Published April 19, 2024
CAPTION:Pictured L-R: Beau Benoit, Caitlyn Cullen, Isabella Coates, Taylor Brinson, Dr. Joshua Stockley
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe Honors Program joined the annual meeting of the
Southern Regional Honors Council on April 3-6, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Dr. Joshua Stockley, Director of the ULM Honors Program, was accompanied by four students
– Beau Benoit, a senior toxicology major; Caitlyn Cullen, a senior political science
major; Taylor Brinson, a senior psychology major; and Isabella Coates, a junior psychology
major.
Brinson presented “Risk Propensity and Sensation-Seeking Behavior Differences Between
Genders.” Her presentation was based upon her honors thesis, which statistically analyzed
survey data from ULM students in an effort to determine whether there were differences
between genders in sensation-seeking behaviors such as thrill seeking, experience
seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility.
“The Southern Regional Honors Conference in Jacksonville, Fla. was a great professional
exercise to present my research in the field of psychology,” said Brinson. “I'm grateful
for the opportunity to have gone with other members of the ULM Honors Program. My
favorite experience besides the interesting lectures and events at the conference
was exploring and learning the history of downtown Jacksonville via scooters,” she
added.
Cullen presented “The Susceptibility of Different Groups of Individuals to Join Christian
Nationalist Ideology.” Her presentation was also based upon her honors thesis, which
statistically analyzed longitudinal survey data to determine which individuals were
more or less likely to support Christian nationalism.
“Having the opportunity to present my research at SRHC was incredibly rewarding and
fulfilling,” said Cullen. “There are few experiences that compare to being able to
share your hard work with peers who are able to understand, ask questions, and offer
new insights. I loved being able to engage in new research, learn from other academic
fields, and meet other Honors students from across the South,” continued Cullen.
“SRHC enabled me to connect with my colleagues in honors,” said Benoit. “While we
attended presentations and other educational sessions, we also bonded while exploring
the city and learning the history of Jacksonville. The conference facilitated networking,
which is something I love doing. I made connections with students from across the
south, and I heard research ideas that piqued my interest. I enjoyed hearing how different
honors programs function, while at the same time highlighting our use of Suitable
and the FLIGHT Program,” he added. “As far as the destination, Jacksonville served
as an enriching and relaxing place for a conference.”
Coates, “SRHC was a great conference! There was something for everyone to enjoy. I
had the best time attending different sessions.”
“Caitlyn and Taylor did a phenomenal job presenting their research and handled questions
from professors and students in the audience with ease. The research being conducted
by ULM honors students is truly exceptional,” said Stockley. “Additionally, SRHC was
an excellent opportunity for our students to share their experiences with and learn
from the rest of the honors community. I am excited to see that our students have
a passion for always looking for ways to improve the honors experience here at ULM
and their ability to forge connections and to create friendships with their colleagues
from across the region,” he added.
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 unique program within ULM that seeks intellectually curious
students who desire to challenge themselves with new ideas and to work with similarly
motivated students. The program is open to all majors and works within all degree
programs. Honors students are exposed to more in-depth topics and work closely with
faculty in smaller courses.
For more information about the Honors Program, contact Dr. Joshua Stockley at stockley@ulm.edu or 318-342-3216 or visit www.ulm.edu/honors.
