As many of you may know, there is a new Director in the Honors Office, Dr. Cindy Klestinec. To some of you she may look familiar; in addition to assuming the role as Director, Dr. Klestinec is also a professor at Miami University in the English Department. She has been teaching at Miami for the past five years, and has previously taught at Harvard University and Georgia Tech. She has enjoyed her experience at Miami so far and is excited to begin her new position as Director.

Here are the Top 5 Things you should know: 

1. She is excited about the Honors Program and her new position as Director.
   There is so much about the Honors Program that inspires Dr. Klestinec. She recognizes the innovation of a program that integrates different kinds of studies in the curriculum. She especially enjoys the interdisciplinary work and research opportunities that Honors provides to students. In her new position, Dr. Klestinec is also excited about meeting more Honors students beyond those she has already taught in class.
2. She has goals for the future of the Honors Program.
   Dr. Klestinec has two initiatives for the future standing of the program: (1) to inspire more students to become involved in undergraduate research and (2) to encourage interdisciplinary discussions between students and professors. Miami University and the Honors Program both have so much to offer students and Dr. Klestinec wants to inspire us to harness all of our potential and reach for valuable experiences outside of the classroom, experiences such as internships, fellowships or undergraduate research.
3. She gives good advice.
   Dr. Klestinec wants us as Honors students to find a way to make a positive impact, be it for the University, for the world, for a friend or for ourselves. She reminds us that we have a role to play, and sometimes students forget just how insightful and influential we are.
4. She is a professor and a student.
   Dr. Klestinec is a professor in the English Department and loves interacting with undergraduate and graduate students. But she is also a student herself. Currently Dr. Klestinec is taking a Latin course to brush up and refresh herself on the language.
5. She would love to meet YOU!
   Whether you see Dr. Klestinec walking to and from class or running around training for a half marathon, stop her to say hello. She really wants to get to know YOU as a Miami University Honors student and hear about all of the great things you are accomplishing.

———————————————–Article by Alaina Veluscek ’13—————————————————–