West Haven. Fair Rent Commission Chairman and two time Republican Mayoral nominee Steven R. Mullins will be presented with an honorary doctorate in public policy from International American University in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, June 7.
“Having watched Steve for many years and seeing his diligent work in local government and his extraordinary humanitarian service throughout the world, providing disaster relief to areas struck by violent storms, IAU is honored to present him with this long-deserved recognition,” said University President Dr. Ryan Doan.
Prior to his time on the Fair Rent Commission, Mullins served 16 years on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, where he served six years as either Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Commission. “This honor is certainly an unexpected surprise,” said Mullins, who is also a West Haven Justice of the Peace and a volunteer firefighter in the Allingtown District. “I am thankful to Ryan and the IAU Board of Trustees for their confidence in me by presenting me with such a rare honor. ”
Unlike earned doctoral degrees, an honorary doctorate is bestowed by a college, university or other institution to someone that has made significant contributions to a field or discipline. Honorary doctorates in public policy and law are usually reserved for individuals with outstanding records of public service, government and leadership. Recipients of the honor receive all the rights, privileges, benefits and marks of distinction pertaining to a doctoral degree.
“The IAU Board of Trustees and the Selection Committee chose to award Commissioner Mullins with a public policy doctorate honorus causa for his decades long service as a city official, policymaker, public advocate and influencer in Connecticut,” Doan said.”We believe that recognizing the work of local officials is just as important as national and international figures.”
A relatively new institution, IAU was founded in 2005. It is based in Los Angeles, California. The school has campuses throughout California and Asia. Their student body population is just under 2,500, with 1,450 international students.
The mission of IAU is to provide a positive learning social environment and promote ethical business practices according to Christian principles.
“Steven Mullins exemplifies the moral, Christian principles that our institution teaches our students. He is a magnificent doctoral candidate,” Doan said