The Mahurin Honors College

Western Kentucky University's Mahurin Honors College (MHC) uniquely combines the academic rigor of a selective institution with the affordability and opportunities of a large public university. The MHC is tailored to propel students towards their goals and dreams. It offers a diverse range of opportunities for curricular and experiential customization. In honors courses, students benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering connections with peers and faculty, facilitating collaborative discussions, and expanding their knowledge base. Beyond the classroom, MHC scholars explore their passions through research, study abroad, internships, and leadership with dedicated support from our academic advisors.

I'm honored to be selected as the new director of the Mahurin Honors College. An honors college is the most exciting place at a university because it's where all disciplines come together, allowing new ideas to form. It's a great place for anyone who wants to explore, collaborate and take on the big issues facing the world.

Mahurin Honors College at WKU names Dr. Lindy Grief Davidson as new director, News from The Mahurin Honors College

Chinese Language Flagship Program

The Chinese Language Flagship Program at WKU became the 9th such program in the nation, and the only program in Kentucky, in 2009. Our program is sponsored by The Language Flagship, an initiative of the National Security Education Program within the Defense Language and National Security Education Office.

Office of Scholar Development

The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) team mentors students applying for national scholarships for “academic extras” beyond what’s covered by tuition, such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more.

WKU Global

Studying abroad with WKU Global can be one of the highlights of your career at WKU and is an excellent way to achieve personal, academic, and professional development. Wonderful and challenging experiences await you as you travel across the globe for an internship, service-learning project, or academic program that fits into your degree plan.

MHC Housing

The honors living learning community creates a unique ecosystem where intellectual curiosity is not confined to the classroom but permeates every aspect of daily life. By residing among peers who share a commitment to academic excellence, honors students form a tight-knit community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a deep appreciation for learning.

Alyssa Swift: Research, Mentorship, and the Making of a Scholar
Jan 20th, 2026
WKU ('23) alum Alyssa Swift credits early research, honors, and mentorship for preparing her for a Ph.D. at Penn State—shaping her work in developmental psychology, teaching, and...
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Making Change: George Eklund's Path to Housing Advocacy
Jan 5th, 2026
George Eklund (’09) credits WKU and the Mahurin Honors College with shaping his path to housing advocacy. Through hands-on learning and a strong network, he built the skills that...
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Emma Thomas: Finding Purpose Through Study Abroad in Argentina and Ireland
Nov 17th, 2025
Psychology major Emma Thomas is researching childhood health in Dublin, gaining global experience, confidence, and clarity on her career path through transformative study-abroad...
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Jesse Thomas: Learning to See Science in Practice
Nov 10th, 2025
Jesse Thomas (’26) is a biology/chemistry major and Pre-Optometry Club president whose lab research, internships, and mentorship prepared him to attend Southern College of...
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More Spotlights

For any questions, contact the WKU Mahurin College Team.

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