March 2, 2005 -- More than 60 top scholars from Arkansas high schools will participate in the University Honors Scholarship Competition at Arkansas State University Saturday, March 5. Winners will be awarded more than $2.5 million.

“Each year we invite top scholars who are interested in attending ASU to compete,” explained Dr. Gil Fowler, Interim Dean of The Honors College. “They participate in faculty, staff and student interviews and in a written essay which allows us to introduce ASU to them. We want to see how ASU will complement their educational goals.”

Each of the students has already earned a Chancellor’s scholarship valued at more than $30,000 but have the chance to earn the university’s highest scholarship, The University Honors Scholarship, valued at over $50,000 for four years of study.

If awarded, students will earn room, board and fees plus a stipend of $1,200 per year for four years of study. “They will have to maintain a 3.5 grade point average and take Honors courses as part of their university experience to continue,” said Fowler.

“The Honors College at ASU is designed to provide a unique experience for our exceptional scholars,” explained Fowler. “Students in this program will generally do a portion of their work in smaller classes and have the opportunity to do independent study type courses to further their interests, as well as complete an Honors thesis their senior year with the help of faculty in their major area.”

Currently, ASU has over 200 students enrolled in its Honors Program. “Many have earned one of the university scholarships and automatically qualify. But students do not necessarily have to earn a university scholarship to be part of the Honors Program,” said Fowler. “They can petition or be nominated to join after showing academic promise at ASU with the recommendation of an ASU faculty member. Or if they had a high GPA in high school or a high ACT score, they can petition their first enrollment period.”

More than 60 students and their parents have qualified and have registered to participate in the ASU competition. To be eligible, one must have a 3.75 GPA or above with an ACT score of at least 28; or a 3.5 GPA with a 30 or higher ACT score; or be a semi-finalist or finalist National Merit Scholar.

“We recognize that students have already shown that they can compete at a high academic level in high school and we want them to know that they have earned their way to college.”

for more details:
Gil Fowler, Ph.D., Interim Dean
The Honors College
870-972-2308