More than 80 students were welcomed into the Honors College at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, during a matriculation ceremony held in Foundation Hall of the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center.
“It was a really nice ceremony,” said Dr. Lynne Belcher, professor of English and director of the Honors College program at SAU. “It was a very formal ceremony with Dr. Rankin (SAU president) and Dr. Lamkin (SAU vice president for academic affairs) speaking. A lot of parents came, and I think they enjoyed the ceremony.”
Dr. Stacy Clanton, professor of English at SAU, served as the main speaker for the ceremony.
“Dr. Clanton did an outstanding job of addressing our students and guests,” added Belcher.
The Honors College at SAU recognizes significant academic achievement.
Beginning freshmen with a composite ACT score of 26 or higher are encouraged to apply to the SAU Honors College. SAU students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may petition the Honors College for admission. Other criteria may also be used to determine eligibility.
“As an Honors College member, students are provided with a unique experience to broaden their horizons,” said Dr. Corbet Lamkin, vice president for academic affairs. “I hope students enjoy the experience and gain as much knowledge as they possibly can from the Honors College world-class faculty.”
Students enrolled in the Honors Program will have an opportunity to study in a quiet living/learning environment in a designated residence hall. As a part of their studies, students in the Honors College will enroll in 18 hours of lower level Honors courses and six hours of upper level Honors courses.
Students who qualify and participate in the program will also receive a $250 a year stipend in addition to their academic scholarships.
To earn the distinction as an Honors College graduate, students must complete a total of 24 hours of Honors College credit. Classes offered include seminars, general education courses, upper-level courses in the student’s major field, colloquiums, and independent studies.
Students who complete the course requirement of the Honors College will receive special recognition at graduation and will receive the distinction as “Southern Arkansas University Honors Program Scholar” on their transcripts and diplomas.
For more information regarding Honors College at SAU, call 870-235-4202.
