FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In April 2002 the University of Arkansas Honors College was established and endowed through a $200 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation of Bentonville. Soon after, an ambitious goal was set: the university would enroll 2,000 Honors College undergraduates by the year 2010.

In a year when the University of Arkansas set new records for total enrollment, for the size of its freshman class, and for the number of minority students enrolled, the enrollment figures for fall 2007 also show a record number of students — 2,156 — are enrolled in the Honors College, well above the 2010 goal.

“I am delighted that we have met the goal for Honors student enrollment with three years to spare,” said Bob McMath, dean of the Honors College. “Our marvelous scholarship program and the incredible academic opportunities available to students at the University of Arkansas have made this possible. I am deeply grateful to faculty members all over campus and to the Honors College staff who worked hard to recruit these students. Many of them have been on our radar screen for several years, and we are glad they are here.”

The University of Arkansas Honors College serves all undergraduate majors. Honors students enjoy small classes, priority registration, special housing, increased interaction with faculty, as well as study abroad and hands-on research opportunities. Within the Honors College, the scholarship office and the office of post-graduate fellowships provide additional services.

The Honors College staff actively recruits the top high school seniors in Arkansas and across the country, and assists with their applications for the many available Sturgis, Bodenhamer, Boyer, and Honors College fellowships as well as Chancellor’s and University scholarships.