02/28/2022
By Julie Nash
Honors is more than an academic experience, something Jenifer understands. The college provides an opportunity to be part of a community of scholars and artists - whether through living and learning together in Honors housing, collaborating with faculty, or taking advantage of the many cultural opportunities in the city of Lowell.
Dean Whitten-Woodring is an Associate Professor of Political Science whose previous roles include Director of the Global Studies Ph.D. program, leadership team for the Emerging Scholars Undergraduate Research program, co-founder and faculty leader of UML's Teaching Assistant training program, and co-founder and co-director of the New Faculty Launch@UML.
She has been serving as Interim Dean of the Honors College since 2020, and she is currently interim chair of the statewide Commonwealth Honors Program consortium.
“I am excited to continue my work supporting our Honors College students, connecting them with faculty mentors, and helping them to realize the unique opportunities offered through the Honors College,” Whitten-Woodring said. “It is such a pleasure to work with these amazing students and build opportunities for them to realize their potential.”
The Honors College, which serves over 2,000 students from all colleges, provides unique academic opportunities such as specialized workshops and events, student research experiences and dedicated Study Abroad classes.
Whitten-Woodring said the Honors College is both “inclusive and diverse," which calls for programming that meets students where they are.
“We have amazing students, and we want them to thrive,” she said. “To that end, we will take a holistic approach to Honors education that encourages students to purposely customize their Honors experience and to incorporate professional development, wellness and balance, as well as rigorous academics."