In this special episode, the MTSU Honors College ambassadors take the mic to share their stories, advice, and campus tips. From what first drew them to the Honors College to their most memorable class experiences, they open up about the surprises, challenges, and proudest moments of their Honors journey.

Listeners will hear about insider recommendations for underrated campus resources, hidden study spots, and favorite places to recharge between classes. The ambassadors also dish out survival tips for parking, scheduling, and navigating student life—plus the apps and routines that make it all easier.

Whether you’re curious about Honors coursework, looking for ways to get involved, or just want to know the best places to eat on campus, this episode is packed with practical advice and authentic student perspectives. Tune in to discover what makes the Honors College experience at MTSU so rewarding!

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others.

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠.

As the holiday season winds down and a new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reset, refocus, and rethink your relationship with food.

In this year-end episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Lena Eccles — a senior Nutrition and Food Science major, Buchanan Transfer Fellow, Honors Ambassador, and associate editor for Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression.

Lena shares what it’s really like to study nutrition and dietetics at MTSU, the path to becoming a registered dietitian, and how science-based nutrition can transform the way we eat and live. You’ll also hear practical tips for college students, a few surprising nutrition facts, and even a quick, healthy recipe to kickstart your wellness goals for the new year.

Whether you’re passionate about health or just looking for some inspiration to eat better and feel better, this episode is the perfect listen to start 2026 on the right note.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube — and learn more about the Honors College at honors.mtsu.edu

Nutrition and Food Science Contacts:

elizabeth.ann.smith@mtsu.edu

tess.swastek@mtsu.edu

Shout-outs:

Dr. Liz Smith

Ginny Bogle

Dr. Lisa Shepherd

Dr. Janet Colson

RECIPE:

Base -

1 cup of cooked bite-sized whole grain pasta

¼ cup of quartered cherry tomatoes

¼ cup of chopped cucumber

1 tbsp of red onions or shallots (this depends on your preference)

½ cup of chickpeas (or other choice of legume)

1 tbsp of chopped dill

Dressing -

½ cup of plain greek yogurt

½ tbsp of olive oil (you can add more if you want a smoother dressing)

1 tsp of dijon mustard

Instructions: cook pasta, chop vegetables, combine/mix dressing, combine dressing and "salad", add salt and pepper to taste, enjoy! (recipe should take 15 minutes)

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

In this special episode of Honor Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with the powerhouse trio behind MTSU’s Honors advising team: Dr. Judy Albakry, Laura Clippard, and Emilee Buckmeyer. From thesis triumphs to Reddit-fueled student questions, we pull back the curtain on the people who guide, cheer, and occasionally rescue students through their academic journeys.

Hear how each advisor found their way to the Honors College, what they love most about working with students, and the quirky hobbies and heartfelt stories that make them unforgettable. Whether you're a first-year student or a seasoned senior, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a few unexpected laughs (Connect Four, anyone?).

Topics include:

· What advising really offers beyond course planning

· Tips for navigating thesis projects and fellowships

· Honors housing, scholarships, and financial aid myths

· Personal journeys, favorite podcasts, and study abroad dreams

Tune in to discover how these advisors turn academic advising into a transformative experience—and why Honors at MTSU is more than just a minor.