Richard Childress Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from UNOH

In a ceremony held at Sapona Ridge Country Club in Lexington, NC, legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) on Wednesday, May 15.

 

With more than 100 people in attendance, including his wife Judy, daughter Tina Dillon, son-in-law Mike Dillon, and grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon, the 14-time championship race team owner was bestowed the honor by Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis, president of UNOH.
Dr. Jarvis presented the degree based on Childress’ achievements in the high performance/motorsports industry, his commitment to assist in the school’s goal of achieving educational excellence and his lifetime achievements in the field of auto racing.

 

“Obviously, Dr. Childress is an icon in all of motorsports,” said Steve Farmer, vice president of corporate development for UNOH. “We are recognizing him for his accomplishments on and off the track, what he has done for all of motorsports and the great relationship we have with Dr. Childress and RCR.

“He is very deserving of this honorary degree. This is a relationship we want to see continue for many years. When it comes to people like Richard Childress, he is second to none.”

During the presentation, his many racing achievements, successful business ventures and commitment to various charitable causes were named off. They included his six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, five NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and owner championships and two Camping World Truck Series championships.

His work with the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and numerous outdoors conservation causes, were among other accomplishments mentioned. Childress was also recognized for his success with Childress Vineyards, Yadkin River Angus Farm and Sapona Ridge Country Club and his race team, RCR.

“This is a great honor to receive this honorary degree from UNOH,” Childress said. “I would like to thank everyone in racing, the vineyard and CIPT for being part of this, too.

“I can’t thank the people from UNOH enough for all they’ve done with their motorsports programs. They have changed the lives of so many young people’s lives and careers with what they teach at their fine school.

“I have had many great moments in my life, but this one ranks right up there as one of the highest honors I have ever received.”

RCR PR