Honors Program launches new student journals
As Liberty University seeks to expand its influence in the academic world, the Liberty Honors Program has found a new way to do so.
Beginning last semester, the Honors Program launched two new journals with the aim to publish the academic works and accomplishments of current and past Honors students. Under the editorial supervision of students Kelly Kramer, Jaymee Wagner, Kelsey Wells and Sarah Keller, these two journals will give students the opportunity to propel Liberty University to a new level of academic excellence.
The first journal, “The Kabod,” publishes academic papers by current and graduated Honors students. The journal’s mission is described on the website as glorifying the Lord through publishing academic papers that “demonstrate outstanding scholarship, rigorous research, sophisticated craftsmanship and astute and original insights.”
Dr. Brenda Ayres, the editor-in-chief of “The Kabod,” invites Honors students and professors to submit academic papers that received an “A” in an Honors seminar or in a petitioned course.
Ayres explained that the name “The Kabod” was chosen because of its deep roots in Christianity. “The title is Hebrew for ‘glory’ or ‘honor,’ referencing Proverbs 25:2, which states, ‘It is God’s glory to conceal something, and the glory of a king to find it out,’” Ayres said.
In her introductory article, Dr. Ayres compared the meaning of Kabod to a well-known food item – the kebab. Both Kabod and kebab have food-related meaning, but a Kabod is spiritual food, a source of spiritual growth that is necessary for all Christians.
Volume 1, Issue 1 of “The Kabod” includes academic papers that cover a wide range of topics. For instance, Miranda Beale, a current Liberty student, wrote an article entitled “Streams in the Wilderness.” In her article, Beale analyzes and identifies the themes in the novels “Gilead” and “Home.”
On the other hand, Joseph Fowler, also a current student, explores a narrative journey to the top of Blood Mountain in his paper “Looking for Shelter.”
The staff is hoping for at least nine papers to fill Issue 2 before the end of April.
The second new publication, “The Honorable Mention,” serves as the official newsletter of the Honors Program. It updates its members on events, highlights past and present alumni and records the success of the Quiz Bowl Team and other competitive activities.
The purpose of the journals, according to Kramer, is to “ensure the cross-pollination of ideas (and) to have students observe, interact with and learn from the best thinkers available.”
Students who wish to be published in “The Kabod” or the “Honorable Mention” can submit their papers or articles through the link on the Honors Program website or through the Liberty University Digital Commons site. Additionally, any Honors student wishing to join the editorial staff for professional writing and publishing experience can contact Ayres at bayres@liberty.edu.
HIXSON is a news reporter.