CLIMBING TO GREATER HEIGHTS
Dr. Rodney King Interim Associate Director
MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE
The Mahurin Honors College at Western Kentucky University is a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement. It cultivates future leaders through experiential coursework, research opportunities, and a commitment to service. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the Mahurin Honors College empowers students to address local and global challenges. Graduates are driving economic growth, contributing to cultural enrichment, and enhancing the quality of life. Supporting the Mahurin Honors College means investing in the future of our community and the prosperity of our state.
— Dr. King, Interim Associate Director
BY THE NUMBERS
YOUR CLIMB
FROM THE FACULTY & STAFF OF THE MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE
Dear Future Honors Student, Congratulations! We warmly invite you to join the Mahurin Honors College at WKU. Here’s what awaits you:
• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Engage in small, discussion-based classes with dedicated professors.
• RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY: Collaborate on research projects or pursue your creative interests.
• GLOBAL EXPERIENCES: Broaden your perspective with study abroad opportunities.
• SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: Join a tight-knit community with numerous social events.
• PERSONALIZED ADVISING: Benefit from tailored advising and mentorship.
• EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Participate in enriching activities from cultural outings to community service.
Welcome to the
MAHURIN HONORS COLLEGE at WKU.
In honor of Dr. Craig T. Cobane, the inaugural executive director of the Mahurin Honors College, we ask: What is your big dream? We look forward to helping you achieve it.
“ There are many service and leadership opportunities available in the MHC and across campus. Our campus is full of highly motivated students who are passionate about their academic and personal goals and our Honors student orgs and clubs are the vehicle to help you climb higher.”
— Elizabeth Gannon, MHC alumna of 2023 / Mahurin Honors College staff member
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN
A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT WHERE INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY THRIVES.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
HONORS COURSES: Choose from an interdisciplinary variety of smaller, engaging courses with field trips or use honors augmentation to create a unique course experience with your instructor.
ADVISING: Work one-on-one with academic advisors to maximize your undergraduate experience and connect with professional and extracurricular opportunities.
SELF-DESIGNED STUDIES: Design unique majors or minors with faculty support to meet your specific professional and interdisciplinary goals.
HONORS LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY: Located in Minton Hall, this community helps build relationships and provides a supportive environment.
CHINESE FLAGSHIP PROGRAM: Achieve professional Chinese proficiency with courses that count towards honors, including intensive language opportunities in the US and Taiwan.
HONORS GRANTS: Reduce costs for domestic and international travel, research, and conferences by applying for Honors grants, which can be combined with other scholarships.
HONORS 251: Citizen & Self: Explore the evolving concepts of citizenship and selfhood in today’s society and democracy. The course emphasizes self-directed learning and practical engagement.
COMMUNITY & STUDENT LIFE
Mahurin Honors
HONORS COURSES: The Mahurin Honors College community experience starts with the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan orientation and continues in Minton and Southwest Halls. Students form lifelong bonds by engaging in activities organized by the Honors Social Planning Board. Additionally, with over 300 university clubs and organizations, students enjoy rich social and academic opportunities in and outside of the residence hall.
HONORS COLLEGE AND INTERNATIONAL CENTER (HCIC): Our three-story building, built in 2015, is home to study abroad providers, Chinese Flagship Program, Mahurin Honors College, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, and the Department of Modern Languages. Features include a large indoor commons area, seminar rooms, sixteen study rooms, a multipurpose room, and a backyard.
SOUTHWEST HALL: A three-story co-ed residence hall with hotel-style rooms for upperclassmen in Honors. Renovated in 2017, this space includes community and study rooms, a large kitchen, and a theatre room.
MINTON HALL: A ten-story, co-ed residence hall with community-style features. Renovated in 2004, this building is home to first-year students participating in Honors Living Learning Community, Chinese Flagship Living Learning Community, and Intercultural Student Engagement Center Academy. Located in the middle of campus across from Downing Student Union.
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THRIVING TOGETHER
Nestled in the center of WKU’s vibrant campus, Minton Hall is home to the Honors Living Learning Community (LLC), where academic excellence and lifelong friendships thrive.
