The Citadel Board of Visitors presented honorary degrees to recipients during the commencement celebrations for the Class of 2026.

Honorary degrees are awarded to the speakers for the commencement ceremonies for The South Carolina Corps of Cadets and The Citadel Graduate College, as well as those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the college during their lifetime. Three honorary degrees were conferred during the 2026 commencement ceremony.

Below are the citations for each of this year’s honorary degree recipients.

Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), ’79

Retired United States Marine Corps General Glenn Michael Walters is a distinguished Citadel alumnus whose lifetime of service reflects the institution’s core values—honor, duty, respect.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1979, General Walters began a career as a Marine officer and naval aviator. He was instrumental in developing systems for the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter and served as the first commander of VMX-22, the squadron that fielded the MV-22 Osprey for operational testing. He deployed overseas on numerous occasions in the Pacific and Central Command theaters, including Korea, the Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan. In his final Marine Corps assignment, he served as the 34th assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

Thirty-nine years after graduating from The Citadel, General Walters returned as the 20th president. During his tenure, the college navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and completed major campus improvements, including the construction of Bastin Hall and Capers Hall and laying the groundwork for a new School of Engineering facility, while balancing the budget and setting fundraising records. The Citadel also expanded academic programming, including plans for the Krause School of Leadership and Ethics as a sixth academic school, and continued to rise in national rankings.

In recognition of his extraordinary public service and dedicated leadership to his nation and his alma mater, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to award General Glenn M. Walters the honorary Doctor of Aeronautical Engineering degree.

Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, USN (Ret.), ’86

Stephen C. Evans is a retired rear admiral and a 1986 alumnus whose service to his country was distinguished by senior leadership and diplomatic roles that spanned the globe.

Throughout his thirty-four years in the United States Navy, Admiral Evans led some of the Navy’s most complex operational and training commands. He commanded Carrier Strike Group 2, leading the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in global operations and multinational exercises. He commanded the Naval Service Training Command, overseeing the training and professional development of approximately 98% of incoming Navy personnel, and he served as the deputy U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee and senior military assistant to the secretary of the Navy, advising on strategy, alliance coordination and fleet modernization.

Following his retirement in 2020, Admiral Evans has continued to lead. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Flag Bridge Global Solutions and a corporate board member, applying expertise in cybersecurity, digital transformation and strategic leadership in the private sector. Admiral Evans is also a member of The Citadel Foundation Board of Directors and the chair of The Citadel School of Humanities and Social Sciences Advisory Board, where he provides strategic guidance and supports the development of principled leaders.

In recognition of his immense impact and distinguished public service to his nation and his alma mater, The Citadel is proud to confer upon Admiral Stephen Evans the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.

Stephen Looper Davis, ’85

Stephen Looper Davis is a visionary leader in civil engineering, a dedicated steward of The Citadel and a role model for cadets.

After graduating from The Citadel in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Mr. Davis joined the Greenwood-based engineering firm Davis & Floyd, co-founded in 1954 by his father, Emmett I. Davis Jr., ’50. Over the next 40 years, he rose through the company’s ranks to serve as chairman and chief executive officer. Under his guidance, the firm has grown into one of the most respected engineering companies in the Southeast, known for innovative infrastructure solutions and a commitment to sustainable development.

In the local community, Mr. Davis has made lasting contributions, serving on numerous nonprofit and civic boards. His volunteer service also extends to his alma mater. He has served on The Citadel Real Estate Foundation Board of Directors and as a current member, past vice president and past president of The Citadel Foundation Board. During his tenure, the Foundation successfully executed two capital campaigns, each raising more than $250 million. In addition, Mr. Davis supports students through internships, mentoring and engagement with the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

For his leadership, service and generosity, The Citadel Board of Visitors proudly confers upon Stephen Davis the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree.

Senator Thomas Cleveland Alexander

The Honorable Thomas Cleveland Alexander is a public servant and proven leader whose years of legislative service have strengthened communities and advanced economic opportunity across South Carolina.

After building deep roots in the Upstate as a small business owner, Senator Alexander brought his understanding of the challenges facing employers, workers and local families to public office. He served eight years in the South Carolina House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate. He is the only person in South Carolina history to serve as chairman of both the House and Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry committees. Today, Senator Alexander is the second person to hold the office of president of the Senate, guiding the chamber with fairness, integrity and steady leadership.

Senator Alexander serves on the Finance Committee, where he chairs the Health and Human Services Subcommittee. In this role, he has been a consistent supporter of initiatives that strengthen education and workforce development while continuing his service on the Joint Bond Review Committee.

For his outstanding service, business acumen and longstanding dedication to The Citadel and the state of South Carolina, The Citadel Board of Visitors is proud to award Senator Thomas Alexander the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.