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University Honors Global Scholars

Elevating Academic Excellence - Imagine, Inquire, Immerse, Inspire

Honors Global Scholars: Excellence with a Global Focus

TROY's University Honors Global Scholars Program offers an elite academic experience for high-achieving students, combining interdisciplinary learning with global engagement. Through leadership development, international study, and specialized coursework, students gain the insight and skills to excel in graduate studies, professional careers, and beyond. Our Fall 2025 Cohort includes an impressive group of students—10% of whom ranked in the top 5% of their high school graduating class. Among them are published writers, award-winning photographers, costume designers, and even a young CEO who founded a business while still in high school. Representing 10 states nationwide, these scholars have traveled to more than 17 countries, and 25% are proficient in a foreign language. Here are a few more stats that showcase the excellence of our inaugural University Honors Global Scholars class.

32
Median ACT Score
85%
Have Served in Leadership Roles
4.2
Median GPA (unweighted)

Experience the World. Elevate Your Mind. Lead with Impact.

At ߲ݴý University, we believe that the brightest minds deserve the broadest horizons. The University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP) is more than an academic distinction; it's an immersive, transformative experience designed for students who are ready to push boundaries, embrace global perspectives and lead with purpose.  

As a UHGSP scholar, you won't just study the world—you'll experience it. Through rigorous coursework, international opportunities and hands-on leadership development, you'll engage with complex global challenges, collaborate with distinguished faculty and build meaningful connections across cultures. 

The UHGS Program cultivates a select community of academically exceptional, culturally curious and highly motivated scholars. Our students share a passion for intellectual exploration, innovation and service, striving not only for personal excellence but also for a lasting impact on their communities and the world. If you are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to leadership, the UHGS Program will empower you to rise to your full potential. 

Students walking on Campus near the Quad with the Sorrell College of Business in the background.

Advanced Honors Curriculum

Student speaking at a conference

Advanced Honors Curriculum

Our advanced honors curriculum challenges students to think critically, engage globally and apply knowledge beyond the classroom. Through interdisciplinary global seminars, experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities, our scholars develop the skills and perspectives needed for academic and professional excellence.

Students recieving awards

Leadership Development

UHGSP fosters leadership development by offering scholars opportunities to grow, mentor and serve in impactful ways. Scholars can pursue a Leadership Minor, develop skills through mentorship opportunities, and receive competitive leadership support to help them pursue state, regional and national leadership roles. They also have the chance to form global connections by becoming an International Student Partner, facilitating cross-cultural exchange.

Professor Teaching a Class

Honors Coursework

The UHGSP honors coursework is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel. It combines honors sections of general studies courses with specialized courses offered through the University Honors Global Scholars Program. Each academic college provides distinct honors coursework, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching academic experience.

Students working together

Peer Mentorships

A robust peer mentoring program will connect new students with experienced peers, helping them navigate the diverse opportunities available across campus and in the local community. Through these connections, students gain a deeper understanding of the global learning community, campus resources and service projects, fostering both personal and academic growth.

Academic Colleges

Honors courses are offered across various academic colleges, providing diverse pathways for a customized advanced honors education.

All Programs

Mellon Community Fellowships

Are you an artist, scholar, historian, community organizer, or cultural practitioner? Community Fellows work directly with ߲ݴý University faculty and students, bringing community wisdom and lived experience into conversation with academic research.

Mellon Student Research Fellowships

Undergraduate students collaborate with faculty, scholars, and community partners on meaningful projects including archival research, digital archive creation, public humanities programs, and place-based learning throughout Alabama.

Apply for Mellon Fellowships at ߲ݴý University

߲ݴý University's College of Arts and Humanities and Honors Program are now accepting applications for two exciting fellowship opportunities.

These fellowships are part of (Re)reading Alabama's Cultural Archives: Connecting Place to Its Multitudes, a Mellon Foundation initiative that reimagines how we understand Alabama's cultural heritage. We're documenting and elevating the diverse voices that shape our state—from literary and musical traditions to visual arts, performance, and oral histories—with special focus on African American, Native American, and immigrant communities.

