Honors College

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Joining the Honors College means becoming part of a transformative journey where students are inspired to lead with purpose, challenge their minds, and leave a legacy of service and excellence.

Mission & Vision

Mission

We are committed to attracting students who are academically interested, motivated to achieve personal and professional excellence, and committed to community service. We give students strength through hard disciplinary work, leadership, and service experiences. 

 

Vision

Our vision is to be a transformative Honors College known for creating well-rounded graduates who excel academically, demonstrate integrity, and pursue meaningful careers. Our goal is to provide an environment that teaches holistic development, self-discovery, and social consciousness so students can leave a legacy in their communities and the world. Through partnerships, mentorship, and experiential learning, we strive to shape future leaders who will change the world for the better.

Values

  • Excellence: We commit to academic rigor and high standards to support students in reaching individual and intellectual excellence.
  • Resilience: We foster grit and perseverance and help students work through difficulties and pursue their goals with consistency and dedication.
  • Service: We are dedicated to service, on and off campus, and we believe in the power of service to build empathy and social responsibility.
  • Community: We believe in the power of community to empower, motivate, and educate students and have a supportive culture that is inclusive, diverse, and collaborative.

Colloquium Cohorts

Unlike traditional college programs, the Honors College offers a cohort-based learning model, creating a collaborative environment where students form lasting connections. This structure enhances accountability, fosters diverse perspectives, and encourages teamwork, preparing students for real-world challenges. Graduates of the program can expect to excel in critical analysis, leadership, and professional networking, equipped to thrive in corporate, civic, and community roles.
Cohort Tabs
Freshman Cohort
Sophomore Cohort
Junior Cohort
Senior Cohort

Freshman Cohort

Foundations of Leadership and Corporate Readiness

Theme: The Tipping Point – Understanding Change and Influence

Key Topics Foundations of leadership, critical thinking, introduction to corporate skills
Outcomes Analyze key concepts from The Tipping Point, develop leadership and communication skills
Signature Project Mini-capstone project on a personal or community 'tipping point'
Freshmen explore how small actions can lead to transformative changes, establishing a foundation for academic and professional growth.

Sophomore Cohort

Exploring Community Dynamics and Success

Theme: Outliers – The Power of Community and Opportunity

Key Topics Community impact, cultural influences on success, public speaking
Outcomes Refine public speaking and networking skills, deepen understanding of success in diverse communities
Signature Project Student-led panel discussions with guest speakers on the factors shaping success
Sophomores examine how cultural and environmental factors contribute to individual success, connecting these insights to leadership roles.

Junior Cohort

Transforming Adversity into Advantage

Theme: David and Goliath – Mastering Change and Leadership Under Pressure

Key Topics Leadership refinement, resilience, capstone development
Outcomes Develop a polished capstone, enhance resilience and problem-solving skills
Signature Project Present capstone research or creative project, integrating resilience strategies from David and Goliath
Juniors focus on overcoming obstacles and leveraging strengths in leadership, applying these insights to professional and academic challenges.

Senior Cohort

Leadership as Legacy and Mentorship

Theme: Blink – The Power of Intuition in Leadership

Key Topics Mentorship, servant leadership, intuitive decision-making
Outcomes Mentor underclassmen, enhance personal branding, prepare for leadership roles beyond college
Signature Project Legacy Leadership Plan for the Honors College, integrating principles from Blink on making impactful, intuitive choices
Seniors explore the role of intuition in decision-making and leadership, focusing on creating a meaningful legacy within the program.

Admission Requirements

  • Academic Performance:
    • High school GPA: 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale
    • Accuplacer scores meeting PQC cut scores for English and Math (Most PQC students take the Accuplacer during Summer Bridge.)
  • Exemplary Summer Bridge Performance:
    • Strong academic performance, active participation, and notable achievements during Summer Bridge, along with leadership roles, can help you stand out as a top candidate for the Honors College.
  • Scholarship Requirements:
    • Maintain a 3.0+ GPA (Vistra Scholarship) or 3.25+ GPA (Strada Scholarship)
    • Participate in the Duke Mentor Program and Work Program career workshops
  • Application Process:
    • Submit an essay or personal statement and letters of recommendation.
  • Extracurricular Involvement:
    • Showcase leadership experience and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Application Opens: November 22, 2025

Application Close: April 29, 2025

All potential Honors College students must submit ACCUPLACER scores taken before admission or complete the exam during the Summer Bridge program. Submitted scores must meet the required cut score. If you have already taken the ACCUPLACER and met the required cut score, you will not need to retake the test during Summer Bridge. (There is no charge to take the exam during Summer Bridge.)

