Honors College - University of Arkansas

Congratulations to honors alumnus Joshua Jacobs on his next academic adventure!

Joshua arrived at the U of A planning to study political science, but a class in Ancient Greek sparked an unexpected passion that led him to design an ambitious course of study in Ancient Near Eastern languages, history and archaeology. Through independent study, he pursued biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, Sumerian, and Akkadian, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity and determination that distinguished him throughout his time on campus.

After earning a master's degree in Assyriology at Yale University, he is preparing for his next chapter: this fall, he will attend the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School on a full-ride scholarship.

Joshua's success reflects the very best of the honors experience, embracing intellectual risk and creating opportunities through hard work and imagination. Congratulations!

Following an extensive review process, the findings were clear: building programs, creating opportunities, elevating scholarship, expanding global experiences, strengthening Arkansas partnerships and advancing honors education nationally are all things Dean Lynda C**n does exceptionally well.

As it turns out, sustained excellence remains highly competitive.

Congratulations to Dean C**n on her reappointment for a third term. The Honors College is fortunate to have a leader whose vision is matched only by her commitment to students.

https://news.uark.edu/articles/82459/lynda-coon-reappointed-dean-of-honors-college

Throwing it back to a special brunch honoring our graduating Bodenhamer Fellows. Since then, they have crossed the stage and joined the ranks of Bodenhamer alumni.

The campus feels a little different these days. Our working hypothesis is that graduating a remarkable group of fellows may have something to do with it.

It's no surprise that we are are big fans of Elijah Conley.

From Melbourne, Arkansas, to Georgetown Law and now a national law firm in Washington, D.C., Elijah says the Honors College and Path Program helped shape his journey every step of the way. Through Path, he found mentorship, leadership opportunities and experiences that opened doors far beyond campus.

Now, he’s giving back by mentoring students and encouraging others to do the same.

“When you get to where you’ve always wanted to be, open the door for the person behind you.”

🔗 Read his Path to Senior Walk story here: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82352/elijah-conley-s-path-beyond-senior-walk-takes-him-to-washington-d-c-

Miceala Morano’s journey to graduation was powered by years of sacrifice, hard work and belief, from her family saving spare change for college to earning a life-changing Honors College Fellowship.

This May, she graduated from the U of A with a degree in journalism and a story that reflects the determination behind so many first-generation students.

“I have hopefully been able to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter how low the odds are.”

🔗 https://news.uark.edu/articles/82308/miceala-morano-s-path-to-senior-walk-was-paved-with-pennies

Honors education opens doors and Nick and Carolyn Cole are making sure more Arkansas students can walk through them.

After returning to college at 45, Carolyn W. Cole experienced firsthand the transformative power of Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Now, she and her husband, Nick, are deepening that impact with an additional $250,000 gift to support Path Scholars in Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Their investment helps high-achieving students access mentorship, research opportunities, study abroad and a strong academic community—resources that can shape not just careers but lives.

Through their continued generosity, the Coles are helping create pathways for students to realize their potential and pursue meaningful futures.

Congratulations to our 2026 honors graduates. Your intellect and generosity of spirit have enriched campus in lasting ways, and your absence will be deeply felt. We are so proud of the knowledge you have cultivated and the integrity you carry forward into the world.

Audax at Sapiens!

Congratulations to our 2026 Path Program graduates!

Your leadership, dedication and commitment to community have made a lasting impact on the Honors College. We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what’s next.

We could attempt to explain these photos… but secrets aren’t meant to be explained. Some doors only open after graduation, preferably with a dramatic reveal and a Latin motto. Until then, consider this your gentle reminder: you’re not supposed to understand.

Throwback meets reunion.
Honors College alumni, including fellows, scholars and student leaders from our first decade, gathered at Rockwater Marina in Little Rock for an evening of reflection, conversation, and reconnection. Many thanks to Lisa Ferrell and Jim Jackson for graciously opening their venue and helping make the occasion so memorable.
Are you an Honors College Fellow alum? As we continue traveling across the state, we would be delighted to reconnect. Send us a message and come see us.