2025 SRHC Board Election Candidate Statements

Vice President

Name: Kaya Hamer-Small

Institution: Hillsborough Community College

Candidate Statement:

Treasurer

Name: Amy D’Unger

Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology

Candidate Statement: My name is Amy D’Unger and I am the Faculty Director of the Honors Program at Georgia Institute of Technology. I joined the Honors Program in 2022 after 17 years in the School of History and Sociology at Georgia Tech and six years in the Department of Sociology at Emory University. I currently serve as the President of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council (GCHC) and the Interim Treasurer of the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC) . I have thoroughly enjoyed my transition to honors education and have received a tremendous amount of support from colleagues I have met through GCHC, SRHC, and the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). Upon becoming the Interim Treasurer of SRHC in November 2024 I began the process of learning the policies and processes involved in being a good steward of the financial resources of the membership. I would like to continue my service to SRHC in the capacity as treasurer and look forward to serving the constituent member institutions and their faculty, staff, and students.

Faculty/Staff At-Large Representative

Name: Marcella Montesinos

Institution: Palm Beach State College

Candidate Statement: I am excited to submit my candidacy for the Faculty/Staff at Large position on the Southern Regional Honors Council. With a wealth of experience amassed over 15 years as the Honors College Director at Palm Beach State College, I have had the honor of guiding and mentoring over 800 honors students, aiding their successful transfer to top universities.

In my most recent role as President of the Florida Collegiate Honors Council (2023-2024), I have gained invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of honors education. My tenure allowed me to foster a vibrant community, collaborate with esteemed colleagues, and advocate for policies that benefit the honors community at large.

Throughout my career, my unwavering dedication to student success and academic excellence has been the driving force behind my professional endeavors. The opportunity to contribute to the Southern Regional Honors Council would be a continuation of this passion. I am committed to advancing the goals of the council, supporting fellow educators, and enriching the educational experiences of honors students across the region.

I would be thrilled and honored to be nominated for this position, and I am eager to bring my experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Southern Regional Honors Council. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of honors education.