Tyrese Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University: “Dr. Gibson Is Here”

Tyrese has added another accomplishment to his résumé. On Sunday (Aug. 25), the singer received an honorary degree from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University to commemorate his contributions to society.

“Please please I am asking you to put some respect on my name Dr. Gibson is here,” he wrote in his Instagram caption. During the ceremony, he thanked the fellow honorees in the room and the man above, saying, “One of the things that I have to say is I’m so grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In another clip of the R&B legend’s Instagram Live, he added, “Hey guys, I know there’s a lot of sad stuff going on in the world but this is not a funeral. This is a graduation. My office hours are now from nine to three. Dr. Gibson.”

Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University is located in Woodlands, Texas, and aims to “offer empowering Christian entrepreneur classes, team building classes, public speaking, associate degree, bachelor degree, masters degree and Doctorate Degree programs. Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University also offers Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanitarianism as well as Community Development Certifications,” per their official description.

The honor was met with mix reactions, with many congratulating the Beautiful Pain singer while others commented that he didn’t “earn” the degree. Dr. Simon Iyore Guobadia came to his defense, as his top comment under Tyrese’s post read, “Congrats Dr. Gibson! Glad you are being recognized for your many contributions to society and humanity. For those in the back who are about to come for me that he did not earn it. Please look up the word “Honorary” BEFORE you share your ignorance with the world.”

The Fast & Furious actor also made headlines last week after another memorable appearance on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club. When Charlamagne Tha God asked him if he has truly unpacked the tough losses in his life, Tyrese broke down in tears and explained how it has been hard to process the grief.

“I’m doing the best I can with every 24 hours I get,” he said. “Black men cry. F**k a tissue. Every 24 hours I get, I’m doing the best I can. Beautiful Pain, 1992, there is no square footage I could ever live in. There is no rims, no jewelry, no car, no net worth, no press release, no co-star, there was no collaboration in the world that could ever replace my mama. That could never fill the void of what it’s like to wake up and get married and be in something for the rest of your life and it goes away.”

Elsewhere in the interview he promotes his upcoming project Beautiful Pain, talks about the current state of R&B, and more. Check out the interview below and him receiving his honorary degree above.