Honors College designated an ACTA Hidden Gem for its robust liberal arts curriculum
Office of Public Relations & Communications |
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) recently announced that it has designated Lipscomb University’s Honors College as a Hidden Gem.
ACTA’s Hidden Gems initiative shines a light on honors programs, major degree programs, minor degree programs and certificate programs that guide students through a high-quality and coherent interdisciplinary education across the liberal arts. Philosophy, literature, politics, history and the Great Books of Western Civilization are topics that are often focal points.
Lipscomb is one of 19 universities in the nation with this designation. In addition to Lipscomb, other institutions who have programs with Hidden Gem designations include Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Kansas State University, Purdue University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. See a comprehensive list of all Hidden Gems here.
The Honors College at Lipscomb University challenges students to “excel beyond” standard general education courses and to be transformed through active participation in its Liberal Arts Heritage curriculum. Students are immersed in the great movements of the ancient and modern world and study a variety of disciplines such as history, philosophy, theology, the natural sciences and more. In addition to the elevated academic experience, students also participate in unique cultural learning opportunities and engage in top-level academic research as part of their Honors College experience at Lipscomb.
“The Honors College at Lipscomb University is thrilled to be recognized as one of ACTA’s Hidden Gems,” said Alan Bradshaw, the director of Lipscomb University’s Honors College. “With a 30-year history of deep intellectual engagement of Lipscomb’s top students, the Honors College Liberal Arts Heritage Core Curriculum methodically exposes students to humanity’s most significant topics, questions, ideas, and thinkers by advanced study in core humanities, literature, natural and social sciences and theology.”
He explained that Lipscomb’s Honors College offers students the option to participate in academic research on or off campus; summer internships; unique cultural, social, and spiritual activities; interdisciplinary projects; leadership opportunities; camaraderie with like-minded peers in a welcoming facility; and a senior project option.
Since the college was founded over 30 years ago, more than 3,000 students have taken at least one honors class and almost 700 students are now involved in honors study at any one time.
Gabriella Hsu, ACTA’s senior program manager for curricular improvement said, “ACTA’s Hidden Gems program highlights major, minor, and certificate programs that offer students an unparalleled education in the liberal arts. Hidden Gems programs are so named for the high caliber of their faculty, thoughtfully structured curricula, and commitment both to the challenges and rewards of liberal education.”
“Students enrolled in Hidden Gems programs are drawn into community and discussion rooted in the rich interdisciplinary study of the liberal arts and sciences,” she continued. “In its mission to support academic excellence, ACTA believes that the Hidden Gems program is an invaluable resource for students seeking a robust, collegial, and enriching education.”
ACTA’s Hidden Gems initiative serves as a complement to our What Will They Learn?® (WWTL) project. WWTL rates the core curriculum requirements at over 1,100 schools to determine which institutions provide a rigorous, liberal arts-oriented general education. Programs designated as Hidden Gems offer a robust liberal arts education regardless of their home institution’s core curriculum. WWTL and Hidden Gems help prospective students locate universities and programs that will prepare them for successful careers, informed citizenship, and human flourishing.