University Scholars

Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom… The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy James 3: 13, 17

 The University Scholars Program provides an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment in which ETBU’s brightest students can pursue knowledge and godly wisdom. The program culminates in students graduating “with distinction” and receiving special recognition during the graduation ceremony. In addition to receiving an honor cord appropriate to their GPA, University Scholars receive a hood, much like the ones worn by masters students, from their sponsoring faculty member and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Each year, twelve incoming University Scholars also receive $1,000 scholarships. Admission to the program is granted on the basis of academic performance and Christian character. In our 2011-2012 cohort, the average ACT is over 27 and the average GPA over 3.9. Students of outstanding character, who have lower scores than these, are nevertheless encouraged to apply.

Scholars Courses

During their first two years at ETBU, University Scholars participate in specially designed scholars sections of general education classes. These courses do not require a greater quantity of work, but cater to scholars’ greater self-motivation and greater capacity for critical thinking. Students will encounter more open-ended questions in these small, seminar-style classes, and they will work with the philosophical issues at the heart of the disciplines they study.

Honors Projects

During their final two years at ETBU, University Scholars complete an Honors Project on a topic of their choice. The project is a four-semester program of individual research directed by a faculty member in the student’s major and supported by an interdisciplinary faculty committee. Honors Projects allow students the opportunity to conduct advanced research in their chosen discipline with one-on-one guidance from a professional scholar in their field.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Throughout their time at ETBU, University Scholars will participate in movie nights, lunches with community leaders, cookouts, out-of-town trips, and other social events. By the time the students graduate, they will have grown personally and spiritually because of their interactions with one another inside, and outside the classroom.

For more details, please contact:
Dr. Cassandra Falke
Associate Professor of English
Director, University Scholars Program
cfalke@etbu.edu
903. 923. 2284