Dr. Joseph Snyder
Dr. Joseph Snyder, assistant professor of history at Southeast Missouri State University, has been named director of the Jane Stephens Honors Program.
He replaces Dr. Jim McGill, professor of chemistry, who had served as director of the honors program since 2017.
Snyder joined Southeast in 2018 and teaches both modern and ancient history courses, including The Rise and Fall of the British Empire, The Age of Rome, The Age of Greece, Historiography, African Civilization and Ancient World Civilizations. He received a Master of Arts in modern African history and a doctorate in British imperial history and modern African history, both from West Virginia University. Additionally while pursuing his doctorate, he attended the University of Leicester in England and earned a research diploma in Classical Mediterranean Studies from their School of Archaeology and Ancient History.
Snyder said, The thing I look forward to most as director is the opportunity to spend every day working with honors students and helping them develop as scholars, leaders and members of our community. I cant think of a more rewarding experience for any professional in higher education.
Snyders goals as director include working with the Provosts Office to develop a mentorship program that connects graduate and honors students, hosting monthly speakers and starting a series of virtual learning klatches.
I am excited to have Dr. Snyder lead our Honors Program at Southeast Missouri State University, said Dr. Mike Godard, Southeast provost. He brings a high level of enthusiasm and a genuine desire to see our student flourish as not only students but as people. I have no doubt that our honors students will benefit tremendously from his mentorship.
The Jane Stephens Honors Program helps Southeast students stand out from their peers. The program offers educational opportunities tailored to the special needs, aspirations and motivations of students whose intellectual and creative abilities are outstanding.
Honors students at Southeast participate in honors courses, which are smaller in size and designed to be exceptionally interactive. Honors students also have the option to participate in an honors contract system that enables honors students to enroll in non-honors courses but earn honors credit through readings, research and presentations through collaboration with honors faculty. Honors students have the option of living in the Honors Learning Community in LaFerla Hall, where they can live among other honors students.
Snyder said, The Jane Stephens Honors Program fosters an exceptional learning environment in which our students can thrive and provides them with the opportunities to achieve the kind of academic success they aspire to.