麻豆传媒高清

By Pamela Gorsuch on September 23, 2024

Alison Rios Millett McCartney may be TU鈥檚 newest dean, but her roots on campus run deep. During more than 23 years as a political science professor and Honors College faculty director, McCartney created an ICONS simulation course that built a cult-like following, cofounded a statewide Model United Nations program that鈥檚 engaged more than 5,700 high school students and co-created an undergraduate research club that鈥檚 expanded experiential learning opportunities for students. This July she began focusing her unique blend of curiosity and experience on leading the Honors College as dean. Read on for what excites her most about the role and the programs she鈥檚 building to give TU students a leg up after graduation.

Who鈥檚 the Honors College for, and what opportunities does it afford?

It鈥檚 for any student who wants an academic challenge. And specifically for students who want access to the type of hands-on, discussion-based learning associated with small liberal arts colleges while enjoying the wide array of course and major offerings as well as the experiential and advanced learning resources of a large university. Our students get an automatic scholarship that reflects their increased commitment to academic studies. But even more importantly, they get the opportunity to work closely with outstanding faculty and students across multiple disciplines.

What excites you about your new role as dean?

I鈥檓 looking forward to the things we鈥檙e going to build, starting with more exciting learning opportunities for students. We鈥檙e bringing more faculty into the Honors College to create a broader and deeper curriculum for students. We鈥檙e going to continue expanding experiential and advanced learning. We鈥檙e also going to build alumni relations and get them more involved and connected to students. And of course, I鈥檓 always excited by the students themselves鈥攂y what they're doing across campus and in the community, what problems they鈥檙e exploring and how they鈥檙e addressing those challenges in their various fields. They inspire me.

Why are you a proponent of experiential learning?

Experiential learning really prepares students for the job market and for graduate school. Think about a resume or graduate school application鈥攜ou have one that shows good grades and challenging classes, and one that has that plus a strong study abroad or service-learning experience, an undergraduate research project or an advanced internship with a research component. It's a no-brainer that the candidate with more specific experience will have the advantage. 

What advice do you have for students?

It鈥檚 funny鈥擨'm cleaning up my College of Liberal Arts office and found my first faculty development handbook. It had a picture of me from that year. I was a baby! When I looked back at that picture, I never would have thought then that I鈥檇 be in this position now. The lesson I learned along the way is to say yes to opportunity. If you have the chance to do something that you haven鈥檛 done before but has aspects that interest you or connect to a passion, give it a try. It doesn't mean it has to control the rest of your life. Just explore it. That鈥檚 my advice to students when considering opportunities or applying to the Honors College. Just go for it. Why not try? If it doesn鈥檛 work out, you鈥檒l always know that you gave yourself an opening to see where you might go. And if it does work out鈥攐h, the places you may go!

Also, as the only Latina dean on campus and a woman in the male-dominated field of political science, I hope that my roles help other women and Latine/x and Hispanic students see where they can go and who they can become. My advice to them is to not let yourself be limited by how others define you. Go with what you鈥檙e interested in and find and pursue your passion.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Apply to the Honors College

The Honors College application for incoming students is available through the Towson University application. Current TU students can apply through the . Applicants seeking admission in spring 2025 must apply by November 15. Applicants seeking admission in fall 2025 observe the following deadlines: first-year Early Action November 15; first-year Regular Decision February 1; and transfer applicants March 1.

Dive deeper

Celebrate Latine/x Heritage & Culture

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Discover stories about members of TU鈥檚 Latine/x community, access key moments in TU鈥檚 Latine/x history and connect with dedicated Latine/x groups and events. Learn more.