  • ACCUPLACER Scores
    • Writing: 249 or higher (preferred)
    • Math: 245 or higher (preferred)

There is no interview for the application process.

Decisions are typically released on a rolling basis, with notifications sent by April 30 for regular decision applicants.

Unfortunately, we are currently not accepting transfer students.

  • Check Your Email: Look for any updates or notifications from Honorscollege@pqc.edu
  • Log into Your Account: Log into your Honors College application to check the status.
  • Contact Support: If you can’t find the information online, reach out to admissions@pqc.edu.

Students engage in courses focused on leadership, critical thinking, and professional readiness, including a year-long colloquium each year.

Colloquiums are theme-based and cover subjects such as leadership and community impact. Courses are held weekly, blending discussions, presentations, and projects.

Honors students typically take a full course load of 15–18 credit hours per semester, including Honors-specific and general education courses.

Honors students receive specialized academic advising to guide course selection, research projects, and career planning.

Yes, qualified students receive a full cost-of-attendance package, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board for up to five years.

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Honors Program! Please note that while acceptance does not guarantee a scholarship, you will be prioritized for one of the two scholarships available through the program. Although we may not be able to provide a scholarship to every student, we are committed to helping you find third-party scholarships that can support your educational journey.

Students gain access to mentorship, on-campus employment, leadership roles, and unique networking events with corporate partners.

Honors students must complete the Summer Bridge Program for on-campus housing eligibility. Housing is encouraged but not mandatory beyond that.

Absolutely! Honors students are encouraged to participate in campus organizations, service opportunities, and internships.

The program offers career readiness workshops, internships, and corporate networking events to prepare students for professional success.

Honors students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing.

Yes, Honors students participate in campus leadership roles and community service projects each semester.

Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA are placed on academic probation with support resources to help them improve.

Yes, the Summer Bridge Program is a foundational part of the Honors College experience, designed to prepare students for academic success.

Contact Us

Honors College:

Leslie Rivas

214-379-5460 | Lrivas@pqc.edu, Honorscollege@pqc.edu

Admissions:

Office of Enrollment Management

214-379-5449 | Admissions@pqc.edu

Financial aid:

Juanita Mendez

214-379-5490 | JMendez@pqc.edu

Coach Keldrick McKinney of the track and field team smiling

COACH Keldrick McKinney

Email: kmckinney@pqc.edu | Phone: 214-379-5509

About the Coach

Coach Keldrick McKinney is a native of Dallas, Texas who enters his third year as the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach at Paul Quinn College. After serving one year as Associate Head Coach under the leadership of Coach Maurice West; Coach McKinney was given the opportunity by Paul Quinn’s legendary Athletic Director James “Zip” Summers.

The program has quickly grown from 3 to now 25 student athletes under the leadership of Coach McKinney. In the second year of competing at the Red River Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships, the Paul Quinn Tigers placed two athletes in the Top 10.

Coach McKinney received his bachelor’s in Kinesiology from Prairie View A&M University. After graduation he then opened a training facility where he trained hundreds of athletes. This provided the background and experience for Coach to thrive at the next level. Coach McKinney’s student-athletes not only excel on the track but also in the classroom as well. Coach McKinney’s team maintains over a 3.0 gpa.

Coach Michael Delgado of the mens soccer team

COACH Michael Delgado

Email: mdelgado@pqc.edu | Phone: 214-379-5374

About the Coach

Coach Michael Delgado has been coaching at the collegiate level since 2009. He began his coaching career at Howard Payne University, shortly after starting his time there as a collegiate soccer player. He began as a student coach and after graduating with a degree in Spanish Education, became an assistant.