THRIVING COMMUNITY: Surround yourself with likeminded peers and experience enhanced support and camaraderie.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT: Access exclusive resources like study lounges, peer-to-peer tutoring, and quiet areas for coursework.
ENRICHING ACTIVITIES: Enjoy guest lectures, cultural outings, social gatherings, and wellness workshops as part of dedicated sections of HON 251.
CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT: Utilize a prime location for quick and easy access to academic buildings, dining options, and recreational facilities.
The Honors orientation experience within the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is an exciting opportunity for Honors students residing in Minton Hall. This orientation allows you to move into your residence hall early, participate in social and academic programs to kickstart your college journey, and connect with your fellow incoming peers before fall classes commence.
“ I am grateful for the community I feel in my residence hall. The friendships that are made and the priority registration are nice. It is a big family and our RAs are amazing. The RA on my floor is the sweetest and most humble lady.” — Emily Lacefield, LLC 2023-2024
CULTIVATING BELONGING
Joining clubs and organizations at the Mahurin Honors College is an excellent way to enhance your college experience, develop leadership skills, and build a supportive community. Explore a variety of opportunities designed to foster creativity, mentorship, diversity, advocacy, and school spirit. Get involved, make lasting connections, and contribute to the vibrant life of our honors community with these exciting groups:
BRANDING TEAM: Shape the Mahurin Honors College image with your creativity in graphic design, social media, and marketing.
PEER MENTORS: Guide honors students through their college transition, offering support and advice.
SCHOLARS OF COLOR: Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with cultural events, leadership opportunities, and meaningful discussions.
OUT IN HONORS: Join a supportive LGBTQ+ community with social events, advocacy initiatives, and a network of allies.
“ I am very grateful for all of the wonderful people I’ve met living in my LLC. I also appreciate all of the fun events planned for the LLCs.” — Lily Meade, LLC 2023-2024
HONORSTOPPERS: Serve as an ambassador for the Mahurin Honors College, engaging with prospective students, families, and alumni.
HONORS SOCIAL PLANNING BOARD: Organize exciting events like themed parties, game nights, service projects, and cultural outings.
ALUMNI AMBASSADORS: Stay connected after graduation, supporting current students and building a strong honors alumni network.
“ I really love how my RA is able to build events around our community to bring our floors together which makes the building feel close as we all get to enjoy the honors curriculum together. ” — William Marcum, LLC 2023-2024
Thankful
for my LLC
CLASSROOM & BEYOND
At the Mahurin Honors College, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Our approach combines rigorous coursework with transformative experiences to enrich your academic journey and prepare you for a dynamic world. And bonus, you can earn honors course credit for engaging in experiential learning opportunities!
RESEARCH
Dive into cutting-edge research projects that fuel your intellectual curiosity and deepen your understanding of your chosen field. Collaborate with faculty experts and contribute to advancements that make a real-world impact.
INTERNSHIPS
Gain hands-on experience and practical skills through internships that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Build your resume, expand your network, and prepare for a successful career.
CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE/THESIS
Round out your academic journey with a capstone experience or thesis. This comprehensive project allows you to explore a topic of interest in depth, showcasing your expertise and dedication to your field.
CHINESE FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
The Chinese Flagship Program offers a transformative opportunity to achieve professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese while pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Through immersive coursework, cultural experiences, and intensive language training both domestically and abroad, you’ll develop language skills essential for global careers and cross-cultural understanding.
Join a supportive community of motivated peers and faculty mentors dedicated to helping you excel in this rigorous and rewarding program. For more information visit wku.edu/chineseflagship/.
“ I was in the Flagship LLC [in Minton Hall] and we became a really tight knit group from my freshman year to my senior year. I’m friends with all of them to this day. ” — Samuel Gorecki
“ I want to build a strong program to help students make massive and transformational life changes through learning Chinese and experiencing Chinese culture.”
— Dr. Ke Peng, Director of Chinese Flagship, professor of Chinese
“ I don’t think they get enough credit for how much they give to each student like Dr. Peng, she brought tea and snacks every class, and she creates this family [among the learners] and sometimes it’s a little tough, but just like any family, they’re gonna push you to do your best.”
