Kimberly Engber received a promotion to be the new dean of the Honors College at Wichita State last month.

The Honors College received approval by the Kansas Board of Regents last fall, and will welcome its first class in August.  

Engber has been the director of the Emory Lindquist Honors Program since 2012 and said she is excited about the changes happening with the program. She holds a doctorate in English.

So how does your promotion feel?

I’m excited about the university’s new direction as a whole. But I’m thrilled about new programs that will be offered through the Honors College, such as a new leadership tract we will soon be offering.

What do you think about the honors program moving to Shocker Hall next August?

I think that the Honors College being in the heart of the university says a lot about the university and the importance of the education.

Where do you see the honors program in the future?

I see in the next five years WSU becoming a hub for leadership training and study abroad through the Honors College.

Did you travel in college?

Yes, I had opportunities to travel all over the world and I lived in New York for 10 years.

What is one place you’d like to go back to if you could right now?

I would go back to Croatia. They just became an independent nation recently and there is a lot of history in their culture.

What is your favorite ice cream?

I am a fan of pistachio.

What do you do on the weekends or your time off?

I am a member of the Wichita Rowing Association. I haven’t been recently, but I like it a lot. It’s a good place to think, on the water.

What do you want people to know about the honors program?

The honors program is a privilege and a responsibility at WSU for students to be the change they want to see and have more opportunities.

To learn more about the honors program and potentially become a part of the new Honors College next fall, stop by the office on the first floor of Neff Hall and speak with Engber or one of the Honors College student assistants.