August 23rd, 2011
Texas State honors program to become new college

STAFF REPORT

The Texas State University Honors Program will become an independent college directed by a dean who reports directly to the university provost.

The university’s honors program is currently administered by University College. The Texas State University System Board of Regents, a nine-member board appointed by the governor, authorized the creation of the the Honors College last week at a meeting in Alpine. University officials say establishing the Honors College marks another step in the evolution of an already-successful honors program.

The Honoros College will be structured to provide rigorous, challenging coursework and will involve greater academic expectations across a wide range of disciplines.

“Establishing an Honors College at Texas State reflects the current growth of the University Honors Program in size and depth of curriculum,” said Texas State Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Eugene Bourgeois. “The increased visibility of an Honors College will attract more high-ability students who will excel as leaders in private industry, non-profits, government and entrepreneurial enterprises.”

Bourgeois said attracting students who can succeed in honors coursework requires substantial scholarship support. Therefore, raising funds for scholarships will be a key component of the university’s upcoming Pride in Action capital campaign, said Bourgeois.

“Two pillars of that campaign are Academic Excellence and the Family Campaign (supported by Texas State faculty and staff), which are going to target donations in support of scholarships for high-ability students,” said Bourgeois.

Texas State’s University Honors Program began in 1966. The program offers undergraduate research opportunities to capable students and an enriched academic community.

University officials described the Honors Program as offering small, stimulating classes taught by master teacher scholars. Honors graduates achieve acceptance into highly competitive national and international graduate and professional programs, university officials said.