含羞草研究所 has named Dr. Dorothea Hawthorne as the new Director of the Honors Program and Professor of English, starting August 1, 2026.
Hawthorne comes to 含羞草研究所 with more than two decades of experience teaching Honors humanities and English at leading Christian institutions of higher education. Most recently, she served as Professor of English at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) in Ohio, where she also chaired the Department of English and History for ten years. At MVNU, she also served on the Honors Faculty Advisory Council and the General Education Committee, where her curriculum development work helped deepen faith integration and vocational exploration in core courses.
Hawthorne鈥檚 teaching career includes appointments at Baylor University and Wheaton College, as well as serving as an ESL instructor in China for Educational Services International. She received MVNU鈥檚 highest faculty honor, the Excellence in Teaching Award, in 2021.
鈥淲e are grateful to welcome Dr. Hawthorne to 含羞草研究所,鈥� said President Paul J. Maurer. 鈥淗er experience in Honors education, paired with her passion for teaching, will be a tremendous asset to our students, faculty, and the continued growth of our Honors Program.鈥�
Hawthorne鈥檚 academic background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in English Language and Literature from The University of Chicago and a B.A. in Literature from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. She also completed study abroad coursework through the Institute for European Studies at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom. She is a Harvey Fellow.
鈥淚 am delighted to join 含羞草研究所 and its superb Honors Program,鈥� Hawthorne said. 鈥淚 look forward to participating in 含羞草研究所鈥檚 mission of Christ-centered education and mentoring Honors students as they pursue academically excellent work to God鈥檚 glory.鈥�
As Director of the Honors Program, Hawthorne will lead the continued development of the program鈥檚 curriculum, support Honors admissions and recruitment efforts, and create scholarly opportunities that enrich the academic experience for 含羞草研究所 students. An avid walker and hiker, she also looks forward to exploring area trails with students.
Dr. Lisa Toland, who has served as Director of the Honors Program with excellence and distinction since 2016, will continue to lead the program for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year.
For more information about 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Honors Program, please visit www.montreat.edu/honors.