February 26, 2015
MARSHALL, Texas (2/19/15) - The East Texas Baptist University Honors Project program has its largest group of students this semester than ever before. A total of nine students from seven different academic departments are involved in the honors project endeavor.
An Honors Project is designed to allow ETBU students the opportunity to conduct advanced research in their chosen discipline.
"The honors project basically entails anything you want to research," said Zach Bearden of Magnolia, Texas who is in the program. "It is an interdisciplinary project which means I will be studying my discipline, which is music, and another discipline, like history. For two years I will be researching and right before I graduate I will present my findings."
The Honors Project culminates in graduating "with distinction" and special recognition during graduation ceremonies. The project is a four-semester program of individual research directed by a faculty member in the student's academic major and supported by an Honors Project Committee.
The students involved this semester are Sarah Alvis of Fort Worth, her faculty advisor Dr. Rebekah Grigsby (Nursing); Caroline Donica of Longview, her faculty advisor Tracie Ledford (Theatre Arts); Joe Meadows of Mountain Home, Arkansas, his faculty advisor Dr. Kristen Butterworth (Chemistry); Casey Papas of Marshall, his faculty advisor Traci Ledford (Theatre Arts); Zach Bearden of Magnolia, his faculty advisor Dr. Virginia Boaz (Music); Ashley Johnson of Troup, her faculty advisor Dr. Troy White (English); Kristin Williams of Whitehouse, her faculty advisor Dr. Stan Coppinger (English); Katelynn (Ro) Burns of Pittsburg, her faculty advisor, Dr. Allyn Leuders (Communication Studies); and Tiana Ballard of Lindale, her faculty advisor Dr. Lori Smith (Psychology).
"I am so happy to see this many students involved," said Dr. Stan Coppinger, Professor of English and Director of the University Scholars program at ETBU. "This increasing interest in research reveals that our program is moving in a good direction and that students are understanding the importance and benefit of engaging in this kind of scholarship."
Sarah Diffie of Jefferson graduated with distinction while receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English this past Fall Commencement held in December. Her Honors Project was titled "Bruno Bettleheim's Animal Groom Cycle in 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Twilight'." Daniel Vaughan, will graduate with distinction this May, while receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. His Honors Project is titled, "An Examination of the Four Loves in C. S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces."
East Texas Baptist University offers graduate programs in business, counseling, religion and education, as well as 40 undergraduate degree programs. ETBU provides a Christ centered education that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning. The ETBU experience is known for "Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, and Empowering Leaders."