Claretha Hughes, University of Arkansas assistant professor of workforce development, has been named director of the Honors Program in the College of Education and Health Professions, effective July 1, Tom Smith, dean of the college, announced.

Hughes also was recently promoted to associate professor, also effective July 1. Hughes joined the college's faculty in 2004. A native of Lake City, S.C., she earned a doctorate from Virginia Tech, a master's degree from North Carolina State University and a bachelor's degree from Clemson University. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas after coming here to teach.

"We have many bright, talented students who have produced high-quality work in the college's Honors Program," Smith said. "We believe Dr. Hughes will provide the continued leadership to keep these students engaged. Many of them will go on to graduate work and someday become leaders in the education and health fields as well as our nation's institutions of higher education."

Hughes' experience with honors programs goes back to her high school days. She attended the Academic Governor's School of South Carolina in the area of mathematics. She taught undergraduate courses at Bluefield College in Virginia that required students to produce a 30-60 page research-based project report.

At the University of Arkansas, Hughes mentored four students attending the university's George Washington Carver summer research program, and she served on the honors thesis committee of a student majoring in biochemistry.

"I believe in helping students excel at the highest level," she said. "My goal for this year is to bring awareness of the program to all students, especially those who may not have come into the program when they were admitted but meet the criteria after they have been here a year or two.

"I think we can improve the program within the college and globally for all students and faculty," Hughes continued. "Our common purpose is to bring faculty and students together to promote research and service endeavors."

The University of Arkansas Honors College unites the university’s top undergraduate students and professors in a learning environment characterized by discovery, creativity and service. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, priority registration, special housing and increased interaction with faculty. Honors programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students’ academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. One hundred percent of Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

The Honors College was established in 2002, when the University of Arkansas received a historic $300 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. Honors students benefit from the nation’s largest public endowment for undergraduate research and study abroad. Each year, the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $50,000 over four years, and from $500,000 to $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants.