Honors Global Scholars program expands enrollment, looks forward

Students get sworn in as global scholars during an April ceremony. University Relations photo

Honors Global Scholars, a signature initiative within University Honors at Troy University, has expanded its enrollment while creating new opportunities for students through research, leadership, scholarships, international experiences and community engagement.

“We started with about 50 students in our inaugural Global Scholars class, and in just two years we’re at about 120 students collectively,” said Dr. Priya Menon, director of the Honors Global Scholars program. “We’ve had a 98% retention rate, nearly half of our students earned a 4.0 GPA and 71% earned a 3.75 or higher.”

The program currently represents more than 30 majors across all five colleges at Troy, according to Lisa Thompson, departmental secretary for University Honors.

Thompson said the program has also developed a student council, partnered with students in international programs, worked to bring speakers to campus and providedopportunities for students to travel abroad.

Students have played a major role in the program’s development. Sarah Spurgeon, a English literature arts senior from McCalla, Alabama, said students have helped develop the student council, attend recruiting events and encourage other students to become involved.

Noah Hadwin, a sophomore political science major with a legal studies minor from Guntersville, Alabama, described Honors Global Scholars as a well of opportunity.

“For incoming students, it is just a wellspring of resources,” Hadwin said.

The program offers students more than traditional Honors coursework. Dr. Menon said opportunities include faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, leadership, community engagement, visiting scholars and international experiences.

The program has also held 15 speakers and developed international partnerships. Cohort One is expected to travel to Norway next year, while Cohort Two is expected to travel to another country the following year.

Zoe Johnson, a sophomore general business major from Katy, Texas, and vice president of internal affairs for the Honors Student Council, said the program has also worked to build community among students.

Johnson said her leadership position allowed her to build relationships with other students and leaders in the program.

Looking ahead, Dr. Menon said the program has an even larger goal.

“Our larger vision is clear: we want to build University Honors toward becoming an Honors College at Troy,” Menon said.

As the program continues to grow, student leaders hope more Troy students will learn about the opportunities available through Honors Global Scholars.

“I hope the program continues to grow and becomes a program that is recognized by many,” Johnson said.

Students interested in learning more about Honors Global Scholars can follow the program on their Instagram at @troy.honors. Questions about the program can be directed to Lisa Marie Thompson at lmthompson@troy.edu or Dr. Menon at pmenon@troy.edu.