1st Edition

Honors Education at Public Research Universities Leadership Perspectives and Insights for an Uncertain Age

Edited By Lynda Coon, Jonathan Williamson Copyright 2026
362 Pages
by Routledge

362 Pages
by Routledge

362 Pages
by Routledge

Featuring contributions from leaders of top honors colleges across the country, this book tackles the most pressing issues facing honors administrators and universities in the twenty-first century, including the fate of the humanities, the value proposition of honors education, and selling honors to state legislatures and donors. Since their inception, honors colleges have emerged as key... Read more

1. Recruiting Outstanding Honors Students in a Challenging Time  2. The Unique Benefits of an Honors Curriculum  3. Honors Student Success  4. Politics of Running Honors  5. Financing Honors  6. Honors Personnel: Staff and Faculty  7. Data and Story: Leading an Honors College with Evidence and Narrative  8. Advancement: Development and Alumni Relations in Honors

Biography

Lynda Coon is Dean of the Honors College at the University of Arkansas, USA.

Jonathan Williamson is Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs at the Honors College at the University of Houston, USA.

“An investment in a quality honors college not only can change the trajectory of students, but it also elevates the overall academic quality of the institution. The transformational student opportunities are not to be underestimated, and this book helps colleagues in higher education access what is possible for their own institutions.”

John Buckwalter, PhD, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Central Florida

 

“This volume, written by exceptional honors education leaders from across the country, covers a breadth of important topics that will be an invaluable go-to resource for not just new honors education leaders, but experienced ones as well. In fact, all academic leaders across a university would benefit from this exciting new book.”

Junius J. Gonzales, MD, MBA, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, The California State University

 

“This book is a timely and important contribution to current questions about the purpose of higher education. The history and aims of honors programs within public research institutions illuminate important questions of merit, access, and the role of the state in developing both a workforce and a community of democratic citizens. I believe this edited volume will have a wide readership and serve as an influential voice.”

Marjorie Hass, PhD, President, The Council of Independent Colleges