© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

University of Florida is giving an honorary doctorate in music to the late Tom Petty

(SOUNDBITE OF TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS SONG, "LEARNING TO FLY")

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Good morning. I'm A Martínez. The University of Florida is giving an honorary doctorate in music to the late rock star Tom Petty. The school is based in Gainesville, where Petty was born and raised. His family also donated 100 grand to establish the Tom Petty Endowment for Guitars and Innovation. So if you enroll, you can start "Runnin' Down A Dream" of a guitar degree. Now, that sounds like "The Best Of Everything." But, hey, if you have a "Change Of Heart," don't fret because "It'll All Work Out." It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.