The University of Toledo is on a five-year journey to reinvent the academic experience for its undergraduate and graduate students. Now, the first major step in this effort is about to take place.

Today, the University is unveiling the Jesup Scott Honors College, a newly configured portal of entry for well-prepared students.

The reinvention of the Honors College and the rebranding of the University’s undergraduate experience for well-prepared students is one of several key strategies to realize UT Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott Scarborough’s vision for UT during the next several years.

“It is our goal, over the next several years, to transform the experience of our best prepared students to one that would rival the likes of Oberlin College and Miami University, without the cost,” said Scarborough. “This effort will have a halo effect that will enhance the experience of all our students and increase the overall
value of a UT degree.”

Named to honor the former Blade editor who founded The University of Toledo in 1872, the reinvented college will be highly selective, while distinguishing itself from other honors colleges through a unique blend of admission requirements that not only take into account academic performance, but also activities that demonstrate a high level of motivation and achievement. Additionally, students will have the option to participate in an accelerated three-year degree program, among other new attributes.

“The Jesup Scott Honors College will become a symbol of excellence to attract well-prepared undergraduate students,” Scarborough said. “Our new dean, Dr. Lakeesha Ransom has an exemplary background that will help her lead this new endeavor and help raise the University as a whole to new level of distinction.”

With a 15-year career working in corporate, not-for-profit, educational and government organizations, Ransom brings to her new role experience as a visiting professor at Assumption University in Thailand and a member of the Minnesota Board of Regents. Most recently, she served as a principal of Mariposa Global, a firm that provides consultation services to Fortune 200 companies, government agencies and other organizations on strategic management, learning and leadership development.

For more information, contact Tobin J. Klinger, associate vice president for university communications, at 419.530.4279 or tobin.klinger@utoledo.edu.

Media Coverage
The Independent Collegian (Feb. 13, 2013)
13 ABC and WNWO (Feb. 14, 2013)
The Blade (Feb. 14, 2013)