When Miami University launched its Honors College in the fall of 2021, an initial goal was to build one of the best colleges of its kind in the United States.

It happened quicker than even founding executive director Zeb Baker expected. 

Miami recently was ranked No. 6 in the 50 Best Honors Colleges – 2024 by College Transitions, which helps prospective students during their school search. 

“To earn  this kind of national recognition is pretty good validation that we’re on the right track with what we’re building here,” Baker said. “It is something that is very unique and being built to last.” 

College Transitions noted the Honors College’s “unique courses, study abroad programs, opportunities for faculty mentorship, and a supportive residential experience.” 

Also identified was the number of honors students continuing their education at the graduate school level, including the number of Miamians going on to medical school. 

“Miami’s Honors College is brimming with energy and opportunity,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “The honors program was our number one priority to build a few years ago. Today, its continued growth and national recognition highlight the exceptional quality of our students’ educational experiences and the extraordinary opportunities available to them through our amazing faculty.” 

The Honors College welcomes its largest incoming class in the fall – nearly 700 students, bringing the total to 2,013 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initial incoming class was 503 as the Honors College replaced the University Honors Program, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021.

Baker lauded the Honors College staff for its commitment to the development of Miami’s honors students, as well as the partnerships of Miami faculty. 

“We have faculty who are really wanting to work with our students,” Baker said. “The students want so much out of their Miami experience, and the faculty have been very willing partners in providing them with a differentiated learning experience.” 

Placing a renewed emphasis on honors students has helped deliver a robust academic experience while simultaneously lifting the national profile of the university. 

“We are bringing students from all over the country, all over the world, to study at Miami. That’s an exciting component of this,” Baker said. 

“The thing I’m most proud of is seeing the kinds of students, the kinds of people we’ve been able to attract. That’s exciting for me to see how those students have become thought leaders not only in the classroom but leaders on campus and in our community.”