Temple University presents Jill Scott with honorary doctorate

The queen of neo-soul, Philly's own Jill Scott, now officially has another moniker: Doctor. At this morning's graduation ceremony, her alma mater, Temple University, bestowed upon Scott the title "Doctor of Humane Letters." So, please, start showing the proper respect.

Temple President Neil D. Theobald addressed the decision to honor Scott in an interview with Essence, saying that her "values and achievements embody the mission and ideas of the university." Those achievements, beyond a successful music career, include the founding of Blues Babe Foundation, which helps low-income students in the area pay for college.

At this morning's ceremony, fellow honorary doctor Bill Cosby introduced Scott, to much fanfare:

In her speech, Scott encouraged graduates to continue striving to be "soldiers of light":

And, as it turns out, she even hung out back stage:

And attended practice:

The degree Temple presented to Scott is her first from the university, with her having dropped out of the school's secondary education program due to financial constraints at the time. Now, though, congratulations are finally in order.

[Essence]