Email for Instructions

UHGSP Admission

Admission to the University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP) is by invitation only and offered primarily at the time of acceptance to ߲ݴý University. Selected incoming first-year students from each college will be invited to join the UHGSP during the Freshman Admissions period following a holistic review conducted by UHGSP in collaboration with Undergraduate Admissions. The selection process includes a comprehensive evaluation of the UHGSP application, which consists of a personal statement, a resume highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements, and a letter of recommendation from an academic professional. These materials will be assessed for evidence of the applicant's intellectual curiosity, leadership potential and commitment to global engagement. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview, after which final admission decisions will be made by the UHGSP Selection Committee. Students can enter the University Honors Global Scholars Program through one of five ways:
Scholar Plus Award Recipients
All students who are offered the Scholar Plus Award (ACT: 36–33 or SAT: 1600–1450; GPA: 3.7) will be invited to apply to the University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP). Invited applicants must submit a complete UHGSP application.
 
Scholar Award Recipients
All students who are offered the Scholar Award (ACT: 32–30 or SAT: 1440–1360; GPA: 3.7) will be invited to apply to the UHGSP. Invited applicants must submit a complete UHGSP application.
 
Chancellor's Award Recipients
All students who are offered the Chancellor's Award (ACT: 29–26 or SAT: 1350–1230; GPA: 3.5) will be invited to apply to the UHGSP. Invited applicants must submit a complete UHGSP application.
 
Nominated Students

Selected high-performing, high-potential first-year students (minimum GPA: 3.5) will be invited to apply to the UHGSP. These students are nominated by faculty members and must submit a complete UHGSP application. Nominated students will be invited to interview during the early spring semester of their first year at ߲ݴý University. Invitations to apply will be sent via TROY email in mid-March, with admission decisions announced in mid-April. Accepted students will begin the UHGSP curriculum at the start of their second year, fulfilling the Year 2 program requirements.

Transfer Students

Selected high-performing, high-potential transfer students entering ߲ݴý University who receive the Presidential Transfer Scholarship or the One TROY Transfer Scholarship (minimum GPA: 3.5) will be invited to apply to the UHGSP during the Transfer Admissions period. Notifications regarding interview dates will be sent to students via their official TROY email. Invited applicants must submit a complete UHGSP application. Accepted transfer students will begin the UHGSP curriculum at the start of their second year, fulfilling the Year 2 program requirements.

Research and Scholarship

UHGSP scholars engage in rigorous academic research that builds both depth and global awareness. Our coursework provides a foundation in research methods, cultural orientation and discipline-specific study, preparing scholars to explore complex global issues. Through faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities, you will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to contribute meaningfully to any field. 

Study Abroad & Global Engagement

Global experience is a key component of UHGSP. In addition to a cohort-based international trip, scholars are expected to complete at least one independent study abroad experience. Whether through exchange programs, research abroad or immersive learning opportunities, these experiences allow you to engage with diverse cultures, expand your academic horizons, and develop the skills necessary to navigate a diverse global landscape.

Chancellor's Award for Global Competitiveness

The Chancellor's Award for Global Competitiveness provides up to $5000 in scholarships to help offset the cost of studying abroad, enabling you to gain meaningful international experience.


More Info on Chancellor's Award for Global Competitiveness
A group of students in Costa Rica infront of a waterfall.
Students in Italy while Studying Abroad

Global Experiences, Global Perspectives

As a University Honors Global Scholars Program student, you'll engage in transformative global experiences that broaden your perspective and prepare you for leadership in a connected world. 

Opportunities Through UHGSP: 

  • Research Abroad and Exchange Programs – Conduct research and study internationally.
  • Global Exposure at Home – Engage with diverse cultures through local initiatives.
  • Immersive Travel Experiences – Explore global issues through domestic travel.
  • International Collaborations – Work with institutions, scholars and organizations to gain diverse insights.
  • Career-Building Experiences – Pursue internships, fellowships and job placements with international firms and institutions.

