Category: University Honors Program

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Honors and Scholars Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Building Connection: Inside SMU’s Mustang Mentors Program

Written by Jacqueline Sastre ’27 – Mustang Mentee Ambassador

The first year of college can feel like stepping into another world with new people, new routines and endless possibilities. For Valentina Barros Velin, a freshman from California majoring in International Studies, Mustang Mentors became a guiding light during that transition.

“I knew college was going to be a huge change,” Valentina said. “I wanted someone who could give me advice, wisdom and just be a friendly face on campus.”

That someone turned out to be Lelin Spriggs, a senior International Studies major who joined the program hoping to share her experience with new students. “I’ve always been like a big sister,” Lelin said. “When I heard about this program I thought it was the perfect way to give back and help others the way I wish someone had helped me.”

The two met for coffee chats, attended campus events together and even bonded over discovering they both worked for The Dialogue, SMU’s student publication. “We didn’t even realize it until we saw each other at a meeting,” Valentina said. “It made the mentorship feel even more natural.”

Beyond the shared laughter and conversations over coffee, the program gave Valentina a sense of direction. “Lelin helped me find clubs and organizations to join,” Valentina said. “She even made a spreadsheet after our first conversation to help me stay organized and manage my time.”

For Lelin, mentoring brought a renewed sense of purpose to her senior year. “It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to graduate and move on,” Lelin said. “But being a mentor reminds me of why I love being here. It’s about community and helping others grow.”

Both students agree Mustang Mentors stands out because it feels genuine. “A lot of programs talk about connection,” Lelin said. “But this one actually gives you the space to build it.”

Valentina said the experience has shown her what is possible. “Seeing how far Lelin has come reminds me that I can get there too.”

Their story captures what Mustang Mentors is all about, creating a space where guidance turns into friendship and where a little advice can go a long way in helping new students feel at home.

At SMU, the Mustang Mentors program connects first-year and transfer students with upperclassmen who can guide them through their college transition. The program pairs students based on shared interests, majors and goals, giving newcomers a chance to learn from those who have already navigated campus life. Discover how your students can build connections that last beyond the Hilltop. Visit the Mustang Mentors page for more information.

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Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Announcing UHP 2305 and 2306

As we prepare for Spring 2026 enrollment, the University Honors Program announces that all UHP first-year writing courses will now use the UHP prefix rather than the WRTR prefix. Beginning in Spring 2026, WRTR 2305 and WRTR 2306 will now be listed in my.smu as UHP 2305 and UHP 2306. Both courses will continue to fulfill the CC Academic Writing and Critical Reasoning Foundation requirements. Students who earned Honors credit for WRTR 2305 and WRTR 2306 will not lose their credits.

UHP 2305 asks students to consider what we know, how do we know, and poses fundamental questions about how we understand the worlds we inhabit. UHP 2306 examines the ways in which human cultures create, perpetuate, and enact notions of identity and otherness throughout history. Four distinguished UHP faculty – Dr. Joan Arbery, Dr. Jerry Barr, Dr. Madhavi Biswas, and Dr. Russ McConnell – teach the Honors writing courses.

Joan Arbery was born in Dallas, but grew up in Nashua, NH, for most of her childhood. After college at the University of Dallas, she spent her graduate years at the University of Notre Dame, with a year in Dublin on a graduate fellowship. After a brief stint in free-lance journalism here in town, she started teaching at SMU in 2009, and has taught in Honors since 2016. During that time, she has also worked with the University of Dallas and the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture (now part of SMU). In addition to serving as the historian for SMU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, she looks forward to joining Faculty Senate this year. She loves teaching the Honors curriculum and Honors students, engaging with their intellectual curiosity and imagination.

Jerry Barr has taught university writing and literature courses since 2017. He has written peer-reviewed essays on the 18th-Century orientalist Sir William Jones. He received a grant to conduct research on Rabindranath Tagore at his university, Viswa Bharati, in Bengal, India. Jerry also led a colloquium of international graduate students for Harvard University’s Institute for World Literature. He also has a deep interest in magic realism and considers Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude one of the world’s greatest novels. 

