Dr. Jason Morris was announced to be the new dean for the Honors College March 1 after several months of searching.

The announcement was made by an ACU committee chaired by Cynthia Powell. Other members included Carisse Berryhill, Andrew Huddleston, David Kneip, Monty Lynn, Suzie Macaluso and Allen Teel.

The committee was formed last fall and was chosen to run a search process. Applications were due by Dec. 1.

After multiple interviews with the provost office, honors students and President Phil Schubert, a selection was finally made.

Alison Spencer, academic coordinator for the Honors College, said Morris’s vision for the Honors College balances practicality and realism.

“He has a great creative mind for the Honors college and its students,” Spencer said.

Morris brings in a variety of experience such as director of the McNair Scholars Program, a Fulbright Scholar in Hungary, and the interim dean of the Honors College.

Through that experience, the Office of Major Scholarships at ACU has prepared him to lead the Honors College.

“Throughout the search for the new dean, he has been the associate and interim dean in the process,” Spencer said. “Morris has been great friend of mine and I am confident in his position.”

Morris is also known for his passion for students, collegiality and professionalism and his ability to work with many groups across campus.