Nestled amidst the bustling campus of the University, lies a haven of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor—the Honors College.
Established in 1982 with a mission to cultivate an environment of interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking, the Honors College has since become a cornerstone of academic excellence and community engagement.
At the helm of the Honors College is Gemme Terese, a distinguished Professor of Music and the College’s Director. With a passion for nurturing inquisitive minds, Terese elaborates on the founding principles of the Honors College.
“Our goal is to provide students with a platform to challenge themselves and engage in deeper discussions about general education topics,” Terese says.
Rooted in the belief that knowledge is interconnected, the Honors College curriculum encourages students to explore the intersections between diverse fields of study.
According to Terese, the Honors College teaches students through a multifaceted approach to education. The capstone ties all of it together as it empowers students to delve into the depths of knowledge, forge connections across disciplines and emerge as leaders poised to enact positive societal change.
“The Honors College Capstone is a culmination of academic exploration, curiosity of knowledge and leadership development, reflecting a philosophy that nurtures curiosity and cultivates future leaders,” Terese says
Additionally, Terese outlined approximately 3% of the incoming first-year class gains acceptance into the Honors College, with roughly 90% of these students graduating from the program. The Honors College is inclusive of all majors, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines.
“Despite consistently accepting 40 students annually, the program boasts an evolving faculty body, with approximately 15 faculty members from various departments contributing to its curriculum each semester,” Terese says.
Kyle Mashia-Thaxton, a history and political science senior of the Honors College, reflects on the transformative impact of his experience.
“Being part of the Honors College is more than just a title; it’s about belonging to a community of intellectually curious individuals,” he says.
Thaxton discovered his passion for social justice advocacy through engaging coursework and extracurricular activities. His thesis on the “Paradox of freedom within the prison system” exemplifies the depth of inquiry and critical thinking nurtured within the Honors College.
“The capstone project challenged me to confront uncomfortable truths and advocate for meaningful change. I investigated the exploitation of convict labor and the implications of the 13th Amendment loophole. Through my research, I aimed to shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by incarcerated individuals,” Thaxton says.
Allison Rodriguez, a communications disorders and Spanish junior, underscores the importance of community engagement within the Honors College.
Rodriguez also found herself drawn to issues of social justice, as her capstone project focused on creating a supportive community for undocumented students, addressing critical gaps in resources and support.
“Joining the Honors College means embracing challenges and a desire to learn beyond my majors, and being a part of it made me feel accomplished and proud of myself, especially as a non-native English speaker,” says Rodriguez.
As part of Rodriguez’s Capstone, she focused on creating a supportive community for undocumented students and addressing real-world challenges. Thus the UndocuAlly Student Alliance was formed as she identified a lack of resources and community spaces tailored to this demographic through her initiative.
Her project involved collaborating with advisors and fellow students to create a safe and inclusive environment for undocumented students to connect, access resources and receive support.
“Our club seeks to raise awareness and foster empathy among students, creating a more inclusive campus environment. Through our student-led club, we aim to break taboos surrounding undocumented individuals and provide essential resources,” says Rodriguez.
Gracie Marsh, a senior nursing major with an honors minor, echoes Jani ‘s sentiments, emphasizing the Honors College’s role in broadening her intellectual horizons. As Marsh delves into her capstone project, a captivating photo essay documenting Spain’s rich history and architecture, she emphasizes her experience’s transformative nature.
“Through my project, I aim to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and explore new perspectives. By showcasing the intricate stories behind Spain’s architecture, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and ignite curiosity among viewers,” Marsh says.
Anna Jani, an interdisciplinary studies senior with concentrations in the social sciences, spanish and linguistics, shares her transformative journey within the Honors College.
“The courses offered here replace our general education requirements with more rigorous alternatives. While challenging, these courses have allowed me to delve deeper into various subjects, enhancing my academic understanding and preparing me for future endeavors,” Jani says.
Gracie Marsh, a senior nursing major with an honors minor, echoes Jani ‘s sentiments, emphasizing the Honors College’s role in broadening her intellectual horizons. As Marsh delves into her capstone project, a captivating photo essay documenting Spain’s rich history and architecture, she emphasizes her experience’s transformative nature.
“Through my project, I aim to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and explore new perspectives. By showcasing the intricate stories behind Spain’s architecture, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and ignite curiosity among viewers,” Marsh says.
The path to admission into the Honors College is rigorous, as outlined by Terese. Prospective students undergo a comprehensive selection process, which includes submitting essays, participating in interviews, and engaging in mock classroom discussions. Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen, reflecting the College’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and fostering a diverse community of scholars.
“We go through this process to identify students who we think will really get a lot out of this program and who will thrive in this program. It’s not for everyone,” says Terese.
Though the Honors College is not for everyone, Marsh offers words of advice for anyone interested.
“Don’t let [intensive writing] scare you. The Honors College will support you through it. They want you to succeed. Being part of the Honors College is more than just a title; it’s about belonging to a community of intellectually curious individuals,” Marsh says.
