2011 Honorary Degree Recipient

Jeffrey L. Cummings, M.D.

Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)

Committed to education, research, and improving the human condition, Jeffrey L. Cummings, M.D. is considered one of the nation's "rock stars" of science.

Born and raised in Basin, Wyoming, Cummings stands as the epitome of what can be, and is, accomplished by citizens of this great state and graduates of the University of Wyoming.  He received his B.S. in zoology and physiology (1970, magna cum laude) from UW before moving on to the University of Washington where he earned his M.D.  Board certified in the field of neurology, the main focus of Cummings' research for the past 25 years has been the dementing diseases.  Teacher, scholar, and administrator at some of the nation's most prestigious medical clinics, he has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.  A prolific author and the creator of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the most widely used comprehensive tool used throughout the world to assess brain function, Cummings' texts are seminal and frequently referred to as classics in the fields of neuropsychiatry, neurology, and Alzheimer's research.  Today, he is acclaimed as the world leader in finding solutions to the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. 

For all of your contributions, Jeffrey L. Cummings, the University of Wyoming is honored to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.