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University Honors Program

Dr. Jay T. Lees

Jay Lees


Position: Professor, History

Arrived at UNI: Fall 1987

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah


How would you best describe the Honors Program at UNI?

The Honors Program provides a combination of all of the benefits of both a large university and a small liberal arts college experience.


In your own words, how does the Honors Program help students? What are its benefits?

First and foremost, the UNI Honors Program has created a kind of academic family for those who have joined it. The student leadership has been amazing in providing many social activities that appear to me to create lasting friendships. Of course, the academic side needs to be emphasized: honors students can take advantage of many small classes with the personal attention from faculty that goes with them.


What makes UNI unique?

The Honors Program is really more of that mixture of large university facilities in a fairly small community, which at least for me makes it a very comfortable place to work.


What makes the UNI faculty special?

There is a really commitment to undergraduate education on the part of UNI faculty.


What would you tell someone unfamiliar with the university about UNI?

I certainly wouldn’t reduce it to a sound bite! I’d find out the interests of that individual and tailor my answer accordingly. In my experience, UNI can offer something special to almost every student.


What has been the highlight of your career at UNI?

Teaching in the Honors Program. Honest! It is teaching at its most rewarding and best!


What is the best part of your job?

Getting to know the students individually. I make an effort to get every student into my office for some one-on-one time.


If you could do anything in the world, is there another profession/vocation you'd like to try?

Documentary filmmaker.