Madhavi Biswas received her BA, MA, and MPhil in English from the University of Delhi. She received her PhD in Humanities from the University of Texas in Dallas. She has taught literature, film, critical thinking, and writing courses at the University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College, and the University of Delhi. Her current areas of interest are world literature, transnational cinema, anime, and adaptation studies. Her articles on contemporary Indian Cinema have been published in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections. At present, she teaches critical thinking and writing at SMU. 

Russ McConnell hails from the frigid northlands of Canada, where he received his BA in English from the University of Calgary, and his MA and PhD from the University of Western Ontario.  Some years ago, he was shipwrecked on the seacoast of Texas, and now he ekes out a living in the wild prairie by teaching liberal arts to curious passers-by.  He has published peer-reviewed essays on William Shakespeare, John Milton, comic books, and post-pandemic pedagogy, and has recently turned his hand to writing short fiction and become a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association.  Dr. McConnell is delighted to be teaching in the SMU Honors Program, and always hopes that his students are having as much fun as he is.

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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships University Honors Program

Six SMU undergraduates receive Fulbright awards

Six recent undergraduate alumni have received Fulbright U.S. Student awards for international study, research, and teaching in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Laos, Mexico, Peru, and Vietnam.

SMU’s Fulbright Finalists for the 2025–2026 cycle are:

Lillian Duma, Kosovo, English teaching assistant

Lillian Duma graduated in May 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Rights with minors in History and Spanish. In 2023, she received the Boren Scholarship for a semester of Albanian language training in Tirana, Albania. During her time on the Hilltop, Lillian served as an SMU Student Senator, Caswell Fellow, Orientation Leader, and Undergraduate Research Assistant. For her outstanding academic achievements, she was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, the United States’ oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Lillian looks forward to fostering academic community in Kosovo and immersing herself in the Balkans’ renowned café culture.

Shivani Kosuri, Bulgaria, English teaching assistant

Shivani Kosuri graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Advertising (Digital Media Specialization) and a B.A. in Psychology. Her research in these fields earned numerous accolades and awards, including a best conference paper prize from the American Academy of Advertising, the National Student Advertising Competition Best Presenter Award, Outstanding Digital Media Student, and the Face of Temerlin Award. Outside of the classroom, Shivani participated in Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Psi, Consult Your Community, Mock Trial, and Mustangs for Hope. Shivani said, “I chose Fulbright because it aligns with my belief that language, education, and storytelling are powerful tools for connection. As someone who grew up between cultures, I’ve seen firsthand how education can bridge divides. This program provides me with the opportunity to integrate creative expression, such as dance and improv, into English learning. I am excited to work in a classroom that empowers students to see language as a gateway to self-expression and cultural dialogue.”

Anika Krieger, Peru, English teaching assistant

Anika Krieger graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Creative Computing, a B.A. in Religious Studies, and a B.A. in Human Rights with Departmental Distinction. Inspired by her previous work with Minga Peru, an organization serving Indigenous people living in Peru’s Amazon River Basin, Anika seeks to reconnect with Peruvian students and further develop her teaching skills. Her dedication to research, leadership, and service is evident from her wide-ranging awards and honors including membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board, election to the Hyer Society, service as an SMU Student Senator, and receipt of the Isaac Gustave Bromberg Award for Outstanding Work in the Humanities, the Caswell Fellowship, and more. Anika said, “As a teacher and policy-minded practitioner, I was drawn to Fulbright’s mission of cultural exchange through service. The program offers a rare opportunity to build meaningful relationships across borders, to teach in a deeply engaged and localized way, and to grow alongside the community I serve. Fulbright will allow me to deepen my understanding of educational equity in a global context while contributing to something larger than myself.”

Vivian Thai, Vietnam, English teaching assistant

Vivian Thai graduated in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a B.S. in Health and Society with a minor in Human Rights. She quickly made her mark as both a dedicated student researcher and student leader. In 2024, Vivian was awarded the CDC’s John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholarship to conduct research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health during the summer before her senior year. She then received the University Honors Program’s Richter Independent Research Fellowship to interview women undergoing IVF treatment at Binh Dinh Provincial General Hospital in Quy Nhon, Vietnam in order to better understand social and cultural barriers to medical fertilization. As a further testament to her achievements, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and chosen by her peers for the “M” Award. Vivian also served on SMU Student Senate, as a Student Ambassador, and as president of both the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and SMU’s chapter of Circle K International. She said, “Growing up translating between English and Vietnamese for my parents, I’ve seen how language can open up opportunities. I applied for Fulbright because it is a meaningful way to give back, share American culture, and keep learning from others along the way.”

