The Honors College at WSU Launches the Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford
brenda.onofreThe Honors College at WSU Launches the Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford
By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu
In the fall of 2023, Dean Norton traveled to Starkville, Mississippi, to visit Mississippi State University. During the visit, he took the opportunity to meet with his counterpart at the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College. Always eager to bring new and innovative ideas back to Pullman, he asked the Mississippi State Honors Dean a simple but profound question: “What is the best thing you do here?”
Without hesitation, the Mississippi State Dean highlighted their Shackouls Summer Study at the University of Oxford—a prestigious program that places Honors students in Oxford’s top colleges, where they engage in rigorous academics taught by Oxford faculty. The program, supported by generous donors, has had a remarkable impact on students, enhancing their ability to qualify for distinguished scholarships and aligning the institution with one of the world’s most esteemed universities. Inspired by this conversation, Dean Norton returned to Washington State University determined to create a similar experience for WSU Honors students.
Through dedicated effort and the generosity of alumni and donors, The Honors College at WSU is thrilled to announce the launch of the Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford, with the first cohort of four students set to embark on this extraordinary journey in summer 2025. This program represents a significant milestone in expanding the academic and global opportunities available to our Honors College students.
The Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford is designed to provide Washington State University’s most distinguished Honors College students with an unparalleled academic and cultural experience. This six-week program, running from mid-May to late June, immerses students in the academic traditions of Oxford University, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Unlike traditional study abroad programs, this initiative emphasizes rigorous academics, personal mentorship, and deep intellectual engagement.
Each student will experience Oxford’s renowned tutorial system, engaging in one-on-one instruction with esteemed Oxford professors in their respective fields. They will also gain Associate Student status at prestigious Oxford colleges, including Oriel College, Trinity College, and New College, providing them access to exclusive academic and social spaces.
This program will profoundly enrich the academic journey of WSU Honors students, equipping them with critical thinking skills, international perspectives, and unique learning experiences that will distinguish them in their future academic and professional pursuits. By participating in this program, students will engage and establish valuable connections with Oxford faculty and students. The experience will also strengthen their credentials for prestigious scholarships such as the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships.
The launch of the Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford is a testament to Dean Norton’s commitment to bringing world-class opportunities to WSU students. Just as he sought out the best ideas from other institutions, this program now allows WSU students to immerse themselves in one of the finest academic traditions in the world. Thanks to the dedication of The Honors College and the generosity of alumni and donors, WSU students now have the chance to experience the transformative power of this educational exchange.
Participants will receive an Oxford student ID, granting them access to the Bodleian Library, one of the world’s most significant academic libraries. The program includes special lectures by distinguished academics and political leaders, along with tickets to performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and the Globe Theatre in London. Additionally, students will explore historical and cultural sites in Oxford, London, and Cambridge, gaining a deeper understanding of British history and culture.
This program will profoundly enrich the academic journey of WSU Honors students, equipping them with critical thinking skills, international perspectives, and unique learning experiences that will distinguish them in their future academic and professional pursuits. By participating in this program, students will engage and establish valuable connections with Oxford faculty and students. The experience will also strengthen their credentials for prestigious scholarships such as the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships.
The launch of the Summer Leadership Experience-Oxford is a testament to Dean Norton’s commitment to bringing world-class opportunities to WSU students. Just as he sought out the best ideas from other institutions, this program now allows WSU students to immerse themselves in one of the finest academic traditions in the world. Thanks to the dedication of The Honors College and the generosity of alumni and donors, WSU students now have the chance to experience the transformative power of this educational exchange.
Name: Tiana LaFollette