Grammy Award-winning country artist and Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde is being honored by her alma mater, Arkansas State University, with an Honorary Doctorate in Music. The recognition celebrates McBryde’s remarkable career and her lasting contributions to the world of music.
McBryde first picked up a guitar as a young girl and began writing songs by age 12. Her love for music expanded as she joined her high school marching band, playing trumpet and French horn. She went on to study music at Arkansas State with hopes of becoming a band director, until a professor encouraged her to chase her dream of becoming a performer.
“Everybody called my dad Doc and everybody called his dad Doc. I always wondered what that felt like — the pride that filled their chests when they were addressed by that title,” McBryde said. “I am beyond grateful and so humbly honored to be recognized by my alma mater with a Doctorate in Music. To know I now carry that title in a field that has been my life’s passion and purpose is a feeling I will cherish forever.”
Chancellor Todd Shields expressed pride in McBryde’s achievements, saying, “Arkansas State University is incredibly proud of Ashley McBryde, and I am honored she is part of our ‘Red Wolf Pack.’ Her courage to pursue her dreams, her exceptional accomplishments, and the positive influence she has among so many people are deeply inspiring. She absolutely deserves this recognition, and I am very excited to award her the title of Dr. McBryde.”
McBryde will return to Arkansas State University to accept the honorary degree during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 10 at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro.
Ashley McBryde Tour Dates
April 10 John T. Floore Country Store // Helotes, TX
April 11 Cowtown Boots // El Paso, TX
April 12 Country Thunder Arizona // Florence, AZ
April 26 Stagecoach Festival // Indio, CA
May 2 PNC Music Pavilion // Charlotte, NC with Cody Johnson
May 3 Credit One Stadium // Charleston, SC with Cody Johnson
May 4 Country Thunder Florida // Kissimmee, FL
May 15 SKyPAC // Bowling Green, KY
May 16 Peoples Bank Theatre // Marietta, OH
May 17 The Event Center at Hollywood Casino // Charles Town, WV
May 29 American Music Theatre // Lancaster, PA
May 30 Parx Xcite Center // Bensalem, PA
May 31 Paramount Theatre // Charlottesville, VA
June 8 CMA Music Festival 2025 // Nashville, TN
June 13 IP Casino Resort Spa – Studio A // Biloxi, MS
June 14 Peach Jam // Clanton, AL
June 20 Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino // Lake Charles, LA
June 21 Wild Adventures Live! 2025 // Valdosta, GA
June 26 Country Stampede // Topeka, KS
July 12 Country Concert 2025 // Fort Laramie, OH
July 17 Kresge Auditorium // Interlochen, MI
July 18 Country Thunder Wisconsin // Twin Lakes, WI
July 19 The Amp at Log Still // Gethsemane, KY
July 25 Night In The Country Music Festival // Yerington, NV
Aug. 1 Happys Inn // Libby, MT
Aug. 2 Big Valley Jamboree // Camrose, AB
Aug. 7 WE Fest // Detroit Lakes, MN
Aug. 13 Put In Bay // Put-In-Bay, OH
Aug. 15 Country Thunder Alberta // Calgary, AB
Aug. 21 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre // West Palm Beach, FL with Little Big Town
Aug. 23 The Wharf Amphitheater // Orange Beach, AL with Little Big Town
Sept. 13 Spyglass Ridge Winery // Sunbury, PA
Grab tickets on Ashley's website right here.