Personal Development

UHGSP supports scholars in building a well-rounded skill set for success. These experiences help scholars develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive both personally and professionally. Opportunities for personal development include: 

  • Etiquette Training
  • Professional Development
  • Creative & Critical Thinking
  • Personal Wellness
  • Counseling
  • Public Speaking
Mrs. Hawkins at Etiquette Luncheon Student participating in speech contest Student picking out an outfit at Career Closet Student working out at the Rec Center

Community Service & Engagement

UHGSP encourages scholars to contribute to their communities through various service initiatives. Opportunities include those provided by the office of Civic Engagement:

  • Service-Learning Projects
  • Volunteer Hours
  • Poverty and Hunger Outreach Initiatives
  • Sustainability Initiatives
  • Healthy Futures Outreach Initiatives
  • Community Action and Outreach Projects
Community Service & Engagement - Learn More

Imagining Alabama: Connecting Local to Global

Connecting Place to its Multitudes is a project that is funded the — the nation's largest supporter of the arts and humanities

A place is more than its physical location; it is shaped by its larger histories and cultures, as well as by the human affects associated with those encounters. Practitioners and performers in the arts and humanities are not just chroniclers but also interpreters of these human affects, exploring the intricate relationships between cultural meaning and social values. Arts can enrich the humanities by providing diverse mediums through which to explore human experiences. Through close reading and critical analysis of artistic expressions—such as literature, visual art, music, and performance— we gain deeper insights into historical contexts, social issues, and identity formation. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, enhances creativity, and encourages empathy, allowing us to connect more profoundly with the complexities of the human condition. This project seeks to confront the dominant narrative of lack in Alabama by engaging with its diverse cultural productions in literature, music, dance, theater, and art to reveal and interpret the manifold experiences and emotions of its varied people. The project aims to deepen the understanding of Alabama's cultural identity to foster social justice through research, curriculum development, and community engagement.

The University Honors Program, in collaboration with the College of Communication and Fine Arts, leads this initiative.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Priya Menon

Dr. Priya Menon

Dr. Priya Menon is a professor of literature at ߲ݴý University whose teaching and research explore migration, global cultural exchange and the intersections of environment and society. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of TROY's Ingalls Award for Excellence in Teaching, she has worked extensively on questions of global mobility, community, and storytelling. Her research often connects local contexts with international issues, from migration in Kerala, India to cultural archives in Alabama, USA. In the classroom, she emphasizes critical dialogue, collaborative learning and mentorship, encouraging students to see their own academic and career paths through a global lens. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring local food cultures, and wandering through vibrant marketplaces and old bookstores that capture the textures of local life.
Dr. Stephen Napoli

Dr. Stephen Napoli

Dr. Stephen Napoli serves ߲ݴý University and its students as a Professor of Practice and as the Executive Director of the Institute for Leadership Development. Previously, he served 32 years in the U.S. Army as an AH-64 attack helicopter aviator, instructor pilot and educator. He has served, and continues to serve, in several leadership, coaching and educational positions through university, church and civic endeavors. Internationally, Dr. Napoli has spent time in over 20 countries including: two years in Kuwait; two tours of duty in Korea; three tours in Afghanistan; Turkey; Romania; Poland; Lithuania; Germany; France; Belgium; among others. Dr. Napoli received a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from ߲ݴý (State) University, has a master's degree in Aeronautical Science and a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. Additionally, he holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. He is married with two teenage daughters (Hannah and Elizabeth).
Dr. Robert Vilardi

Dr. Robert Vilardi

Dr. Robert Vilardi, College of Science and Engineering. Dr. Vilardi earned his Ph.D. in Instructional leadership with an emphasis in instructional technology from the University of Alabama. He earned his Master's in Secondary Mathematics Education from Auburn University Montgomery, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Dr. Vilardi joined the Mathematics department at ߲ݴý University in 2007. He currently serves as the Campus Coordinator for the College of Science and Engineering on the Montgomery Campus, the director of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Resource and Technology Management and continues to work in the Mathematics Department. Dr. Vilardi is also active with TROY Study Abroad initiative fostering academic and cultural enrichment through coordinated programs to France, Spain, Italy and Curaçao. Dr. Vilardi has a deep commitment to student success and academic excellence and is excited to be a member of the Provost Faculty Fellows.
Dr. John Dove

