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)! Meet Mark Freeland, a proud member of the Navajo Nation, from Crownpoint, New Mexico. Mark’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his deep-rooted commitment to both his heritage and his community. 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
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.
Staff Spotlight: Joseph Varela Crafting Memorable Moments at the Honors College
March 11, 2025
Meet Joseph Varela, an integral part of the UNM Honors College team! Joseph is the behind-the-scenes organizer who helps ensure that events in the Forum run smoothly and efficiently.
Longtime honors educator and leader selected as UNM’s next Honors College dean
January 28, 2025
University of New Mexico Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway has selected Naomi Yavneh Klos as the next dean of the Honors College.
Yavneh Klos is the Reverend Emmett M. Bienvenu, SJ, Distinguished Chair in Humanities, and Professor of Languages and Cultures at Loyola University New Orleans. She will begin as dean at UNM on July 1.
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Honors College Resources