Our Mission: to Empower Extraordinary Scholars
A sophomore collaborates with faculty mentors to develop an individualized degree program that blends her passions for music and health care. Junior peer mentors guide first-year students to pursue fellowship and undergraduate research opportunities available through the Honors College. A senior presents the results of her capstone project to a national audience, results that she completed working one-on-one with a faculty expert. These are a few of the experiences that distinguish an Honors College education--- focused on nurturing informed citizens, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.
Gifts made to the college directly benefit dedicated, deserving students engaged in stimulating, one-of-a-kind courses and research within our supportive community. Your investment has both immediate and life-long impact. Here are a few of their voices:
“The Honors College has provided me with so many opportunities for growth including fellowships, attending and presenting at regional and national conferences, taking interesting and engaging courses that encourage me to expand my thinking, and being a part of a true community. Through several changes in my major and my future plans, the Honors College was my constant.” (Jamie, a senior from the Indianapolis area)
“I can honestly say that the honors curriculum transformed my college career as I shaped, sculpted, and reshaped my perspectives, values, and engagement in the world. I have personally benefited from enriching relationships, both professional and personal, with fellow students and faculty alike. I had ample opportunities and support to expand my horizons, travel and present at conferences, and conduct research through Honors Undergraduate Fellowships. Life truly is all of what you make it. The world is your oyster, and the Honors College can provide you a platform to personal and professional growth unmatched in other settings. Take notice of those Honors College students around you; they will be the leaders of tomorrow.” (Jon, a recent first-generation graduate from southern Indiana)
Whitinger Scholars
The Whitinger Scholarship is the signature scholarship of the Honors College and is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by Ball State University, honoring 10 exceptionally talented students each year. Established in 1976, the scholarship is supported by academic programs, social activities, and special opportunities as well as the funds for the scholarship itself.
The Whitinger Scholarship covers full tuition (in-state or out-of-state), mandatory University fees (those which apply automatically to all students), and on-campus room and board for eight semesters as an undergraduate at Ball State.
Emens Scholars
The Emens Scholars form a lively community of leaders on campus. Recipients of this fund actively participate in academic and extracurricular activities and were leaders in high school and their local community. The Emens Leadership Scholarship is open to both in-state and out-of-state students.
In recent years the value of the scholarship has been one-half the amount of in-state tuition. Six to ten new scholarships have been awarded each year to incoming freshmen. These awards are for eight semesters and are subject to an annual review of the student’s leadership and academic progress.