Dr. John Dove

Dr. John Dove is an economics professor in the Sorrell College of Business at ߲ݴý University, where he has taught since August 2013. Before joining ߲ݴý, he served as an assistant professor of economics at Mercer University. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from West Virginia University in 2012, preceded by an M.A. in economics from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in economics from Hillsdale College in 2005. His research interests include applied institutional analysis, U.S. state and local public finance, entrepreneurship, economic regulation, political economy, and fiscal federalism. His work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Comparative Economics, Journal of Macroeconomics, Journal of Regulatory Economics, Kyklos, Public Choice, Journal of Institutional Economics, and Business and Politics, among others. He currently serves as Co-Editor of Essays in Economic and Business History and actively contributes to the economics profession through both scholarship and service.

University Honors Council Members

Dr. James Meadows at ߲ݴý University

Dr. James Meadows - Community & Engagement Lead

Dr. Samantha Booker at ߲ݴý University

Dr. Samantha Booker - Student Support Lead

Prof. Jonathan Farrow at ߲ݴý University

Prof. Jonathan Farrow - Communications & Recognitions Lead

Dr. Bruno Costa at ߲ݴý University

Dr. Bruno Costa - Curriculum and Pedagogy Lead

University Honors Advisory Members

Dr. Johanna Alberich at ߲ݴý University

Dr. Johanna Alberich - Facilitate cohort travel and global immersion experiences

Dr. Lesley Parrish at ߲ݴý University

Dr. Lesley Parrish - Recruitment coordinator and admissions and student onboarding initiatives 

The fountain on John Robert Lewis Quad

TROY names inaugural members of the University Honors Global Scholars Council

߲ݴý University has announced the inaugural members of the University Honors Global Scholars Council.

Appointed by Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the seven-person council is comprised of faculty from each of TROY's five colleges with advisory members for Admissions and Study Abroad. 

The Council will advise the program director on curriculum development, recruitment, policy and program evaluation for their respective colleges. Members help integrate Honors courses, promote the program and contribute to assessment and advocacy for Honors and global learning across the University.

“The formation of the University Honors Global Scholars Council marks a significant milestone in ߲ݴý University's commitment to academic excellence and global engagement,” Palmer said. “This council brings together a remarkable group of faculty leaders whose insight and dedication will shape a transformative experience for our top scholars—one that prepares them to lead, serve and innovate on a global stage.”

Dr. Priya Menon to lead TROY's Global Scholars Honors Program

߲ݴý University's Global Scholars Honors Program represents the best and brightest the University has to offer, and Dr. Priya Menon has now been named as its new leader.

A former ,  and a professor in the English Department, Menon has spent the last 17 years at TROY.

“I am delighted that Dr. Priya Menon has agreed to lead our Global Scholars honors program here at ߲ݴý University,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “As a Fulbright Scholar and Ambassador, Dr. Menon will open doors for our students that they never thought possible. Our current college Global Scholars directors are outstanding and are to be commended for the great work they have done to get this program up and running. I am confident that Dr. Menon will take the success we have already enjoyed and propel this program into a new and exciting future.”

A distinct initiative focused on academic excellence and global curiosity, the Global Scholars Honors Program aims to integrate ߲ݴý University's existing QEP—Internationally Aware, Globally Prepared—the University Honors Program and TROY Abroad through a globally focused major-specific track within each of TROY's academic colleges.

With the official naming of an inaugural program director, the first steps have been taken to transitioning Global Scholars into an honors college.

John Robert Lewis and students walking by

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

SLO 1: Students will demonstrate preparedness for an international research experience.

SLO 2: Students will demonstrate how the results of their international research experience are relevant in contemporary global contexts. 

SLO 3: Students will proficiently articulate a sense of global self-awareness they have gained during the international research experience. 

SLO 4: Students will proficiently articulate a sense of perspective taking they have gained during the international research experience. 

SLO 5: Students will synthesize insights from their international research experience with their disciplinary knowledge, applying it to their thesis to propose practical solutions to local or global issues.

Contact Us

Dr. Priya Menon, Ph.D.
Director | University Honors

pmenon@troy.edu

honors@troy.edu 

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