Kathy Bates, a 1969 SMU graduate, initially earned her reputation as an actress in the theater. She received New York Obie and L.A. Drama Critics awards for her performance in "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" and a Tony nomination and Dramalogue Award for the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "'night, Mother." She has breathed life into a diversity of characters for such plays as "Vanities," "Fifth of July," and "The Road to Mecca," demonstrating a range and talent descriptive of few. Punctuating her career in film and television are an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her performance in the film "Misery," as well as British Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for "Fried Green Tomatoes." Ms. Bates has expanded her interests to directing, receiving an Emmy Award nomination in 1999 for the television drama "Dash and Lilly." Kathy Bates represents the professional that Meadows School of the Arts aspires to educate and train and provides a consummate role model for artists across generations. For her exemplary contribution to the art and craft of acting, and for the pleasures she has given countless theater, television, and film audiences, Southern Methodist University is honored to confer upon Kathy Bates the degree of Doctor of Arts, honoris causa.