The sprinter is the current world 200m champion and reigning European champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.
Asher-Smith won a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay in the Tokyo Olympics but withdrew from the 200m with an injury.
She said her focus is now the 100m at the Birmingham Diamond League competition on 21 May.
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Asher-Smith, who has a history degree, wrote an award-winning column in which she shared personal stories of racism.
She told BBC South East: “It feels uniquely special to be recognised by the University of Kent. I’m very much used to performing on track and getting the accolades and medals that come with that, but when you get recognised by your local community, being a Kent girl myself, it feels really special.
