Dominica-born music coding expert and creative executive Chester “Massive” Wilkins was, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, honored by Upper Room Theological University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, digital rights management, Caribbean cultural promotion, and global entertainment innovation.
The degree was conferred during the University’s graduation ceremony, where Dr. Wilkins was celebrated for his pioneering work in ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) coding and his leadership in facilitating revenue streams and rights protection for artists worldwide, with a particular focus on Caribbean creators. His decades-long commitment to bridging technology, creative culture, and intellectual property makes this honor especially fitting.
Upper Room Theological University is a faith-based institution committed to holistic higher education, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across theological, ministerial, and creative arts disciplines. Its honorary degree program recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, cultural impact, and vocation-driven service.
Dr. Wilkins, who resides in Iowa, is widely respected as a strategist and entrepreneur advocating for fair compensation, digital transparency, and empowerment of artists—especially those from the Caribbean region. He has served on music and intellectual property panels from New York to Trinidad to Chicago, most recently presenting at the National Bar Association’s Centennial Convention on the “Entertainment Industry and Artificial Intelligence” panel alongside notable legal minds, including fellow Dominican Bernice Lawrence, an entertainment lawyer based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Through his company, Know the Codes, Dr. Wilkins has trained dozens of lawyers across the U.S. on ISRC coding and metadata as digital advancements continue to reshape the music industry and the needs of their clients.
Receiving the Doctor of Music degree represents more than a ceremonial accolade—it reflects Dr. Wilkins’ consistent fusion of artistry, technology, and advocacy. Dr. Michael Neely, an Atlanta-based music manager and former A&R (Artists and Repertoire) executive at Def Jam Records, said he was proud to recommend Dr. Wilkins for this honor. “He is understanding, he is very intelligent, and he is capable of doing everything he has mentioned.”
Dr. Neely, who received an honorary Doctor of Music degree in 2024 from the same institution, added, “I have witnessed how he interacts with people. He doesn’t gatekeep, and he is always teaching others, including myself.”
“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,” Dr. Wilkins said.
He continued, “My role is to help creators protect their works so that they can monetize their talent and earn the royalties they deserve.”
Dr. Wilkins intends to leverage this recognition as a springboard to expand his mentorship of Caribbean professionals seeking careers in music technology, rights management, and digital entrepreneurship. In 2026, he plans to continue hosting training sessions for legal professionals in ISRC coding.
Dr. Wilkins is the son of the late Winston Wilkins and Melvina Boyer, owner of the once-popular Melvina’s Bar and Restaurant in Pointe Michel. He is also the stepson of Vincent Boyer, who helped raise him.
At Saturday’s convocation, honorary degrees were awarded in several categories: Arts & Entertainment, Civic, Community Involvement, Ecclesiastic, Humanitarian, and Music.
