Ashley McBryde is receiving a huge honor. The 41-year-old will receive her honorary doctorate degree in music from her alma mater, Arkansas State University, where McBryde studied on a French horn scholarship. At the time, McBryde was also performing, which is what led her to drop out of college to pursue music full-time. It was a bold move, especially since “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” the title track of her debut album, was inspired by a high school teacher telling her she would never make it as a songwriter.
Todd Shields, Chancellor at Arkansas State, referenced the song when delivering the good news to McBryde.
“You are certainly not, nor have you ever been, a ‘Girl Goin’ Nowhere,'” Shields says. “And that is why I’m inviting you to this stage, to the commencement stage. I am so excited to let you know that Arkansas State University has decided to recognize you with an honorary doctoral degree in music. We hope this recognition stands proudly among your other incredible achievements, not just in music, but in the countless lives you’ve inspired along the way.
“You’ve proven that no dream is too big for those who are brave enough to chase it,” he continues. “We are deeply proud that you are a part of our pack, and we can’t wait to present your doctoral degree at an upcoming commencement ceremony. Congratulations, Dr. McBryde.”
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McBryde is visibly emotional as Shields delivers the news. McBryde’s father had hoped she would become a physician like he was, instead of a musician. It makes the news of her honorary doctorate even more meaningful.
“Everybody called my dad Doc, and everybody called his dad Doc,” McBryde says in a statement. “I always wondered what that felt like – the pride that filled their chests when they were addressed by that title. 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.”
Shields is rightfully thrilled to present McBryde with her well-deserved honorary doctorate degree.
“Arkansas State University is incredibly proud of Ashley McBryde, and I am honored she is part of our ‘Red Wolf Pack,’” he says. “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.”
The Grand Ole Opry member is celebrating much more than her new degree. She is also proudly sober, recently celebrating 1000 days of sobriety.
“1,000 days, 1,000 moons,” McBryde said of the milestone. “1,000 hangovers skipped. 1,000 drunk ‘I’m sorrys’ I didn’t have to say. 1,000 times in a row I made the choice to not pick it up or not miss it when the smell crossed my nose. 1,000 times I have shown that the power of the love of a song and the love of the road are stronger than the pull to ever go back to who I was. 1,000 ‘I love you’s’ I say to my reflection. I see the woman I am now and the woman I am on my way to being and I have love and compassion for the woman I was and I care for her daily.
“Wherever you are in your journey, day 1, day 0…. Day 400 or day zero again for the 10th time,” she adds. “It is worth it. Every day is a milestone. Every version of you was necessary to be who you are now. So love them.”
Find all of McBryde’s music and upcoming shows at AshleyMcBryde.com.
Photo Credit: Katie Kauss