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If you ask chemistry major Daniel Zalamea what he likes best about Kent State’s Honors College, he has a tough time giving you just one answer. 

“I like how our Honors classes are smaller and how I have a better connection to my professors,” said Zalamea, the Honors College May 4 Scholarship Award recipient for the freshman class. “I also enjoy how calm our dorms are. My professors are amazing, and the campus feels even nicer now that I live here.” 

A graduate of Bio-Med Science Academy in Rootstown, Ohio, Zalamea was also impressed by Kent State’s academic programs and student access to mental healthcare and tutoring. Not to mention that he is a legacy: both of his parents attended Kent State. 

Zalamea’s attendance at Kent State has helped the Honor’s College reach a major milestone – at 587 students, the fall 2022 freshman class is the largest incoming class in the history of the college. 

One in seven first-year students is a member of the program, which accepts students who have demonstrated the potential for significant academic and creative ability in high school by taking rigorous coursework such as AP, IB, honors or college credit, along with other activities and leadership experiences. 

With this freshman class, the student population of the Honors College has grown to 1,943, the largest total student population ever in the history of the college. 

“As Dean of the Honors College, I am delighted to welcome our largest incoming freshman class this year,” said Alison J. Smith, Ph.D. “Their energy and enthusiasm to get going and get involved is wonderful to see. We are ready with many new programs this year for this class and for all our honors students; I am excited for the great year ahead!”  

This year's freshman class of 587 follows a steady increase from previous years: 

• Incoming freshman class in fall 2021: 572 students 
• Incoming freshman class in fall 2020: 516 students 
• Incoming freshman class in fall 2019: 572 students 

• Incoming freshman class in fall 2018: 438 students 

  

All incoming Honors College first-year students hold a minimum of a 3.7 grade point average, and each student is the recipient of an Honors Scholarship. 

The Honors College Living-Learning Community (LLC) now includes Stopher and Johnson halls, Centennial Court B and, the most recent addition, Clark Hall. 

For more information about Honors College go to /honors.