Husch Blackwell’s Chairman Maurice Watson received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, during the school’s commencement ceremonies May 13, 2017.
Watson, a member of the firm’s Healthcare, Life Sciences and Education group, focuses his legal practice on representing educational institutions, including public and private schools and school systems, colleges and universities, and regional and national education associations. He also advises public, private and nonprofit boards.
Watson was appointed Chairman of Husch Blackwell in 2012.
“The Honorary Doctorate is among the highest honors bestowed by a college,” said John Gill, a member of the William Jewell College Board of Trustees, during the commencement ceremony. “This recognition is reserved for individuals who distinguish themselves through professional contributions or who reflect the values of William Jewell College through civic service and leadership.”
Among his many civic and community leadership roles, Watson currently sits on the Boards of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Harry S. Truman Library Institute and Ford’s Theatre.
Watson served as a senior aide to U.S. Senator John Danforth before joining Husch Blackwell.