by Taylor Bryant
The University of West Georgia Honors College recently welcomed 26 new students to its Advanced Academy of Georgia for the fall 2014 semester. The Advanced Academy, a program for high school - aged students, allows early entrance to college for high ability students interested in accelerating their academic careers.
“We are very pleased to welcome 26 new students to the Advanced Academy this fall,” says Adriana Stanley, director of the Advanced Academy. “Our new students are some of the best and brightest to join the West Georgia Academy family! Our students have come to campus ready to seek out research opportunities from marketing to chemistry and are already looking for ways to serve the community and engage in campus leadership.”
After getting the students moved in and settled into their dorm rooms in Gunn Hall, students and parents convened for a welcome session led by Dr. Michael Hester, dean of the Honors College and director of UWG debate.
“I encourage you to engage in anything that is competitive and scholastic in nature,” Dr. Hester shares with the students. “Opportunities like UWG debate are a great way to exercise your creative nature to make you a more creative thinker and overall, just a great person. Remember, you will always have a home in Gunn Hall, but the offer also extends to the Wagner Honors House.”
Students were also welcomed by Dr. Micheal Crafton, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, who shared the history and importance of his role as it relates to students.
Following Dr. Crafton’s presentation, President Emeritus Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna spoke to the incoming students about the creation of the Advanced Academy under his tutelage, giving them tips to succeed in the program.
“The recipe for success includes the three wows - grades, undergraduate research or academic plus, and leadership or community services.” Dr. Sethna shares. “I believe that if you are committed students and you enjoy the campus and the friends you will make, you will look back on this time and say that this was the best experience of your life.”
The Advanced Academy is one of only a few programs in the country that offers students the opportunity to earn concurrent high school and college credit in a residential setting. After completing the Academy, students may continue their higher education at the University of West Georgia or transfer to another institution.
For more information on the Advanced Academy, visit www.advancedacademy.org/.
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