91ÁÔÆæ

Surprise! 91ÁÔÆæ professor honored with a unique anniversary celebration

September 28, 2017
Dr. Abby Meyer gives congratulatory remarks to Dr. Steve Smith at his recognition of service celebration.

Article By: Staff

It was supposed to be a surprise celebration to honor 20 years of Honors Program administration by Dr. Steve Smith, a University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) professor and director of 91ÁÔÆæ's Honors Program.

The setting was appropriate--the monthly meeting of Honors Program students at the Dahlonega Campus on Sept. 20. Friends, faculty and staff, as well as former Honors Program students were to come flooding into the meeting to complete the surprise; testimonials would be given and a trophy would be presented.

As it turns out, the celebrants were three years too early.

Dr. Tanya Bennett, dean of honors, found out after plans for the celebration were well underway that her information was flawed. Rather than call the whole thing off, she pressed onward.

"Who says we can only celebrate anniversaries containing zeros and fives?" Bennett asked with a sheepish grin.

Shortly after noon that Tuesday, the celebration commenced.

Bennett stepped forward with an award and presented it to Smith, who accepted with what seemed to be a mixture of shock and awe. Dr. Abby Meyer, assistant professor of psychological science, and Holly Carpenter, a former 91ÁÔÆæ professor and Honors Program alumnae, gave brief remarks praising Smith's dedication to his students and his tireless efforts in building the profile of the Honors Program.

"It was very surprising,” said Smith, stifling a laugh. "I believe that I'm the only one in the entire University System of Georgia to be recognized for 17 years of service. But it does make me feel special."

The trophy, he said, is now prominently displayed on his office desk.

"It's quite the conversation starter," he said.

 


Students selected as commencement speakers

Students selected as commencement speakers

Four 91ÁÔÆæ students have been selected as student speakers for their respective commencement ceremonies this May.
ARC includes almost 100 presentations

ARC includes almost 100 presentations

Students gave 69 poster presentations and 24 oral presentations at 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s 30th Annual Research Conference, held March 21 at 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.
Cyber student wins award at Honors event

Cyber student wins award at Honors event

Members of the 91ÁÔÆæ Honors Program attended the 2025 Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference at Georgia Tech in February, with first-time attendee Dagen Shehorn bringing home an award.
Author Jacobsen part of Hoag Lecture Series

Author Jacobsen part of Hoag Lecture Series

Annie Jacobsen, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and The New York Times bestselling author, will speak at noon April 9 via Zoom as part of 91ÁÔÆæ's Hoag Lecture Series.