Honors College Leader Chosen for International Academic Exchange Program in Germany

Chelsea Hodge, director of grants and research innovation at the Honors College, has been selected for a prestigious international program focused on strengthening academic collaboration between North America and Germany. 

Hodge will participate in the German Academic Exchange Service's "Germany Today" Information Tour 2026, a competitive initiative that brings together senior leaders in higher education, research and policy to explore innovation, funding opportunities and transatlantic partnerships across Germany's leading institutions. 

"We already have strong programs like the International Engineering Program, but I'm excited about the possibility of expanding those kinds of exchanges into other disciplines," Hodge said.  

Hodge's path to her current role actually began in honors. A Berryville native, she was an Honors College Fellow who graduated summa cum laude in 2012 before going on to earn her masters and Ph.D. in history from the U of A. Her interdisciplinary academic background—spanning music performance, German and history—along with her own experiences studying abroad and conducting honors research - gives her a unique perspective in advising students pursuing similar paths.  

"Dr. Hodge will be a brilliant contributor to this prestigious DAAD program," said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. "Her work in honors coupled with her own academic success as a published historian has prepared her well to tackle the policy, education and research sides of this transatlantic conversation. We are extremely proud of Dr. Hodge here in the Honors College." 

In Germany, Hodge will visit universities and research centers in Berlin, Leipzig, Jena and Fulda, taking part in site visits, discussions and networking events with German academic and policy leaders. 

"We're incredibly proud of Dr. Hodge for this well-deserved opportunity," said Kathleen Condray, professor of German and co-director of the International Engineering Program, who also taught Hodge as an undergraduate. "Her investment in learning German means she can engage meaningfully with our partners at the DAAD. Germany has long been a leader in recruiting and supporting scholars and students from around the world, and U of A students have a solid record of success in DAAD competitions. Dr. Hodge's selection and leadership will further strengthen and extend this important partnership." 

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university's top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students' academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.