WPU Welcomes 20 Students to Honors Program

Raleigh, NC (08/26/2022) — RALEIGH, N.C. - Twenty new students were recently inducted into the William Peace University (WPU) Honors Program, officials said this week.

The WPU Honors Program goes beyond higher-level classwork, pushing students to grow as scholars and leaders by engaging them in research, leadership, and community service. Incoming and current students who have excelled in their academics are invited to join the program.

"Our incoming Honors students have a history of academic success, engaged service, and leadership," said Heidi Gailor, associate professor of business and Honors Program director. "When these students are inducted into the Honors Program, they join a community of scholars focused on ethical leadership and justice."

In addition to special classes, Honors students work with faculty on research, as teaching assistants, and on service projects. They also study away together, go on retreats, and have other immersive experiences unique to students in this program.

During the induction ceremony, the incoming Honors heard from Alisha Dhar, majoring in Communications, who spoke about her experience in the Honors Program. Each student then pledged themselves to the three pillars of the Honors Program:

To aspire to academic excellence with integrity. As an Honors student, students devote themselves to delivering the highest quality in everything they do and to do so openly, honestly, and honorably.

To serve as an exemplary campus leader. Honors students dedicate themselves to serving as role models at William Peace University and in the surrounding community.

To take an active role in supporting a positive, inclusive, and thriving campus community, one that appreciates diversity and is grounded in respect.

The WPU 2022-23 Honors Program students are:

Tameka Adams, Morrisville, NC
Mason Bennett, Raleigh, NC
Caitlyn Birkner, Fort Mill, SC
Amber Blankenship, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Kaitlyn Bliss, Greensboro, NC
Jeremiah Gaines, Goldsboro, NC
Joshua Gooch, Cary, NC
Caedmon Holland, Apex, NC
Davis Kelly, San Antonio, TX
MacKenzie Kirk, Green Cove Springs, FL
Chloe Kunkle, Concord, NC
Charlotte Marinier, Charlotte, NC
Kristyon Midcalf, Charlotte, NC
Rachel Mori, Fallon, NV
Victoria Oxendine, Pembroke, NC
Abdulrahman Qurneh, Raleigh, NC
Lawrence Roberts, Cary, NC
Miles Soza, Cameron, NC
Amelia Townsend, Garner, NC
Ashley Wyrick, Greensboro, NC

About WPU

Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a regionally ranked institution in Raleigh, NC - one of the U.S News' Best Places to Live - serving more than 800 students in 30+ undergraduate and 10 professional programs in criminal justice, education, business administration, and more. The university focuses on an immersive curriculum and innovative teaching methods to ensure students graduate career-ready and prepared to thrive in the organizations of today and tomorrow. Nestled in the heart of Raleigh's downtown area, the university's culture is as vibrant as the surrounding city; our students benefit from all the connections and collaboration our central location offers. Learn more at peace.edu.