Here at Ouachita, students are given the freedom to choose a major where they will be introduced and developed in a certain subject of their choice. While studies within that major are enough to prepare students for the future, the Carl Goodson Honors Program provides an opportunity to extend those studies beyond a specific degree.
“The main goal of the program is that every Honors graduate excel academically and have the capability to do research on their own, but the Honors Program also seeks to foster the sense of scholarly community that gives students the opportunity to interact and work together in the pursuit of knowledge and their own goals,” says Seth Daniell, academic co-chair for the program.
While the honors program presents students with a variety of options, there is still a sense of structure that can be followed. Freshman year students are to enroll in two CORE classes out of the honors section. As a sophomore, students must take two honors seminars. These are one-hour credits that allow students to study in an area outside their major. Moving on to junior year, students are required to complete a one hour dedicated study with a professor and on a topic of their choice. This dedicated study follows them into senior year, where they will write and present their senior thesis at Scholar’s Day. Once all four years have been completed, honor students will receive a gold stole for commencement and graduate with honors.
“Most students enter the program their freshman or sophomore year and spread the requirements over three or four years,” said Daniell. “Although it is technically possible to finish the program in three semesters, this is not ideal, and many students enjoy the flexibility of being able to spread it out during their time at Ouachita.”
While being a part of the Carl Goodson Honors Program may take a lot of hard work and dedication, the perks make the effort well worth it. As an honors participant, students will receive priority during pre-registration, early move-in privileges, and access to the Honors Lounge for private studying. Not only do honors students receive perks on campus, but they also have amazing opportunities off campus including an honors trip abroad and travel grants to fund independent research.
Honors students are dedicated to their academic lives, but the participants of the Carl Goodson Honors Program also break away from the books and reach out to other areas of college life. Not only do they take part in Tiger Serve Day and an annual retreat, but they also host events for everyone on campus to enjoy. Spring Swing is one of their most popular events. During this exciting event, students are instructed on proper dance techniques and enjoy watching a friendly dance competition open to all students.
Last year, the Honors Program hosted a scavenger hunt in the fall. This is a newer event that the students of the program wish to continue.
Honors students also have the esteemed privilege to work alongside and be critiqued by an incredible group of faculty members. The 2015-2016 Honors Council Members include: Dr. Angela Douglas, Dr. Doug Nykolaishen, Ms. Summer Bruch, Dr. Johnny Wink, Dr. Myra Houser, Dr. Kathy Collins, Dr. James Files, Dr. Barbara Pemberton, and Dr. Stan Poole.
“This is something that I am passionate about. I truly believe in what Honors is about and all the good it does, not just to the students in the program, but to everyone. It’s a great honor to be able to help this program as it continues to grow and improve,” said Daniell.
For more information on the Carl Goodson Honors Program, please contact Dr. Pemberton at pembertonb@obu.edu, Daniell at dan58949@obu.edu or Taylor Bascue at bas58625@obu.edu.
By Ali Kinsey