— Maria Julian
STUDY ABROAD
Honors students enjoy extensive global learning opportunities, including faculty-led study abroad programs, internships, service-learning courses, and research abroad. Programs can last from as little as one week to an academic year.
WKU Global advisors help tailor programs to fit your academic and personal goals across various majors.
Advisors in WKU Global help scholas identify programs across all majors to fit your academic and personal goals.
Visit wku.edu/studyabroad/ for more information.
OFFICE OF SCHOLAR DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) mentors WKU students applying for national scholarships to fund “academic extras” beyond what tuition covers. OSD helps Hilltoppers make more possible regardless of their major or financial means, increasing access to study abroad, research, professional experience and more.
OFFICE OF SCHOLAR DEVELOPMENT
WKU was recognized as a Top Producer for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and the Boren Awards. The Top Producer designation recognizes U.S. higher education institutions, based on size and type, which have generated the greatest number of award recipients in an application cycle.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS: Since 2008, WKU students and alumni have been recognized over 870 times in national scholarship competitions, earning nearly $7.5 million for graduate school, language study, public service, and study abroad.
Visit wku.edu/osd/ for more information.
“ National scholarship competitions are not about a perfect GPA. Award committees are looking for talent, purpose, curiosity, determination, and a record of service and commitment to an ideal or cause. OSD will work with you to discover resources and support your academic and professional goals, whether you are just curious or totally committed. ” — Lindsey Houchin, Assistant Director of Office of Scholar Development
OSD IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS:
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM RECIPIENTS & ALTERNATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
BOREN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & HONORABLE MENTIONS
GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & HONORABLE MENTIONS 12 FULBRIGHT U.K. SUMMER INSTITUTES PARTICIPANTS
RECIPIENTS & FINALISTS
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND RESEARCH FOR TRANSFORMATION (SMART) RECIPIENTS 9 ROTARY GLOBAL GRANT RECIPIENTS 8 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM RECIPIENTS 6 RANGEL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SCHOLARS & FELLOWS
6
UDALL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & HONORABLE MENTIONS
RHODES SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS
PICKERING INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FELLOWS 1 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH OXFORD-CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM RECIPIENT
1
GAITHER JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT
Read about Honors students’ success in OSD-supported competitions wku.edu/osd/news/
HONORS ADMISSIONS
REQUIREMENTS:
Our admission review does not consider standardized test scores as part of the decision process. Rather, our holistic assessment values applicants who have sought enriching academic and personal experiences and who continue to seek a new challenge to feed their curiosity.
APPLICATION:
Students must be admitted to WKU before they can apply for Honors. The preferred application deadline is December 15 to be considered for admission into the incoming MHC cohort for next fall for first-time first-year students. Applications completed after December 15 will be considered on a space-permitting basis.
VISIT:
We encourage all prospective students to visit us and learn how the Honors experience at WKU can help you elevate your dream. Schedule your visit online: wku.edu/honors/visit/
MEMBERSHIP FEE:
The MHC fee is used to support a range of academic priorities focused upon meeting the needs of our students. These include additional Honors course sections, honors grants/scholarships, and social and academic programming.
All the resources are used to assist the MHC in supporting students pursuing their academic and professional goals.
THE MAHURINS
On January 27, 2017, the Honors College at WKU was named in honor of Dixie and Peter Mahurin for their legacy of support for gifted education at WKU. The Mahurins are both WKU alumni whose philanthropic and leadership support to WKU spans more than four decades.
Peter was an organizer of the WKU Foundation and served on the board for eight years, including four years as chair. Dixie is a longtime WKU employee in student athletic advising and is a founding member of the WKU Sisterhood, which has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Western Kentucky University. Moreover, both Peter and Dixie Mahurin have been steadfast proponents of the Honors College’s contributions to students throughout our history. Though Peter has passed away, Dixie continues to actively support and recruit students, believing in the lifechanging support and opportunities offered by the Honors College. We are grateful for Peter and Dixie Mahurin and their family for their leadership, generosity, and support of The Mahurin Honors College at Western Kentucky University.
