History
The University of Pittsburgh has a tradition of honors education going back to 1926 when honors courses were implemented in order for students to conduct special individual work under faculty guidance. Although not established as a college of the university until 1987, the University Honors College has its modern origins in the University Honors Program, which began in 1978. The honors program was spearheaded by physics professor G. Alec Stewart, who was appointed to head the program in 1977 and oversaw the opening of the program in January 1978. Stewart suggested extending the honors program into a degree-granting college in 1984, and with the support of then Pitt President Wesley Posvar, the honors program transitioned into a college that was formally dedicated in a ceremony at Heinz Memorial Chapel on February 24, 1987 as part of the university's bicentennial celebration. With the college's dedication, Stewart was installed as its first dean. Besides guiding the growth, principles, and philosophy of the Honors College, Stewart also oversaw the acquisition of a 4,700-acre (19 km2) Allen L. Cook Spring Creek Preserve that was donated to the school in 2006. Stewart served as the dean of the college until his death in 2010. Economics professor Steven Husted was named interim dean while the university conducted a search for Stewart's permanent successor. On May 16, 2011, Pitt named Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience Edward M. Stricker as the new dean of the honors college.
Read more about this topic: University Of Pittsburgh Honors College
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