Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws

John C. Carney, Jr

Distinguished Blue Hen, after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, you earned your master’s degree in public administration from the University of Delaware. During your time in graduate school, you helped coach freshman football here at UD. Throughout your career, you have retained strong ties to the University, recognizing its importance to the success of our state and its people.

Committed public servant, you began your career in government as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for New Castle County. You served on the staff of then-Senator Joe Biden and under then-Governor Thomas Carper as Delaware’s Secretary of Finance and Chief of Staff. You were elected lieutenant governor in 2000 and served two terms under then-Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, you served three terms, during which you were known for working across the aisle to find solutions to benefit all Americans.

Dedicated Delawarean, as governor of the First State from January 2017 to January 2025, you focused your efforts on making Delaware’s economy more competitive, preparing its children to succeed, and building a long-term sustainable financial plan for the state. During your second term, you successfully ushered Delawareans and the state’s economy through the COVID-19 pandemic. You also developed a Climate Action Plan for how Delaware can combat and prepare for climate change.

In the waning days of your second term as governor, when others might have decided to hang up their hat, you accepted a new challenge as you took office as mayor of Wilmington, the state’s largest city.

Throughout your long and distinguished career in public service, you have always put your constituents and their interests first.

Therefore, under the authority of the Board of Trustees of the University of Delaware, I have the honor of conferring on you, John C. Carney Jr., the degree of Doctor of Laws. In testimony thereof, I am pleased to present to you this diploma.

Terri L. Kelly
May 24, 2025