25 Nov 2024 UCA Schedler Honors College Joins Global ‘Partners in Peace’ Initiative with NCHC and Nobel Peace Center

Posted at 7:20 PMh in News by

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Schedler Honors College is honored to join the inaugural Partners in Peace cohort, an initiative launched by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) in partnership with the Nobel Peace Center. This program recognizes NCHC member institutions for their efforts in creating, implementing, and assessing honors-level curricular and co-curricular projects that highlight the work of Alfred Nobel and Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes (from left), current chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee; Patrica Smith, dean of the UCA Schedler Honors College; and James N. Zebrowski, Jr., M.S., executive director at the National Collegiate Honors Council. Photo by Chandler Michael Culotta.

Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals and organizations that advance peace, as outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will. These efforts include fostering fraternity among nations, reducing standing armies, and promoting peace congresses. The Partners in Peace initiative encourages college students to explore the lives and achievements of peace laureates, fostering understanding of the leadership strategies needed to build peaceful communities. Beyond studying these figures, students are challenged to “think globally, act locally” by applying insights from laureates to positively impact their campuses and communities.

“I am proud of our faculty and particularly Cindy Lea [Honors College lecturer], for their efforts in helping us leverage this partnership between the National Collegiate Honors Council and the Nobel Peace Center to advantage UCA Honors students,” said Patricia Smith, dean of the Schedler Honors College. “This opportunity will advance our mission of empowering exceptional students to transform themselves and their world. Through the exploration of peace studies, students will be able to cultivate understanding, compassion, and the tools necessary for a more harmonious world.” 

The NCHC’s International Education Committee, the originator of the Partners in Peace initiative, proudly recognizes the UCA Schedler Honors College as part of the 2024-2025 inaugural cohort. Smith received symbolic recognition of the institution’s commitment to establish a curricular or co-curricular project during the 59th Annual NCHC Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, November 1. Jørgen Frydnes, chair and youngest member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, participated in the awards ceremony.

Dr. Eddie Weller, president of the NCHC, commented, “NCHC is deeply honored to collaborate with the Nobel Peace Center and these institutions. This monumental program enables colleges and universities to offer transformative courses and activities that impact not only student lives but also their surrounding communities. By drawing inspiration from Nobel Peace Prize laureates, these projects encourage our students to embrace peace and act as change-makers for their generation.
“Can there be a higher calling than peace? I think not.”

For more information about Partners in Peace and this collaborative effort, visit the National Collegiate Honors Council website or contact Dr. Kevin W. Dean, coordinator, Partners in Peace, at [email protected].