Dr. Zulma Toro, Interim Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, announced today the appointment of Dr. Simon Hawkins as Director of UALR’s Honors College. His appointment is effective July 1.
Hawkins will oversee several honors programs within the college including the Donaghey Scholars program and two tracks of the Honors College university scholars program.
As a member of the Honors College Task Force and interim director of Donaghey Scholars since late 2014, Hawkins has been instrumental in the college’s creation.
“He is the right choice to lead the charge to provide a collaborative learning environment beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom for transfer, continuing, and first-year students,” said Toro.
During an interview, Hawkins outlined his hopes for the new college.
“We want to provide a high-quality, research-driven education to the diverse population that UALR serves. The Donaghey Scholars Honors Program has a reputation for first-rate students who could hold up anywhere in the country,” Hawkins said.
“I have students outside of the Donaghey Scholars that fall into that category. I want to make sure they get the same opportunities to really do the cutting edge research that they are capable of.”
Students interested in applying for the Honors College should visit the website at ualr.edu/honorscollege/admissions or call 501.569.3389.