Please join the Honors College in welcoming the Class of 2026!
During the next four years our students will learn about and help address contemporary societal challenges from the perspective of their chosen discipline. These challenges may range from sustainability to equality and social justice. Through engaging with class material, developing discipline-specific expertise, and applying their skills in conducting individual scholarly pursuits, we have no doubt that Honors students will play an integral part in making the world a better place. Along the way, our students will have fun with like-minded peers, interact with the community, and hopefully develop life-long friendships!
Student News
Check out these Commencement Spotlights:
Congratulations to Sophia Baxendale (Psychology, '22) who was recently hired by the UMass Donahue Institute as a Research Analyst.
During this year's Honors Convocation, the Jennifer W. Mulnix University Honors Program Service Award was presented to Cameron McAlpine. Each year, this award is presented to a student who has provided outstanding service to the Honors College during the academic year. Thank you, Cameron, and congratulations!
Kudos to Christian Fall (Computer Engineering,'24), who was awarded a Department of Defense SMART Scholarship. The award is given to students pursuing STEM degrees who are conducting complex research to further the DoD's mission and create a lasting impact.
Honors Faculty News
Chosen by the Honors Student Council, Professor Brian Ayotte was awarded the Robert G. Darst University Honors Program Service Award during this year's Honors Convocation. This award is given to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding service to the Honors College during the academic year. Thank you, Dr. Ayotte, and congratulations!
Congratulations to Professors Brian Ayotte, Anna E Schierber-Scherr, and Marni Kellogg for their recent publication, “Treating Patients with COVID-19: PTSD Symptoms and Functional Impairment among Nurses.” This publication explores the probable PTSD symptoms and work/non-work-related functional impairment of nurses working with COVID-19 patients. Their research highlights the importance of developing interventions that help these essential workers address vulnerabilities associated with working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kudos to Honors student, Chris McGuire, and Professors Brian Ayotte, Anna E Schierber-Scherr, and Marni Kellogg, who were invited to present "Self-Care Behaviors as a Moderator of the Relationship between Treating Patients with COVID-19 and Health Anxiety among Nurses." Their presentation discusses the significant difference in health anxiety between nurses who treated patients with COVID-19 versus those who did not. This study demonstrates the importance of self-care behaviors for nurses managing mental health outcomes.
Honors Student Blog
The Honors Newspaper has gone virtual! Check out the Honors Council Blog.