Georgia Southern University’s Fall 2019 Honors Program enrollment is the largest in the history of the institution, with 762 students enrolled across various colleges and disciplines.

“It is exciting to be able to offer more students the opportunities available in our program,” said Steven Engel, Ph.D., director of the University Honors Program. “This growth of honors enrollment is a testament to the academic rigor available throughout the academic colleges at Georgia Southern University.”

The University Honors Program provides a small college atmosphere in the context of a large comprehensive university. Honors students enroll in a select number of honors courses, take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, such as service learning and study abroad, and participate in faculty-mentored research through the honors thesis requirement.  

Honors student Gabi Wiggill, a psychology major from Pretoria, South Africa, who plans to attend medical school, chose Georgia Southern’s Honors Program for its academically oriented community.

“Being in the Honors Program helps me find direction and support in my education pathway,” said Wiggill. “I can always rely on my peers, professors and advisor to guide me and motivate me through all the challenges I may face. I cannot imagine achieving as much as I have so far without having been in the Honors Program.”

Among the overall enrollment in the Honors Program, there are 252 honors freshmen, reflecting a 25% increase over last year’s class figure.

In addition to international students like Wiggill, the Fall 2019 freshman honors student population is more diverse than the Fall 2018 class with 28% non-white representation, compared to 24% in the Fall 2018 class, and a 70% female student body compared to a 64% one last year.

Engel said the program growth supports plans to develop an Honors College at Georgia Southern. Just as the program does now, a new Honors College would serve students on the Statesboro Campus and at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, signaling the importance that Georgia Southern places on its most high-achieving students.