Dr. Charlie W. Hill Honors College
Welcome from the Founding Dean
Welcome to the Virginia State University Honors College. As the Founding Dean, it is my distinct honor to invite you into a community that represents the absolute pinnacle of academic achievement and global leadership at VSU.
Since our inception, our mission has remained steadfast: to provide a superior, high-stakes learning environment that challenges our most academically talented and highly motivated scholars to transcend their perceived limits. We do not simply offer "extra" work; we offer a transformative intellectual journey designed to cultivate the skills, attitudes, and global perspectives essential for 21st-century leadership.
As part of the Division of Global Leadership and Talent Development, our scholars are at the vanguard of innovation. Whether you are conducting cutting-edge research, engaging in scholarly work across the globe—from Oxford to Ghana—or participating in our exclusive leadership empowerment groups, you are part of a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1965.
The Honors College is more than a designation; it is a trailblazing commitment to your future. Here, you will find a dedicated team, led by our Director, Dr. Lisa Hopson, and a world-class faculty ready to serve as your intellectual partners.
I encourage you to explore the "Greater" version of yourself. Your journey as a pioneer starts here.
Dr. Daniel M. Roberts Founding Dean, Honors College
Executive Director of Global and Special Initiatives
About the VSU Honors College
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation
Founded in 1965, the VSU Honors College has served for six decades as the intellectual heart of Virginia State University. Originally established to empower high-achieving scholars through a rigorous liberal arts foundation, we have evolved into a premier destination for the nation’s most motivated and academically talented students.
Led by Dr. Daniel M. Roberts, Dean of the Honors College and Executive Director of Global and Special Initiatives, the Honors College provides superior learning opportunities that will challenge young scholars to reach new levels of academic excellence. The VSU Honors College is designed to meet the unique educational needs of the University’s most academically talented and highly motivated undergraduate students. Special opportunities are offered that enable students to acquire the skills and attitudes for intellectual development, cultural enrichment, and leadership development. These opportunities include special Honors courses, the chance to study abroad, and potential membership in several groups intended to empower students and develop their special talents.
The Honors College is directed by Dr. Lisa Hopson. A two-time alumna of Virginia State University, Dr. Hopson leads a team of individuals focused on the academic and social growth of its students. Participants in the Honors College have access to Honors designated areas for study circles, seminars, colloquia, tutorials, guest/faculty lecturers, and social activities. The Virginia State University Honors College is an active member of several regional and national Honors organizations. These affiliations give Honors College students the opportunity to participate in programs and conferences with other Honors students from across the country. They include the following:
National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC);
National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP);
Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC); and
Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC).
Situated within the Honors College, the Office for Talent & Development serves to provide opportunities for students to explore and grow their talents. It is composed of the Charlie Hill Fellows for Student Leadership, the empowerment groups CrownHim and CrownHer, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Trivia Team, and the Speech & Debate Club.
As part of their education, Honors students are encouraged to study abroad. The Honors College helps students find appropriate opportunities for study abroad, from summer opportunities of a few weeks to semester long study. Students have been accepted for study at Oxford University in England and at similar schools all over Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Many of the students have been able to travel on scholarship funds, of which the Honors Colleges helps them find and apply.