Honors enrollments on the rise

The+Honors+Club+gathered+yesterday+outside+of+Morey+Hall+for+its+first+meeting.+Club+adviser%2C+Dr.+Deb+Whitt%2C+led+discussions+about+trips+students+can+take%2C+events+they+can+organize+and+host+as+well+as+officer+elections+for+the+2016-17+school+year.

Brandon Powell

The Honors Club gathered yesterday outside of Morey Hall for its first meeting. Club adviser, Dr. Deb Whitt, led discussions about trips students can take, events they can organize and host as well as officer elections for the 2016-17 school year.

Erika Schwartz, Staff Writer

The average student at Wayne State College might question their intelligence more than once throughout the semester, but the rise in honors student enrollment suggests otherwise.
“Over the past three years the honors program has steadily increased,” said honors program adviser Dr. Deborah Whitt. “When I took over the program we had about 350 students, and we are up to over 400 honors students now.”
In order to become eligible for the Wayne State College Honors Program, students must have an ACT score of 25 or higher. Students can also work their way into the program by earning a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Once in the program, these scholars have the opportunity to take advantage of various benefits. Some of the perks include early registration privileges, specialty honors housing and the ability to enroll in honors sections of general education courses.
The spike in honors student enrollment can be credited to the tireless work of Whitt. She has dedicated a large portion of her time to recruiting honors eligible high school seniors to Wayne State College. Along with the help of the Honors Club, Whitt organized the annual Honors Day in a successful attempt to portray all of the benefits that the college has to offer honors students. They also have sent numerous letters to high school students, encouraging them to check out Wayne State’s features.
“We have spent a lot of time targeting potential students in order to grow our program,” Whitt said. “This is such an exciting opportunity. It is enjoyable and rewarding.”
Although there are many moments where Wayne State students question their academic abilities, the honors program growth is proof that dedication and perseverance exists within the walls of Wayne State College.
If there are any students who are interested in or have questions about the honors program, please feel encouraged by Dr. Deborah Whitt to visit her in her office in Humanities 113c, call her at (402)-375-7352 or email [email protected].