In 1986, the University of Pittsburgh established an honors college to meet the special academic and co-curricular needs of students who sought to elevate their undergraduate experiences. Now, as the David C. Frederick Honors College, our students on both the Pittsburgh and Greensburg campuses have additional opportunities, incentives, and recognition for high academic attainment, and they use their time and talents to give back as global citizens and leaders.
Nicola Foote has served as the dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College since July 1, 2021, a role she takes great pride in. As a scholar herself, Dean Foote seeks to make the Frederick Honors College an inclusive and welcoming space for all students as they pursue academic success.
The David C. Frederick Honors College is one of the oldest honors colleges in the nation, providing students with individualized learning and research opportunities, enhanced academic challenges, and an extensive network of driven peers and world-class faculty mentors.
In fall 2024, the David C. Frederick Honors College is expanding to Pitt-Greensburg. Students on the regional campus will now have the same access to interdisciplinary research and mentoring resources as those in Pittsburgh.
In 1979, Alec Stewart was asked to be the first director of the University Honors Program, thus laying the groundwork for what became the David C. Frederick Honors College.
In 2022, David C. Frederick and his wife, Sophie Lynn, made a transformative gift to the University of Pittsburgh, establishing the David C. Frederick Honors College.
Frederick Honors College faculty members design innovative courses that challenge students to pursue interdisciplinary opportunities in and beyond the classroom.