Anna Kelley Zielke, Laos, English teaching assistant

Anna Kelley Zielke graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance. From virtually her first moment on campus, she distinguished herself as a dedicated and creative researcher. As a second-year student, she carried out research supported by the Engaged Learning Fellowship on bridging political divides among young people, which resulted in the publication of a children’s book promoting the value of pluralism. Anna Kelley also interned at the George W. Bush Presidential Center as a member of the Strengthening Democracy and Veteran Affairs teams. In recognition of her many achievements, she earned the 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Dance award and joined both Phi Beta Kappa and the Hyer Society. Anna Kelley said, “Fulbright’s mission to form relationships across cultures that cultivate mutual understanding excites me as I have the opportunity to be part of a cohort working towards increasing international connectivity and peace.”

A sixth student who did not wish to be included in this post is a Finalist for the Binational Business Program award in Mexico.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.

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SMU undergraduate students interested in pursuing international study, research, or travel should reach out to Dr. Brandon Gray Miller (bgmiller@smu.edu), assistant dean for Honors and Scholars.

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Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations University Honors Program

Three full-time SAES Faculty Members Honored at the HOPE Awards

Text: SAES Faculty Members Honored at the HOPE Awards Photos of Brian Fennig, Troy Forte, and Russell McConnell

Three full-time SAES faculty members received recognition at the Honoring Our Professor’s Excellence (HOPE) Banquet.  Dr. Brian Fennig (Teaching Professor, University Foundations), Troy Forte (Teaching Assistant Professor, University Foundations), and Dr. Russell McConnell (Teaching Associate Professor, University Honors Program) received nominations for the prestigious HOPE Award.  The HOPE Banquet, coordinated by the Office of Residence Life and Student Housing, allows for residential students to recognize faculty who go above and beyond in their role.

In addition to the HOPE nomination, Dr. Fennig received recognition as a Distinguished HOPE Professor – an honor reserved for faculty who have received student nominations for five years or more.

Congratulations to professors Fennig, Forte, and McConnell for this recognition of their teaching excellence.  We thank you for your contributions to the student experience, to your departments, and to SAES.

 

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Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations University Honors Program

Four SAES Faculty Members Receive Promotions

Title: SAES Faculty Promotions Images: Four headshots of the following faculty: Dr. Caitlin Anderson, Dr. Brian Fennig, Dr. Joan Arbery, and Dr. Russ McConnell.

Four SAES full-time faculty members received promotions in the 2024-2025 promotion cycle.  Drs. Caitlin Anderson (University Foundations) and Brian Fennig (University Foundations) received promotions to Teaching Professor in Fall 2024 in recognition of their significant contributions to SAES and SMU through teaching, service, and leadership.  Drs. Joan Arbery (University Honors Program) and Russell McConnell (University Honors Program) received promotions to Teaching Associate Professor in Spring 2025 in recognition of their significant contributions to SAES and SMU through teaching-related activities and their exemplary achievement in teaching.

We would like to thank the following faculty members for serving on one of our Fall or Spring SAES Promotion Review Committees this academic year:

  • Caitlin Anderson, University Foundations
  • Brian Fennig, University Foundations
  • Scott Davis, Applied Physiology and Sport Management
  • Sheri Kunovich, Associate Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success
  • Bruce Levy, English
  • Abigail Pruitt, University Foundations

Congratulations again to Drs. Anderson, Arbery, Fennig, and McConnell!

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Fellowship Spotlights Honors and Scholars Mustang Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships Student Academic Engagement & Success UHP Spotlight University Honors Program

Global Outlook: My French Internship Journey

This is the second of three posts written by Maria Murad, a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computing, and French, about her study abroad experience.

