Joseph L. Tucker Edmonds, associate professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies in the School of Liberal Arts, became the IUPUI Honors College's first faculty fellow this month. He is currently working on a series of community-engaged research projects under the theme of “The Black Body Positive.” These projects all address the relationship between the Black body, civic and religious engagement, and well-being. He will also provide strategic leadership and guidance related to supporting Honors College students, especially those from underrepresented groups, with meaningful mentoring and research experiences that have impact beyond the classroom.
Alongside welcoming Professor Tucker Edmonds, the Honors College is busy getting ready to welcome students back for a face-to-face fall semester. They are thrilled to welcome 175 incoming students to their community, as well as approximately 100 continuing students who were selected by their schools to join Honors. Of the incoming freshmen, the Honors College is excited to welcome the largest number of African American scholars ever to join the Honors College community. Emily Clossin, Shane Collins, and Kara Woodlee, Honors College assistant directors and advisors, have been busy meeting with incoming students to learn more about their goals and make sure they start their IUPUI Honors Career strong.
Sarah Glener and Margaret Miley, the Honors College admissions and scholarship team, are busy planning for the fall 2022 admissions cycle. A new development in the Honors College admissions process includes requiring students to submit an artifact that demonstrates their academic success instead of requiring standardized test scores. The Honors College director of academic affairs, Lisa Ruch, is already working with Alpha Lambda Delta / Phi Eta Sigma members to plan their leadership retreat and member events to continue their streak of national recognition. With everyone in the Honors College committed to student success and making sure all Honors Scholars have meaningful experiences inside and outside the classroom, Professor Tucker Edmond’s commitment to public and engaged scholarship fits perfectly with the work everyone is doing in Honors.