ULM Honors Program students present at the annual meeting of the Southern Regional Honors Council

Published April 15, 2026

A group of ULM students pose at an honors program conference.

CAPTION: Pictured L-R: Cecil Pradhan, George Khawas, Maddie Cason, Sarah Charrier, Dr. Joshua Stockley, Michelle Thapa, Gwen Abadie, Jayden Allridge 

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe Honors Program attended the annual meeting of the Southern Regional Honors Council on March 26-28, 2026, in Montgomery, Ala.    

The ULM Honors Program was represented by George Khawas, a senior computer science major; Sarah Charrier, a senior political science and psychology double major; Gwen Abadie, a senior toxicology major; Michelle Thapa, a junior pre-nursing major; Cecil Pradhan, a sophomore computer science major; Jayden Allridge, a freshman mathematics major; and Maddie Cason, a freshman biology major. 

Sarah Charrier presented, “Improving Legal Understanding and Resource Access for Foster Youth.” Charrier said that attending and presenting at SRHC was deeply empowering. “I was able to explore the epicenter of the civil rights movement, walk the same steps of MLK, Jr., and freedom riders, and listen to the resilient, though sobering, story of Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who was wrongfully convicted and served 28 years on death row before being exonerated. I was able to bond with my fellow honors members, present my honors thesis, and hear honors students from other universities share research on topics pertinent to my field of study and future. I am grateful beyond words to Dr. Joshua Stockley for always providing engaging opportunities for student growth, and to my thesis advisors, Dr. Courtney Harris, Dr. Leigh Hersey, and Dr. Seth Tackett, for believing in me and helping me bring my ideas and research to life,” said Charrier.  

Khawas, Abadie, Thapa, Pradhan, Allridge, and Cason presented “Cultivating Connection: The Greenhouse Model of Student Leadership.” Their presentation focused on how honors students should not just join communities, but build and administer them. Their session explored how the honors council transitioned from a rigid, top-down model of governance to a “Greenhouse” model of leadership. Instead of micromanaging from assigned positions of authority, the council focuses on providing “nutrients” – budget, social media, mentorship – to allow any member of the honors student body to grow in leadership. By utilizing flexible, project-based committees, this structure lowers barriers to leadership, allowing non-council students to pitch and lead their own academic workshops and cultural events.  

“I loved sharing ideas with honors programs around the southern region. The panels and posters at the conference have left me inspired to lead and learn more in honors,” said George Khawas. 

Cecil Pradhan considered representing ULM and its Honors Program at SRHC 2026 to be a very rewarding experience. “I got to meet other talented honors students from the southern region and learn from their unique experiences and perspectives, about both leadership and research. Over the conference, I forged strong connections and had meaningful interactions that inspired me to expand my research and study. I am grateful for the Honors program and the University for experiences like these that nurture my growth and shape my future," said Cecil Pradhan.  

“Presenting at SRHC about our student engagement and committee achievements made me proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what we can build at ULM. I'm motivated to implement several ideas I learned at the conference,” said Michelle Thapa.  

“SRHC was an incredible experience that exceeded all my expectations. As a first-time attendee, I was struck by how friendly and supportive everyone was. Having the opportunity to exchange ideas with so many brilliant, like-minded individuals was truly invaluable, and I walked away with meaningful connections and a renewed energy for my research,” stated Jayden Allridge.  

“I loved seeing research from different schools in the south. It's great to see how creative some students get with their projects,” noted Maddie Cason.  

“SRHC connected three things that define honors at ULM: high-impact learning, student leadership, and civic awareness,” said Dr. Joshua Stockley. “Being in Montgomery – a city synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement – adds a layer of meaning, reminding us that education should connect place and ideas. The next step is ensuring that what our students experienced there does not stay there. I am confident that they will strengthen our academic culture, deepen our community engagement, and demonstrate leadership across our campus and our communities. I am proud of our students – that they did a great job,” added Stockley.  

Attending the conference were honors students and administrators from colleges and universities across the Southern region of the United States. 

The Southern Regional Honors Council is an educational organization that promotes and advances Honors Programs and Honors Colleges in the southern United States. SRHC currently comprises over 100 member institutions, hosts an annual conference, publishes a literary arts journal Sanctuary, and provides a variety of grants to support student efforts to engage in NCHC-sponsored experiential learning as well as leadership in honors organizations.  

About the ULM Honors Program 

The ULM Honors Program is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that attracts intellectually curious students eager to challenge themselves with new ideas and collaborate with like-minded peers. Open to all majors, the program integrates seamlessly with any degree path. Honors students engage in deeper academic exploration, benefit from close faculty mentorship in smaller classes, and participate in experiential opportunities such as the FLIGHT Program. 

For more information about the Honors Program contact Dr. Joshua Stockley at stockley@ulm.edu or 318-342-3216 or visit ulm.edu/honors.