Picture yourself entering a world where artifacts tell stories, history comes to life, and you get to be the bridge connecting different cultures through art. I applied to work at a local museum called “Espace Culturel Departemental 21, bis Mirabeau,” for a change. I had not originally wanted to gain experience in museum work, but once I learned about the history of Aix-en-Provence, I became intrigued by its artistic past. After an interview, I was offered a role to be their Cross-Cultural Liaison Intern for the summer.

Originally a private mansion, the building was renovated and transformed by the Département des Bouches-du-Rhône into a cultural venue to highlight the artistic and historical heritage of the area. The museum is a treasure chest of historical items and tales that bring the past to life, providing tourists with an exclusive look into the history of the region.

My role as a Cross-Cultural Liaison was both rewarding and challenging. Along with making display materials for visitors from all over the world, my duties included giving guided tours in both English and French, providing cultural insights, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. One of the most memorable experiences I experienced was when I gave my first tour to a group of American students visiting Aix; their curiosity and excitement were contagious. It made me so happy to watch their interest grow as I shared stories on the history of the museum, and its diverse set of artists alongside their modern pieces.

My experience has increased my awareness of the subtle cultural differences that make Aix special and has also improved my public speaking skills. Working in a completely integrated French environment was a thrill. It helped me see beyond the region’s rich history and culture. Aix-en-Provence is not merely a historic city; it’s a wonderland full of vibrant art that reminds us of the enduring beauty of cultural heritage!

I learned a great deal and developed a lot of skills from my internship. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable speaking in front of audiences and navigating cross-cultural interactions. I also gained a deeper understanding of the field, learning about cultural preservation, museum operations, and the importance of spreading history to a global audience.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned was in my personal growth. It might seem cliche to admit, but I genuinely feel as though I gained a new sense of awareness. Whether it was navigating the streets of Aix-en-Provence or adapting to the nuances of French workplace culture, every challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone. This experience taught me how to be resilient and embrace new opportunities with an open mind. Living and working in a foreign country was not just about gaining professional skills; it was also about learning more about who I was and how the world worked. The environment in France was truly a breath of fresh air, offering a unique mix of history and natural beauty that refreshed the way I left.

My internship was made possible in large part by the Gilman Scholarship. It gave me the financial resources to participate in SMU’s study abroad program in France, the only program I was interested in that offered an internship. I could not have taken advantage of this incredible opportunity without this support.

The scholarship not only covered my program costs but also allowed me to focus on my internship without financial constraints. When I think back on my experience, I also see that the Gilman Scholarship provided a door to a world of opportunities rather than merely providing financial support. It made it possible for me to develop both personally and professionally, experience a different culture, and gain valuable work experience. Internships are an incredible way to gain hands-on experience, and doing it abroad especially made it memorable. It deepened my understanding of a field that I had no exposure to but ended up learning so much from. Needless to say, the Gilman Scholarship made this goal of mine a reality!

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Fellowship Spotlights National Fellowships President’s Scholars University Honors Program

SMU senior Joshua Ange named as the university’s first Churchill Scholar

Joshua Ange, a senior President’s Scholar majoring in Physics and Mathematics, will study at the University of Cambridge next year where he will complete a research-centered master’s degree in Physics under the supervision of cosmologist Dr. Boris Bolliet.

In recognition of his dedication to astrophysics and cosmology research, Joshua received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship as a second-year student after appearing as first author on a physics paper concerning measurement of alpha particles on dark matter detectors. During his junior year, he published a second paper as first author, this time on Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) delensing.  Since then, he has submitted another essay for review and is part of research teams preparing another four essays for submission.

The Churchill Scholarship will allow Joshua to continue his journey to a career in astrophysics research.  Limited to only 16 students each year, the Churchill Scholarship provides tuition, room & board, and travel support for a one-year STEM master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.

For more on Joshua’s story, please see: https://www.smu.edu/news/latest/smu-senior-is-first-smu-student-to-receive-churchill-scholarship-to-study-at-cambridge.

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All SAES offices to close February 11 from 2 – 3:30 pm for division meeting

The Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will gather for our semesterly division meeting on Tuesday, February 11.

