When UNT’s first university-wide Honors program was established in 1994, its mission was clear: Talented and motivated students who chose to become members would be given opportunities to build a strong intellectual foundation, prepare well for graduate and professional school, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to launch their careers while engaging as responsible citizens in service to others.

That commitment to excellence was reinforced when the program became the Honors College in 2005, open to all qualified undergraduate students. With an average SAT score of more than 1300 and a retention rate of more than 93 percent, Honors students are “both extraordinarily well-prepared for, and deeply committed to, excellence,” says Gloria Cox, dean of the college.

For example, the recipient of UNT’s first Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 2011 was Rosalyn Reades (ʼ02) — accomplished Honors graduate, emergency room physician, basketball great and Rhodes Scholar semifinalist.

“We judge greatness in universities in many ways, but few are as revealing and important as what an institution’s graduates accomplish as they pursue their dreams,” Cox says. “The Honors College is committed to helping talented and motivated students achieve greatness within themselves so they can change the world.”