University of Charleston

University of Charleston

UC Honors College

A special community for high achieving students.

Be part of a vibrant group of students with exceptional academic ability and accomplishments.

The Honors College is an unduplicated experiential space for select students from all majors with unique interests, talents, passion, and vision. We are a community of high-achieving and intellectually curious students who enter the university with evidence of exemplary high school or collegiate achievement.

We offer an exciting learning experience supported by innovative curriculum, special educational opportunities, travel, stimulating fellowship, and social opportunities, as well as a community devoted to excellence in every facet of your undergraduate experience.

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Why Be Part of the Honors College?

Community Engagement. Supportive faculty and peers. Development of personal and professional goals. Application of classroom learning to the outside world. Priority class registration. The chance to earn an Honors Fellowship. And more.

Honors students come from all different majors, and include a wide variety of commuters, student athletes, and residential students.

Honors College students have the opportunity to live together in our dedicated residence hall in the Honors Living Learning Community.

Achieve More

Honors College Impact

Being a part of this outstanding community can not only have a big impact on your college experience, but also on who you are as a person – well beyond your undergraduate days.

Honors College Impact

Being a part of this outstanding community can not only have a big impact on your college experience, but also on who you are as a person – well beyond your undergraduate days.

People see you being a leader and want to promote you.

Jill Pinkley
Accounting, Class of 2026

When the Honors College mobilizes, people notice.

Sawyer Monk
BSN, Class of 2027

The Honors College changed how I see the world.

Maliah McCann-Coles
Political Science and Business Management, Class of 2026

Avashia Honors Fellow

Honors Fellow Award $2,000 Annual Award is a cash award to an outstanding student for academic achievement and community contributions to support scholarship and engagement. Honors Fellow serves as a mentor and support to the program over an academic year, particularly in the Honors first year seminar.

The Honors College was pleased to recognize special friends and donors, Bipin & Rita Avashia.  The Avashias are former residents of the Kanawha Valley, Dr. Bipin Avashia serving corporations, universities, and non-profits in his work as an occupational medicine physician and Ms. Rita Avashia as an accountant.  Notably, Ms. Avashia is an alumnus of the UC MBA program. The Avashias raised their two daughters, Swati and Neema, in the Valley as well.

We are pleased to announce that Bipin and Rita Avashia are generously supporting the Honors College with generous gifts in 2023 and 2024. These funds support student research, conference attendance, visiting scholars, opportunities, and resources.  The work of the Honors College is flourishing and will thrive robustly with this substantial award.

Faculty & Advisory Committee

Faculty & Advisory Committee

Kara Fisher
Kara Fisher, PhD

Honors College Director
Assistant Professor of Political Science

Hallie Chillag
Hallie Chillag

Honors College Director
Multidisciplinary Studies Program Director
Associate Professor of Social Sciences

Dr. Dan Silber
Daniel K. Silber, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President, Provost, and Dean of Faculty

Beth Pauley
Beth Pauley, Ed.D.

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs

Sarah Gallagher
Sarah Gallagher, MA

Assistant Professor of Education