christian Counseling Certification | $1,500–$7,500 | $497 | Up to $7,000 |
Honorary Doctors Save Even More
As a conferred PICU Honorary Doctor and active Fellow, you receive an exclusive tuition discount on all degree programs and certificate courses — shared privately upon Fellowship activation.
Don't Let a Life of Service Go Unrecognized
Every great work done in faith deserves to be honored. Nominate yourself or someone you know today and let PICU celebrate the Kingdom impact they have made.