Last Updated on May 7, 2026 10:19 pm
WataugaOnline has learned that country music superstar Luke Combs received an honorary degree from Appalachian State University on Thursday night during the school's spring commencement ceremony in the Holmes Convocation Center.
Combs attended Appalachian State in the late 2000s before leaving 21 hours short of his degree to pursue a country music career in Nashville. He has often credited his time in Boone with shaping his musical path, having played some of his earliest performances at venues including the Parthenon Cafe and Town Tavern.
In the years since leaving Boone, Combs has become one of the biggest names in country music — winning the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award in both 2021 and 2022, charting more than a dozen number-one singles, and releasing five studio albums.
Combs has also remained closely tied to western North Carolina. In October 2024, he and fellow App State alumnus Eric Church organized the “Concert for Carolina” at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, raising more than $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts across the region.
Appalachian State's spring commencement runs Thursday through Saturday, May 7-9, with multiple ceremonies across the three days.
Press release from App State:
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University presented an honorary degree of music to country music icon and alumnus Luke Combs during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 7.
The honor recognizes Combs for his historic achievements in the music industry and his commitment to using his platform as a catalyst for service and community impact.
“In every sense, Luke Combs represents the character and heart of a Mountaineer,” App State Chancellor Heather Norris said during the ceremony. “His story inspires our students to dream big, work hard, and always remember where they came from. He represents the very best of our university community: a life lived with purpose, driven by a commitment to excellence and a genuine care for others.”
A native North Carolinian, Combs was born in the Charlotte area and raised in Asheville, where he attended A.C. Reynolds High School. His journey to the global stage began during his time as an App State student in Boone, N.C., from 2008 to 2012. It was here that he found his voice performing at local venues, building a loyal following before ever setting foot in a Nashville recording studio.
Since then, his career has followed a record-breaking trajectory characterized by a consistent string of chart-topping hits and multiple industry honors, including twice being named the CMA Entertainer of the Year. His influence has transcended the country music genre, leading to his recent inclusion among TIME Magazine’s TIME100 list of the Most Influential People in the world — a recognition that celebrates not just his talent, but the authenticity that has made him an international icon.
His impact extends beyond the music industry — from raising over $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief through the “Concert for Carolina,” to his advocacy for mental health awareness and his support for veterans and music education.
Beyond the accolades, the university cited Combs’ unwavering pride in the Mountaineer community and in the people of North Carolina. A vocal champion for the university, Combs notably returned to campus in 2022 to serve as the celebrity guest picker for the first-ever appearance of ESPN’s College GameDay in Boone. Whether wearing the black and gold on a national broadcast or performing for a capacity crowd at Kidd Brewer Stadium, he has continued to share the Mountaineer spirit with audiences worldwide.
Photo via X
