West Virginia Wesleyan students who thrive on intellectual challenges have experienced an enriching year through the College’s Honors Program.
Over 150 students participated in classes and extracurricular activities in the program led by Dr. Devon McNamara, associate professor of English, and Dr. Eric Waggoner, assistant professor of English.

Among the courses offered to students this year was “United States Environment History,” “Introduction to Humanities,” “Love and Friendship,” “Living on Spaceship Earth,” “Women in World Religions,” and “Problem Solving.”  “The goal of the program is to provide academic challenges for qualified students in order to encourage their intellectual growth,” says Dr. McNamara.

Students also participated in retreats at Spruce Knob, the Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Research Conference and trips to Washington, D.C.   Honors Atheneum, a lecture and culture event series that included lectures on Israel and the Middle East, Salman Rushdie and his novel, “The Satanic Versesand Islam,” and art exhibits was an additional feature this year.  Another traditional popular program offering is the International Film Series.

“I really loved the variety of course selections, the extra challenge, and the way they were taught,” says Amanda Jackson, a senior history and sociology major from Conowingo, MD.  “The Spruce Knob retreats were amazing experiences and I also saw many international films that I would have not otherwise seen.  The program broadened the meaning of liberal arts for me.”

Honors students recently celebrated students’ year-long accomplishments at the annual banquet at Adaland Mansion, a restored Civil War era home in Barbour County.  Dr. Irene McKinney, West Virginia’s Poet Laureate and English professor emeritus at Wesleyan, was the featured speaker.

The College plans to offer more opportunities to students next year.  New course offerings include “West Virginia Natural History,” “Music in 19th and 20th Century Russia,” and “The Historical Roots of Terrorism.”

“This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy additional intellectual challenges,” adds Dr. McNamara.  “In addition, many of the courses fulfill general studies requirements.”

For more information about Wesleyan’s Honors Program, contact Dr. McNamara at (304) 473-8243 or Dr. Waggoner at (304) 473-8240.