Lewis Honors College

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Claire Sawyer! Claire joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) after her sister recommended it, and she was immediately drawn to the idea of taking classes alongside like-minded peers. As someone who loves knowledge and learning, she has enjoyed being part of a community that has helped her continue to expand her love of learning throughout her college experience.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Claire hopes to increase new students’ confidence in themselves as they begin their college journey, just as her Lewis Launch Leaders did for her when she first arrived at UK. She wants incoming students to feel supported, encouraged, and excited about the opportunities that await them in the LHC.

Outside of school, Claire enjoys reading, writing, painting, playing video games, sewing, and spending time with her friends and family. Her advice to incoming students is to remember that they are welcome here and that they belong. The LHC is a place where Claire has always felt welcomed, and she hopes future Honors students will find that same sense of connection.

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Ella Woodside! Ella joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) because she wanted to be surrounded by students who prioritize their academics while also experiencing the close-knit community the LHC offers within a large university campus. Through her time in Honors, she has broadened her perspective and gained valuable opportunities to engage with diverse viewpoints both inside and outside the classroom.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Ella hopes to help new students feel welcome, connected, and excited about joining the Honors community. She wants to help students meet new people, begin forming meaningful relationships, and feel confident navigating the many resources, opportunities, and activities available through the LHC. By doing so, she hopes to encourage students to take full advantage of everything Honors has to offer.

Outside of school, Ella enjoys crafting, hiking, trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Her advice to incoming students is to put themselves out there and talk to as many people as possible. You never know which conversations could turn into lasting friendships, meaningful opportunities, or memorable experiences.

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Mady Coleman! She joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) for its unique enrichment opportunities. Through leadership opportunities, collaborative programs, and experiential learning, she has developed stronger communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while making the most of her Honors experience.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Mady hopes to help students become more engaged and make the most of the opportunities available to them. She wants to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zones, get involved in programs and activities, and connect with resources that can help them grow. By creating a supportive and welcoming environment, she hopes to inspire students to pursue their goals and make the most of their time in the LHC.

One of Mady’s favorite Honors memories is Lewis Launch Week. She credits the experience with helping her ease into college and making her excited to begin a new chapter. During that week, she found “her people”—friends who shared her passion for learning, creativity, and ambition, and who continue to be an important part of her college journey today. Outside of school, Mady enjoys reading, drawing, traveling, and spending time with friends. Her advice to incoming students is to participate in as many LHC activities as possible!

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Angelica Victoria-Garcia! As a first-generation college student, Angelica was extremely nervous about attending a four-year institution. She joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) because she knew she wanted to be surrounded by individuals who were serious about their education, and she quickly realized it was exactly where she was meant to be. Through the courses she has taken and the people she has met, the LHC has helped her develop not only her career interests but also her passion for helping others.

One of Angelica's favorite parts of being in Honors has been the friendships she has built along the way. The LHC has introduced her to some of her closest friends and provided experiences that have made her college journey even more meaningful.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Angelica hopes to make a lasting impact on incoming students because she knows what it feels like to be in their shoes. She plans to be someone her students can always count on for support, encouragement, and guidance. Outside of school, Angelica finds peace in reading, napping, and crocheting. Finally, her advice for incoming students is to be themselves and avoid procrastination, as it can form bad habits!

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Elizabeth Womack! She credits the Lewis Honors College (LHC) with providing some of her closest friendships, countless academic and personal opportunities, and helping her fall even deeper in love with the University of Kentucky. For her, the LHC community is irreplaceable and has been a defining part of her college experience.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Elizabeth hopes to help incoming students build meaningful connections and find their place within the Honors community. She is excited to welcome new Wildcats and show them how the relationships they form in college can last a lifetime. Outside of class, Elizabeth enjoys attending barre classes at the Johnson Center, spending time with friends and family, traveling, learning new languages, and cooking.

Her advice for incoming students is that college is about more than earning a degree; it's about discovering your people and your passions. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and challenge yourself to grow.

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Tate Cain! He joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) to be part of a community of students who are passionate about making a difference in the world. One of his favorite aspects of the LHC has been learning from dedicated professors.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Tate hopes to show that leadership is about more than being the loudest voice in the room. He believes true leaders lead with humility, passion, and integrity, and he strives to be a servant leader who helps improve the lives of those around him. Outside of the classroom, Tate enjoys biking, playing the violin, reading, following current events, and learning foreign languages.

His advice for incoming students is not to be afraid to speak up in class! While the accomplishments of other Honors students may seem intimidating at first, you'll quickly discover that they are some of the most welcoming people you'll ever meet.

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Meet your Lewis Launch Leader Erin Cheek! Erin joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) because she wanted to be part of a program that would challenge her to become the best academic version of herself. Through her time in the LHC, she has enjoyed the discussion-based classroom environment and the opportunity to learn in smaller class settings.

As a Lewis Launch Leader, Erin hopes to help new students make a smooth transition to college life while showing them the great opportunities and benefits the LHC offers. Outside of class, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, watching sports or a fun show, and coloring. Her advice for incoming students is to do your best and never give up, even when things get difficult.

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

My name is Harsh Patel, and I'm from Lawrenceburg, KY. I am majoring in biology and neuroscience on a pre-medical track. In my free time, I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, and playing video games!

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Hi everyone! I'm Carolina Keeton, a rising sophomore from West Liberty, KY. I'm pursuing a dual degree in marketing and management with minors in international business and business analytics through the Global Scholars Pathway. A fun fact about me is that I was bitten by a bat! I'm so excited to be a Lewis Launch Leader and can't wait to see y'all in August!

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].

Hi, my name is Emalie Tackett! I am a dual major in biology and neuroscience on the pre-medical track from Pikeville, Kentucky. I joined the Lewis Honors College (LHC) my sophomore year after transferring from Asbury University. I’m passionate about supporting others, helping students get involved on campus, and making the most of the opportunities offered through the LHC. I love encouraging other students and helping them find their place at the University of Kentucky!

~ Class of 2030: you should hear from your Lewis Launch Leader by the end of June! If not, please reach out to [email protected].