In 2015, Coach Delgado moved back to Dallas to form the Men’s and Women’s Soccer program at Paul Quinn College as the assistant coach and became the head coach of the Women’s team in 2017. From 2015-2021 he was also the Men’s assistant coach. 

In 2021, Coach Delgado took over the Men’s program and led the team as the #3 seed (highest in school history) to the USCAA National Championship for the 3rd year in a row, with a 3rd place finish. 

Coach Delgado is a Dallas native and graduated from Mesquite Poteet High School as a district MVP & All-State. He holds his Master’s degree from Concordia University in Coaching & Athletic Administration. He resides in the campus neighborhood of Highland Hills and lives daily by his motto, #AlwaysRefuse2Lose.

coach brandon espinosa

COACH Brandon Espinosa

Email: bespinosa@pqc.edu | Phone: 214-379-5516

About the Coach

Brandon Espinosa starts his fourth season as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Paul Quinn College.

Last season, Coach Espinosa and the Tigers had a historic 19 game turnaround from the previous year going from 7-25 to 26-2 (12-2 RRAC). Coach Espinosa led the 2021-2022 Tigers to the school’s first USCAA Men’s Division I National Championship and the 3rd overall national championship in school history. The Tigers also won the Red River Athletic Conference West (RRAC) regular season title for the first time since joining the conference in 1998. The Tigers finished the 2021-2022 season with the most RRAC wins and highest winning percentage in a season in program history.

The Tigers were the No. 1 seed at USCAA Nationals and had a dominant showing with 3 double digits wins. The championship game featured seven ties and ten lead changes. After trailing by four at half, 38-34, Bryant & Stratton led 67-65 with 6:33 left in the game. Henry Hampton hit a jumper a minute later to give Paul Quinn the lead to highlight a 10-0 run to seal the victory for the Tigers. Ja’Mare Redus led PQC with 18 points while Hampton finished with 17. Spencer McElway added 12, Ja’Mere Redus came off the bench and scored 11, and Steven Tynes chipped in seven points and nine assists.

While the team’s collective efforts were the deciding factor in their success, several outstanding individuals led them both on and off the court. Coach Brandon Espinosa was recognized as the USCAA National Coach of the Year. In addition, senior forward Spencer McElway was selected as a USCAA 1st Team All American, USCAA All Tournament Team and RRAC 2nd Team All Conference. Sophomore forward Trevoin Shaw was voted USCAA 1st Team All American, USCAA All Tournament Team and RRAC 1st Team All Conference. Sophomore guard Ja’mare Redus received USCAA Tournament MVP as well as USCAA 2nd Team All American Honors. Sophomore guard Torron Mingo Jr. earned the USCAA Academic All American award. Junior guard Caleb Thompson received the RRAC Champions of Character award.

During his first season with Paul Quinn, Espinosa led the Tigers to the most conference victories since 2012-2013. In addition, PQC had two players receive RRAC All Conference honors; Spencer McElway was 1st Team All RRAC and Mateo Escheik received 2nd Team All RRAC honors. McElway also joined the schools 1000-point club.

Espinosa also serves as the Director of EYBL and 17U Head Coach for Drive Nation which was founded by former NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal. This summer Drive Nation qualified for the 2021 Nike Peach Jam and currently has the most ESPN Top 100 ranked players in the country.

Espinosa has held coaching positions at Bossier Parish Community College, Ranger College and with the Dallas Mavericks NBA G-League affiliate, Texas Legends.

  • In 2016-17, while he was the associate head coach for Chris Lovell at Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier qualified for the Region 14 Championship Tournament for the first time since becoming a member of the conference. In 2017-2018 Bossier again qualified for the Region 14 Championship Tournament and finished with a record of 17-14. The 17 wins was the most for a team at Bossier in ten years.
  • While at Ranger College, he helped head coach Billy Gillispie orchestrate the biggest turnaround in college basketball history. During the 2015-2016 season Ranger went from 2-23 the previous year to 35-3, making the NJCAA national tournament and a Final Four appearance for the first time in the schools 90-year history.
  • From 2013-2015, Espinosa was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks NBA G-League affiliate Texas Legends. Espinosa coached under Eduardo Najera, who in 2000 was the first Mexican born player to be draftedinto the NBA. During the 2013-2014 campaign the Texas Legends tied the franchise record for most wins in a season with 24. Legends guard PJ Hairston was the first G-League player ever to be drafted in the first round of an NBA draft when he was selected 26th overall by the Miami Heat in 2014.
  • Espinosa also served as the associate head coach for Jeff Webster and Nike Pro Skills 17U EYBL team from 2016-2018.

