Dominica-born music industry executive, Chester Wilkins, awarded honorary doctoral degree

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Chester “Massive” Wilkins, a music technology expert and creative leader born in Dominica, was honored by Upper Room Theological University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree (honoris causa). This accolade recognized “his outstanding contributions to music, digital rights management, Caribbean cultural promotion, and global entertainment innovation,” said a press release.

The write-up cites that the award was presented during the university’s graduation ceremony, Dr. Wilkins was celebrated for his work in ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding and his influential role in creating revenue opportunities and safeguarding artists’ rights worldwide, with a special emphasis on Caribbean creators.  According to the media release, his lifelong dedication to integrating technology, cultural expression, and intellectual property rights makes this recognition particularly fitting.

Upper Room Theological University is a faith-centered institution dedicated to comprehensive higher education, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across theological, ministerial, and creative disciplines. Its honorary degrees are awarded to individuals “who demonstrate exceptional leadership, cultural impact, and vocation-driven service.”

Based in Iowa, Dr. Wilkins is described as a highly regarded strategist and entrepreneur committed to advocating for fair artist compensation, digital transparency, and empowerment within the music industry—especially for Caribbean artists. He has reportedly participated in panels on music and intellectual property rights across cities such as New York, Trinidad, and Chicago. Most recently, he appeared at the National Bar Association’s Centennial Convention as a speaker on the “Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence” panel, alongside legal experts including Bernice Lawrence, an entertainment attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Through his enterprise, Know the Codes, Dr. Wilkins has trained numerous legal professionals throughout the United States in ISRC coding and metadata management, ensuring that digital advancements continue to benefit artists and their rights.

Music industry veteran and former A&R executive at Def Jam Records, Dr. Michael Neely from Atlanta, expressed his support, stating, “He is understanding, he is very intelligent and he is capable of doing everything he has mentioned.

“He is understanding, he is very intelligent and he is capable of doing everything he has mentioned.”

In accepting the award, Dr. Wilkins shared, “To receive this honorary doctorate is humbling. I accept it not only for myself, but on behalf of every creative soul from Dominica, the Caribbean, and beyond—who has believed that our music, our culture, our stories belong on the world stage. My role is to help creators protect their works so that they can monetise their talent and earn the royalties that they deserve.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Wilkins says he plans to use this recognition as a catalyst to deepen his mentorship efforts for Caribbean professionals interested in music technology, rights management, and digital entrepreneurship. By 2026, he aims to continue hosting workshops and training legal experts in ISRC coding and related areas.

He is the son of the late Winston Wilkins and Melvina Boyer, known for owning the popular community spot Melvina’s Bar and Restaurant in Pointe Michel. He is also the stepson of Vincent Boyer, who helped raise him.

During Saturday’s graduation ceremony, honorary degrees were awarded across several categories, including Arts & Entertainment, Civic and Community Involvement, Ecclesiastical, Humanitarian, and Music Awards.

Chester Wilkins:

Michael Neely: