The Esther G. Maynor Honors College offers a supportive academic community where high-achieving students push themselves to reach their full potential — at UNCP and beyond. Through challenging coursework and meaningful experiences, students build the skills and confidence to thrive long after graduation.
Maynor Honors College
The Esther G. Maynor Honors College will help you grow — as a student, a leader and a global citizen. You will explore big ideas through interdisciplinary seminars and major-specific courses taught by distinguished faculty. These courses go beyond the standard curriculum — encouraging critical thinking, research and intellectual curiosity.
High-Achieving Students Welcome
Once admitted to UNC Pembroke, many students with exceptional academic records may
receive a personalized invitation to join the Maynor Honors College. But anyone with
a high school or transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher is encouraged to request admission.
Admissions Process
A Distinctive Honors Experience
Honors College students come from every major at UNCP. Unlike high school honors classes
that prepare you for college, our honors courses are designed to expand your thinking
and strengthen your academic foundation. You’ll explore topics in greater depth through
smaller class sizes, lively discussions, and engagement with primary sources—preparing
you for success in graduate study, research, and a wide range of careers.
Explore the Curriculum
A Community for Scholars
"Coming to UNCP, I was fortunate enough to be part of the Honors College and also to join several student organizations. The Honors College gave me a community and student organizations helped me build friendships and meaningful connections. I didn’t expect that when I first came to UNCP."
Resources for Success
Scholarship Opportunities
Admission to the Maynor Honors College is separate from financial aid. However, Honors
students have access to exclusive scholarships and funding opportunities. Learn more about what is included and how to apply.
Tutoring
You're already doing well, but even the best students need help sometimes. Our tutors
are here to guide you. Whether it’s a tough subject or just extra practice, we’ve
got you covered. Get the support you need to stay on track and succeed.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is a valuable resource for students at any stage of the writing
process. Whether you’re brainstorming, drafting or polishing your final paper, the
Writing Center’s staff can guide you. They’ll help you strengthen your argument, improve
clarity and ensure your writing is at its best.
Opportunities for Honors Students
Discover opportunities and events exclusively for honors students.
Get Involved. Make an Impact.
Joining the Esther G. Maynor Honors College Student Council is a powerful way to enhance
your experience. You’ll help plan events, share your voice and build a stronger honors
community. It’s a chance to connect with fellow scholars, develop leadership skills
and leave your mark on campus.
The Honors College gave me the opportunity to take classes I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. What made it even better was being surrounded by peers who shared the same drive and work ethic. The smaller class sizes helped me really connect with my professors — and they were incredibly supportive throughout my entire journey.
Your Home in the Honors Community
Living in the Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) in Oak Hall offers a supportive,
tight-knit environment where you’ll connect with fellow honors students and build
lasting friendships. It’s a great place to engage with your academic peers and be
part of a vibrant community. To live in the LLC, just select Oak Hall on your housing application. Living in the LLC is not a requirement — if you choose
a different hall, you’ll still be part of the honors community. After your first year,
you can stay in Oak Hall or move to another residence.
See all Residency Requirements
The connections I made and the experiences I had opened up so many doors for me.
Student
Honors College Traditions
The Maynor Honors College hosts several events each year to bring students, faculty
and staff together. We kick off the school year in August with the Welcome Back/Orientation.
In April we hold the Honors Banquet. This formal event recognizes graduating seniors.
The Fall Senior Luncheon and Medallion Ceremony celebrates winter graduates on the
last day of classes. Finally, the Capstone Project Symposium is held at the end of
each semester. The symposium allows students to present their capstone projects.
These events help build community and celebrate accomplishments in UNCP's Honors College.
These events help build community and celebrate accomplishments in UNCP's Honors College.
The impact of the honors college goes beyond the classroom to event organization and networking. With the honors college, the dean and assistant dean enabled me to develop my professional skills by helping me organize the first-ever TEDx conference at UNCP.
Get Involved. Make an Impact.
Joining the Esther G. Maynor Honors College Student Council is a powerful way to enhance
your experience. You’ll help plan events, share your voice and build a stronger honors
community. It’s a chance to connect with fellow scholars, develop leadership skills
and leave your mark on campus.
The Honors College gave me the opportunity to take classes I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. What made it even better was being surrounded by peers who shared the same drive and work ethic. The smaller class sizes helped me really connect with my professors — and they were incredibly supportive throughout my entire journey.
Your Home in the Honors Community
Living in the Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) in Oak Hall offers a supportive,
tight-knit environment where you’ll connect with fellow honors students and build
lasting friendships. It’s a great place to engage with your academic peers and be
part of a vibrant community. To live in the LLC, just select Oak Hall on your housing application. Living in the LLC is not a requirement — if you choose
a different hall, you’ll still be part of the honors community. After your first year,
you can stay in Oak Hall or move to another residence.
See all Residency Requirements
The connections I made and the experiences I had opened up so many doors for me.
Student
Honors College Traditions
The Maynor Honors College hosts several events each year to bring students, faculty
and staff together. We kick off the school year in August with the Welcome Back/Orientation.
In April we hold the Honors Banquet. This formal event recognizes graduating seniors.
The Fall Senior Luncheon and Medallion Ceremony celebrates winter graduates on the
last day of classes. Finally, the Capstone Project Symposium is held at the end of
each semester. The symposium allows students to present their capstone projects.
These events help build community and celebrate accomplishments in UNCP's Honors College.
These events help build community and celebrate accomplishments in UNCP's Honors College.
The impact of the honors college goes beyond the classroom to event organization and networking. With the honors college, the dean and assistant dean enabled me to develop my professional skills by helping me organize the first-ever TEDx conference at UNCP.
In the Honors College, you’ll grow as a scholar. Develop critical thinking, research
and communication skills to succeed academically and professionally.
The Honors College was founded in 1979, as Pembroke State University Honors Program.
Through the years it has undergone many name changes, however, its purpose has always
remained constant, to offer an enhanced academic experience that prepares students
for a future of leadership and success.
With shared living spaces and cultural programs, the Honors College fosters a close-knit community. This gives you the opportunity to connect and grow with others in the school.
Our Faculty & Staff
Joshua Busman
Assistant Dean, Honors College, Associate Professor of Music
joshua.busman@uncp.edu910.775.4672
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