Espinosa is a native of Houston, Texas. He played collegiately for Dallas Christian College, where in 2010 they won the ACCA National Championship. Espinosa earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2011.

Paul Quinn did not compete in 2020-2021 due to Covid-19.

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Coach Camille Headshot

COACH Camille Smith

Email: csmith@pqc.edu | Phone: 214-379-5499

About the Coach

Camille Smith is in her first season at Paul Quinn College.

Smith was hired in early March and her most recent position was as an Assistant Coach for the WNBA Dallas Wings.

Prior to coaching, Smith played professionally for 10 seasons internationally and 12 seasons in the WNBA before retiring in 2019. Smith was drafted to the San Antonio Silver Stars in the 2007 WNBA Draft as the 17th Overall pick. Amid the start of the 2008 WNBA season, Smith was selected in the Atlanta Dream dispersal draft before being traded to the Seattle Storm where Smith played and won a championship in 2010! In 2015 Smith was traded to the Connecticut Sun, then to the Phoenix Mercury in 2017, where she finished her career.

Internationally, Smith played on multiple teams in Israel (2015 Israel League Champion) and China. She also played in Turkey, Limassol, Cyrpus, Ragusa, Sicily (2016 Cup Champion), Lebanon (2017 Arab Cup Champion), Montpelier, France, and Venice, Italy (2018 Euro Cup runner-up).

As a former student-athlete at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Camille graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in interpersonal communications. A four-time All-ACC selection, she finished her college career with over 1,700 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, and 250 steals. As a senior, Camille averaged 13.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game along with 99 steals to help the Tar Heels reach the Final Four. Camille is ranked among the top 20 all-time scorers at UNC and was named Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press following her junior year. She averaged 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds as a junior. As a sophomore, Camille averaged 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in the ACC tournament, including a 23-point game against Duke in the finals. In 2004, she was named ACC Rookie of the Year and was the only freshman selected as a finalist for Kodak All-American honor. Camille became the first Tar Heel to be named first-team All-ACC as a freshman.

In high school, Camille was named Associated Press NC Player of the Year and NC Miss Basketball (Class 3A; 2003). Camille was also awarded State Player of the Year by the Charlotte Observer and NC Gatorade Player of the Year (2002 and 2003). In 2001, Camille shared AP Player of the Year honors at Carver High School and helped her team finish with a 30-0 record and State Championship. Camille is a three-time All-State Selection and averaged 20.2 points and 11.1 rebounds per game during her senior year. She holds the record of 2,168 career points during her high school career, was a McDonald’s High School All-American, and played in the 2002 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival. Camille was also named Piedmont Triad All-Conference, four years in a row, and Piedmont Triad Conference Player of the Year, three years in a row.

Camille Smith & her husband Jeremis Smith are happily married & live in the Historical Stop 6 Community.

Coach Patrick Gonzalez of the womens volleyball team

COACH PATRICK GONZALEZ

Email: pgonzalez@pqc.edu | Phone: 214-379-5524

About the Coach

Coach Patrick Gonzalez is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. He has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with emphasis in Criminal Justice from Texas Wesleyan University. He also has a M.Ed. in Sports Administration from Concordia University in Austin, Texas. He has coached volleyball for over thirteen years. He has coached on the high school, club, and collegiate level.

He currently coaches for 360 Volleyball Club in Arlington, Texas. Coach Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Paul Quinn College volleyball program. He served as the women’s assistant volleyball coach at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee for five seasons. While at Fisk University, Coach Gonzalez served as an Admissions Counselor and Director of International Student Services in the Office of Student Engagement. He has also worked at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and served as the Associate Director of Minority Outreach in the Office of Admissions. He most recently was selected into the Big XII Reach & Teach Volleyball Diversity Program.