Moorhead Announces New Honors College
In a bold initiative to elevate academic excellence and enrich student experiences, Minnesota State University Moorhead proudly announces the launch of its Honors College. Set to open in Fall 2026, with recruitment beginning this year, the Honors College will offer a premier academic experience for high-achieving students seeking greater challenge, deeper engagement, and unlimited opportunities.
The Honors College represents Minnesota State Moorhead’s commitment to innovation, academic rigor and unparalleled student experiences.
“Minnesota State Moorhead is a learning community of ‘doers.’ When we have a good idea, we think it through and just do it. The Honors College is more than an expansion of our existing Honors Program; it is a transformative experience that will create a thriving and robust community of scholars, where curiosity is cultivated, ambition is encouraged, and excellence is expected,” said Minnesota State Moorhead President Tim Downs.
The Honors College will be open to students from all academic disciplines, including the arts, education, sciences, and business. Students will have opportunities for specialized coursework, research, global experiences, and leadership development. They will cultivate critical thinking skills and a global perspective, preparing them for prestigious graduate programs, competitive careers, and leadership in an evolving world.
Dr. Kyja K-Nelson Appointed Dean of the Honors College
Minnesota State Moorhead has selected Dr. Kyja Kristjansson-Nelson as the Dean of the Honors College in addition to her current role as Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities.
Dr. Kristjansson-Nelson is an award-winning filmmaker and media artist whose creative work has earned numerous accolades, including honors from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and the Moondance International Film Festival. She is also a distinguished educator, recognized as Minnesota CASE Professor of the Year and YWCA Woman of the Year in Education.
“With the support of dedicated professors and transformative opportunities, our Honors College students will graduate not only prepared for the future but ready to shape it,” said Dr. Kristjansson-Nelson. “The Honors College will be a space for bold thinkers and creative innovators to push boundaries and forge their own paths to success.”
An Investment in Excellence
Minnesota State Moorhead is making a substantial financial commitment to ensure the success of the Honors College, including:
- $1 million in scholarships, funded by a private donor and a reallocation of existing scholarships, will offer full and partial tuition, housing awards, and research and experiential learning grants.
- A dedicated academic space in Weld Hall, currently undergoing a $23 million renovation, will provide honors students with state-of-the-art facilities for collaboration and mentorship.
- Exclusive programming and transformative experiences include high-profile lectures, faculty seminars, research opportunities, global travel, and leadership development and more.
Recruitment and Application Information
Minnesota State Moorhead will offer up to 100 competitive scholarships each year, with an eventual goal of having 20-25 percent of the student body participate in the Honors College. Applications for the Fall 2026 semester opens June 1. Qualifying students will receive information about Honors College admission and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about the Honors College: https://www.mnstate.edu/honors-college