To permit full participation by all division employees, we will temporarily close all offices from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

We will return to normal business operations thereafter. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience in advance. If you have any questions, please email academicsuccess@smu.edu.

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Fellowship Spotlights Honors and Scholars Mustang Scholars National Fellowships University Honors Program

Global Outlook: Maria Murad in Aix-en-Provence

Welcome to Global Outlook, a new series dedicated to sharing the experiences of SMU Honors & Scholars students around the world.

This is the first of three posts written by Maria Murad, a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computing, and French.

I’m Maria Murad, and as both a proud Mustang Scholar and a Gilman Scholarship recipient, I’m thrilled to kick off this journey by sharing my adventures in Aix-en-Provence through the SMU-in-France program.

My experience in Aix-en-Provence last summer was nothing short of transformative. Stepping into this city felt as though I was walking straight into a living postcard. The old-world charm blends in seamlessly with the vibrancy of the modern world, creating a timeless and fresh atmosphere. The narrow, cobblestone streets and the bustling cafés showed me the true warmth and hospitality one feels strolling along the city. Aix is a city with a unique charm that speaks to you subtly but profoundly and provides a feeling of peace that’s hard to describe in words.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the slower pace of life. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee at a local café or taking in the sights and sounds of the daily markets, people here genuinely take the time to savor the simple pleasures in life. This calm rhythm was such a welcome change from the fast-paced life I was used to back at home, and it was precisely what I didn’t realize I needed. I learned so much about myself over the six weeks I spent in France. I found room to grow, build my confidence, and find inner peace. I left the city a changed person, full of a revitalized sense of self and a deeper understanding of the outside and inner worlds. Aix-en-Provence turned into something more than just a place where I could study; it became a healing sanctuary where I could breathe, reflect, and connect with myself.

Aix-en-Provence is also a place where history truly comes to life. From the stunning architecture, such as the famous Cours Mirabeau and Saint-Saveur Cathedral, to the traces of its past scattered throughout, the city is a true tribute to its rich heritage. Beyond the locations, what caught my attention was the strong sense of community in the streets. The year-round celebrations and the traditional Provençal cuisine are only two examples of how the locals take incredible pride in their heritage. Although the city has a deeply rooted connection to its past, it is beautifully balanced with its exciting present. Aix’s warmth and openness give the impression that history is not only preserved but also actively lived here every day.

To anyone thinking about studying abroad in France, or in general, here are two tips I wish I knew before traveling:

  1. Embrace the culture wholeheartedly: Try new foods, learn a few phrases to help connect with locals, and take part in regional traditions. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, embrace new experiences with an open mind and heart. I spoke fluent French but still felt a little disconnected due to the strong local ties and identities. By getting involved in neighborhood events, going to the same cafés, and having conversations with locals, I slowly found my footing.
  2. Prepare thoroughly: Do your homework and become familiar with the city’s traditions, lifestyle, and history. Being well-prepared will help ease the transition and make the process less overwhelming. And, above all, stay curious – there are always new opportunities to develop and learn everywhere you look.
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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships University Honors Program

University Honors Program announces staffing changes

Starting this semester, Dr. Brandon Gray Miller will serve as the Director of the University Honors Program and continues to oversee the Office of National Undergraduate Fellowships in his role as Assistant Dean for University Honors Program and Fellowships. Undergraduate students seeking to learn more about the University Honors Program or awards for international study, research, travel, and other professional development opportunities should schedule a meeting with him.

Mrs. Dorie Beitchman joined the UHP as the Assistant Director in October. She works with the Honors Student Advisory Council to plan UHP events and meets with UHP students to ensure they are completing their UHP requirements. Please direct student questions about requirements, UHP course petitions and Culminating Project petitions to her. She is available for office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which students can schedule via booking.smu.

Dr. David Doyle will continue to serve as the Dean of Honors and Scholars Programs and office in the Scholars’ Den.

The University Honors Program prepares undergraduate students for their future by emphasizing a broad-based education in the humanities and sciences, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity through dedicated Honors coursework, events, and independent research opportunities. The UHP is supported by expert faculty, advisors, and a community of like-minded students who are committed to exploring diverse academic interests.  Current students eager to learn more should contact a member of the UHP staff about how to apply.