TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Robert W. Halli Jr. has been named director of the University Honors Program at The University of Alabama, according to Dr. Nancy Barrett, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs. The appointment will be effective Aug. 12.
Halli currently is finishing his 30th year of teaching in the department of English in the UA College of Arts and Sciences where he teaches classes from the freshman to doctoral levels. As Honors Program director, he will be responsible for providing leadership and ensuring academic excellence for the University Honors Program. He will work closely with the admissions office in the recruitment of students, oversee curricular offerings, solicit faculty participation in honors courses and advise students who are enrolled in the program. The director also coordinates the other honors studies programs — Computer-Based Honors Program and International Honors Program — to help bright, ambitious, serious-minded students pursue new subjects and acquire a broad base of knowledge.
Halli will replace current Honors Program director Dr. Cathy Randall who recently stepped down. Randall will continue to serve as director of the Computer-Based Honors Program.
More than 1,150 students were enrolled in the University’s Honors Programs for the 2001-2002 academic year and more than 370 freshmen are expected to enter the program in the fall of 2002.
“Dr. Halli has a distinguished record of service at The University of Alabama, and we are excited that he has accepted the challenge of leading our dynamic honors programs,” Barrett said. “Dr. Halli will continue to build on a strong tradition of leadership to further the exciting educational opportunities we provide our honors students.”
“The Capstone is the pinnacle of higher education in the state of Alabama and I am pleased and honored to be in the position to continue the great work that has been accomplished in the Honors Program,” Halli said. “Directing the Honors Program gives me another opportunity to serve the students, which is the most worthy job I could have.”
Halli has built his career on service to students. In fact, he spends much of his time outside the classroom helping students further their educational efforts. He recently finished a term as president of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society.
Halli has been honored with numerous awards including UA’s Morris Lehman Mayer Award, a premier award for integrity, service, leadership and contributions to student life, in 2000; the first Outstanding Commitment to Students Award given by the Leadership Board of the UA College of Arts and Sciences in 1997; the Burlington-Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1988; and the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, given by the UA National Alumni Association in 1978.
Halli received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College, magna cum laude, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Virginia.
Contact
Elizabeth M. Smith, UA Media Relations, 205/348-3782, esmith@ur.ua.edu