The Honors College at East Texas A&M University has been named a Partners in Peace institution by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).
This national recognition is awarded to honors programs that incorporate structured academic inquiry into topics related to conflict resolution, civic processes and community problem-solving within a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum. The official designation was presented at the national NCHC conference in Nov. 2025.
The designation reflects the strength of the Honors College’s interdisciplinary curriculum and its emphasis on meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Honors students routinely participate in undergraduate research, conference presentations, competitive internships and capstone projects that allow them to create and contribute new knowledge in their field. The college also offers dedicated Honors housing, exclusive scholarships and a strong sense of community through the Student Honors Council and national honor societies such as Phi Kappa Phi.
“The Partners in Peace designation shows our commitment to go beyond traditional classroom learning and provide students with meaningful, transformative learning opportunities,” said Lindsay Svane, assistant director of the Honors College. “It reflects our ability to foster dialogue, collaboration and learning across disciplines while preparing students to be leaders and changemakers in their communities.”
As part of its Partners in Peace recognition, the Honors College was acknowledged for faculty-guided coursework and experiential learning embedded within an Honors study-away capstone experience that examined the science of happiness and the World Happiness Report. A cohort of 21 Honors students engaged in comparative study focused on community well-being, leadership and cultural context, including analysis of case studies associated with Nobel Peace Prize recipients. Through academic study, structured reflection and hands-on research, students examined how insights from these case studies could be applied to decision-making and engagement in their home communities.
With this designation, the Honors College continues to advance academically rigorous opportunities that challenge students intellectually while preparing them for professional success and civic participation as active, thoughtful leaders in a rapidly changing world.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our faculty and staff who have earned this distinction and of the programs they deliver that make the Honors College such a special community,” said Erin Webster Garrett, dean of the Honors College. “Partners in Peace exemplifies how we cultivate students who can bridge disciplines, engage difficult questions and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This is the Honors College at East Texas A&M.”
Article source: East Texas A&M University
Pictured: Lindsay Svane (left) and Brittney Yager display the certificate of completion indicating the Honors College met the requirements to be designated Partners in Peace. | Photo credit: Chandler Michael Culotta
