Welcome to the Honors College
Creativity, Community, and Curiosity
Welcome to the Honors College at the University of New Mexico! The UNM Honors College provides rewarding opportunities for intensive, interdisciplinary and cross-cultural, liberal-arts education to motivated, talented, and creative undergraduates in all majors and to build a community of scholars. From unique, interdisciplinary seminar courses to study abroad to research opportunities with professors, the Honors College provides students from all majors across campus a space to broaden their entire educational experience. We hope that you will join us in the Honors College as you create your journey at UNM.
Happenings in Honors
Featured Students
Economics and Philosophy
Kamryn Zachek is a driven and accomplished senior at the University of New Mexico, majoring in Economics and Philosophy, and a proud Regents Scholar in her final semester of undergraduate studies. As a pre-law student, Kamryn has a clear vision for her future, planning to gain more legal work experience before pursuing law school. With aspirations to eventually pursue a judgeship, Kamryn’s academic and extracurricular pursuits reflect her dedication to justice, policy, and legal advocacy.
Anthropology
Hailey Himelright is a dynamic University of New Mexico student pursuing a degree in Anthropology with a focus on Ethnography, along with minors in Dance and Honors. Born abroad and raised in New Mexico, Hailey has a unique understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of community.
Liberal Arts and Integrative Studies
Ya’teeh (hello) this is Mark Freeland. Mark is a member of the Navajo Nation from Crownpoint, New Mexico, where he resides. As a Navajo man, ke’ and kinship are important to Mark as his clans are a representation as to who he is. His clans are Tótsohníí/Kinyaa’áanii/ Tsénjíkíní and Tsenabahiłnii.
Recent News
Building Your Own Honors College: Professor Betsy James’ Journey of Creativity and Teaching
April 8, 2025
Student Lilah Hammad nominated Professor Betsy James for the April Faculty Spotlight. Hammad describes Betsy as an incredible teacher, noting, “She is a remarkable writer and artist who shares her passion with her students, inspiring them to create and share wonderful things.” When asked why she nominated Betsy, Hammad replied, “Betsy is just plain cool. I want to be like her when I grow up.” Read below to hear what Betsy has to say:
Nurturing Curiosity and Connection: Professor Falkowski’s Impact on Honors Students
April 8, 2025
Professor Tomasz Falkowski’s journey from bioengineering to environmental science is a testament to the power of exploration and transformation. His academic path began with a degree in bioengineering, but it wasn’t long before he realized that he preferred getting dirty outside to pipetting in a wet lab.
Honors College Adjunct Faculty Member Featured on It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science: Celebrating Black History Month
March 12, 2025
Dr. Marsha Hardeman, a professor in Africana Studies and adjunct professor in the Honors College at the University of New Mexico, was recently featured as a guest speaker on the It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science podcast for the special Black History Month episode titled “The More We Know, The More We Grow.”
Faculty Spotlight: Professor Ryan Swanson – Inspiring Curiosity and Humor in the Classroom
March 11, 2025
Professor Ryan Swanson, a passionate educator in the UNM Honors College, brings a unique blend of academic expertise, personal experience, and an undeniable love for sports to his students.
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Honors College Resources