Honors Scholars Program

Honors Center

The Honors Center, available to honors students twenty-four hours a day, provides an attractive location for studying, cooking, watching television, and tutoring. Some classes are held in the center.

The Honors House provides a cohesive place of belonging for the program. Honors students each have a key and visit often for a variety of reasons—class, study space, laundry. The Honors Scholars Program moved into the house in the fall of 2007.  During the previous school year, this house, former home of the University’s president, became available. Program Director Dr. Brad Gambill and Academic Dean Dr. Ed Erickson began to discuss the possibility of using the building as a place to house the honors program. Dialogue became reality, and Honors now has a new home.

Dr. Gambill and Administrative Assistant Glenda Manos each have their offices in the center. Students are always more than welcome to stop by their offices to visit or ask questions. The program’s student government also has an office equipped with a computer, whiteboard, and storage space to facilitate the planning of activities.

The front door opens into a spacious living room. An arrangement of couches and tables provide an atmosphere conducive to study. At almost any hour of the day one or two students can be found occupying a chair or table, dutifully reading for class or searching the web for an assignment. High speed wireless Internet access is available in the house. There is also a wide-screen television with a DVD player for viewing films. 

A classroom was added to the house over the summer of 2008. Most honors classes are now taught in that classroom. Also added during 2008 was the Shirley Thomas Library. Shirley Thomas founded the Honors Program in 1988, and this collection of books reflects her commitment to learning. Students are encouraged to borrow the books and donate their own to the library.

Other features of the honors house include frequent student art displays, an informational bulletin board, an interactive chalk board wall, a fully-outfitted kitchen, and a laundry room that does not require quarters.

“CLASSROOM”

The Honors Classroom provides a location for teaching the honors classes. It is equipped will all the typical accessories such as a document camera, a computer, and two white boards. In addition, the student desks and tables have wheels to accommodate new arrangements.

“TALK BACK”

In this picture, Author Jill Briscoe expounds on the message she shared during chapel. Visiting chapel speakers generally lead an optional follow up discussion in the afternoon. Talk Back Sessions are open to all students, and chapel credit is given to students who attend.

“BACK PORCH”

To kick off the new year, the program has traditionally hosted a backyard BBQ. This informal event allows new Honors students to meet upperclassmen who are in the program. The Honors faculty also attends.