Honors Program

HONORING YOUR ASPIRATIONS

Why Honors?

To whom much is given, much is expected…

• Are you interested in consuming knowledge?
• In contributing knowledge for the greater good?
• Are you Interested in being part of a purposeful community that exists to scale-up academic excellence?
• In being a scholarly servant leader?

 

The BHSU Honors Program is a purposeful community of scholars committed to academic excellence and service. In keeping with the University’s foundation to teach, preach, and heal, the Honors Program seeks to share “the light of Truth for mind, soul, and body” through four areas:

• scholarly research & advancement,
• professional & spiritual enrichment,
• cultural & social engagement, and
• service & leadership development.

The Honors Program exists to develop scholarly servant-leaders.

Each year Honors participants enhance their educational journey with five student-focused intiatives:

• The Led to Lead initiative helps students learn advanced leadership and professional principles, offers leadership opportunities through the Honors Student Leadership Council, and encourages students to engage in leadership opportunities on campus and in the community.
• The Gifted to Give initiative revolves around three annual fundraisers: in the fall, Share the Thankfulness, in the spring, Share the Love, and in the summer, Share the Sunshine. Students invite those in their spheres of influence to support the Honors Program and the establishment of an Honors scholarship program.
• The Created to Commune initiative sponsors several social events such as movie nights, Christmas, and Spring gatherings, as well as provides regular opportunities for connecting with other students through monthly Honors Colloquia.
• Through the Honored to Serve initiative students have volunteered to serve both the University and community-at-large through the Honors-led Chapel services, Student Preview Days, Black Men in White Coats in April, Baptist HealthCORE STEM Summer Camp in June, and our annual Toy Drive for the Baptist Children’s Hospital in November. New service opportunities include the Baptist HealthCORE tutoring program for high school students and the Tennessee Health Career Summit & Expo. 
• The Scholarship to Share initiative allows students to present their Honors Capstone Experience research each trimester through the Honors Forum. The Spring Honors Forum is part of the Elevate: Student Research Symposium, sponsored by the Honors Program in collaboration with Baptist University’s academic divisions, honors societies, and professional organizations.

ENTRANCE GUIDELINES - FRESHMEN

The Baptist University Honors Program considers freshmen scholarship recipients and freshmen who meet the following criteria:

• ACT score of 25 or higher
• High School GPA of 3.5 or higher

ENTRANCE GUIDELINES - TRANSFER

The Baptist University Honors Program considers transfer scholarship recipients and transfer students who meet the following criteria:

• Classified as a student with 1 to 29 credit hours earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Minimum of two honorizable General Education courses remaining to be taken at BHSU.
• Membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (optional)

ENTRANCE GUIDELINES - CURRENT BAPTIST COLLEGE FRESHMEN

The Baptist University Honors Program considers current Baptist University freshmen who meet the following criteria:

• 12-29 credit hours earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Minimum of two honorizable General Education courses remaining to be taken at BHSU.

The Honors Program is not applicable in some completion or associate degree programs. 

HONORS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Honors students are expected to fulfill the following requirements to graduate from the BHSU Honors Program:

• Maintain at minimum 3.0 GPA
• Complete the required number of honorizations or Honors courses based on the student’s entrance criteria.
• Complete the Honors Capstone Experience Course and required components.
• Attend at least one Honors Colloquium each trimester.
• Participate in three Honors approved services hours each trimester.

FACTS

 

• Honors students make up a minimum of 10% of the BHSU student population.
• The average programmatic GPS is 3.5
• 93% of graduating Honors Students say they are very satisfied with the Honors experience at BHSU.
• The Honors program is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council.

 

BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE HONORS PROGRAM

• Scholarly Advancement: The Honors Program at Baptist Health Sciences University is designed to challenge students academically and provide opportunities for intellectual growth. By participating in honors classes and projects, students can deepen their understanding of their chosen field and develop critical thinking and research skills.
• Professional & Spiritual Enrichment: The Honors Program at Baptist Health Sciences University recognizes the importance of holistic development. In addition to academic excellence, students are encouraged to nurture their spiritual and professional growth. Through mentorship, professional development workshops, and spiritual guidance students can enhance their personal and career goals.
• Cultural & Social Engagement: The Honors Program fosters a sense of community and encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives and cultures. This is achieved through various cultural events, service opportunities, and social activities. By participating in these experiences, students can develop a global mindset and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
• Service & Leadership Development: The Honors Program instills a sense of responsibility and encourages students to become servant leaders in their communities. Through service-learning projects and leadership development activities, students can cultivate their leadership skills and make a positive impact on society.
• Supportive Community: Honors students at Baptist Health Sciences University become part of a purposeful and supportive community of like-minded individuals. They have the opportunity to connect with faculty mentors, collaborate with fellow honors students, and build lifelong friendships.
• Enhanced Resume and Career Opportunities: Graduating from the Honors Program at Baptist Health Sciences University demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. This distinction can enhance a student's resume and increase their competitiveness for graduate school admissions, scholarships, and job opportunities.

 

BENEFITS-AT-A-GLANCE

• Becoming a part of a purposeful community sharing opportunities to academically succeed and serve others.
• No extra costs and no extra coursework – all Honors coursework is built into the degree course requirements.
• Collaboration between students and faculty.
• More research opportunities.
• Leadership development.
• Opportunities for community service.
• Social events.
• Behind-the-Scenes tours of Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation facilities.
• Preparation for graduate studies.
• Priority Honors Registration.
• Honors recognition at the Honors Medallion Ceremony and Commencement.
• Distinction to land your dream job!

 

ENVISIONING YOUR ENGAGEMENT

• Service to the university as a Presidential Ambassador, Preview Day/Admissions volunteer, Alumni Contact volunteer, Homecoming, or other university functions.
• Serve on Toy Drive Task Force for Baptist Children’s Hospital
• Serve as a volunteer at Baptist Women’s/Children’s Hospital.
• Serve as a volunteer for the annual Tennessee Career Summit & Expo.
• Serve on the Leadership Team for Honors-Led Chapel
• Serve as a Volunteer High School Tutor through Baptist HealthCore
• Serve on the Elevate: Student Research Symposium Administrative Committee and/or Volunteer
• Serve as a Volunteer for the Tennessee Health Career’s Summit & Expo in November.
• Serve as a Volunteer at Black Men in White Coats or SHE Leads the Way
• Serve as Chaperone at the Baptist HealthCORE STEM Summer Camp
• Serve as Volunteer at Salute to Scholars Honors Recruitment/Induction Event.
• Serve as an Honors Student Leadership Council Officer
• Serve on the Remedy: BHSU Scholarly Journal Student Editorial Board.

By participating in the Honors Program at Baptist Health Sciences University, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a community dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and servant leadership. The program provides a platform for students to expand their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.