Honors Program Celebrates a Decade of Growth
Reported by Jayden Forsyth
Photographed by Luci Lettau
Eleven years ago, in a small office in Lemmons Center, the foundation for what would become George Fox University’s Honors Program was laid. Last Thursday, students and faculty gathered to celebrate the program’s evolution and success with a forum and some cake.
In 2014, Associate Provost and Professor of Theology and Culture Joseph Clair began developing the George Fox Honors Program. Initially, the program considered alternative discussion formats, including a complex system of hand signals to convey messages between students and moderators.
Another early proposal involved a strict lecture format with little student participation. However, the program’s founding team ultimately embraced an interactive approach, recognizing that “great texts bring great conversations,” as Clair put it.
Not long after its inception, the Honors Program found a permanent home in Pennington House, where it continues to operate today. The selection of reading materials quickly became one of the most debated aspects of the program. Faculty members were known to engage in passionate discussions, sometimes coming "to blows or tears," as Associate Director Dr. Dana Robinson humorously described, over which texts to include. The program remains committed to a diverse curriculum, incorporating Christian and non-Christian works.
“There are many books we did in the beginning that we no longer read,” said Caitlin Corning, a professor of history and chair of the Department of History and Politics. She emphasized that books were removed not due to lack of value but because the program’s priorities evolved.
When the program launched, Clair aimed to recruit at least 20 students. A decade later, the Honors Program has welcomed its largest class yet, with approximately 90 students joining in the 2024-25 academic year.
During the forum, founding faculty members reflected on the program’s future.
“I hope it’s still here. I hope it continues to grow, and hopefully, it’ll keep its heart,” Corning said.
Brian Doak, vice president of George Fox Digital and a co-founder of the Honors Program, added, “I hope things don’t change too much, change, yes, but not-change is good too.”
Clair expressed his hope that the program would maintain its core values. “I hope it’s as Christ-centered as it is right now,” he said.
As the program moves into its second decade, its faculty and students remain dedicated to fostering thoughtful discussions and a strong academic community.