Christopher Malone Named Honors College Director

Dr. Christopher Malone will replace Bill Offutt as the new director of the Pforzheimer Honors College in one of several faculty changes throughout the University. Offutt will remain involved with the Honors College as an active faculty member.

Sophomore computer science major Emily Estime said, "I'm always in the office and Chris seems really hands-on and open to communication. He always answers my emails and seems to have the same one-on-one relationship Bill had with his students. He's attentive and seems to really care about how you feel. Now Bill can spread himself out more to the rest of the University."

Malone's accomplishments as director include new renovations in the student lounge. "I felt that there wasn't enough space and it wasn't big enough for the student's to hang out, which what it is primarily there for," Malone said. "I suggested we get two more offices: one for Bill to work from and one for me." Renovations include brand new furniture from IKEA and extra computers.

"[The] Honors College will continue to serve the Honors students and will continue to serve as a good citizen for the whole university," Malone said. "The lounge will now be able to hold guest speakers and student organization meetings. This way we are killing several birds with one stone."

Malone said he accepted the position because of the enormous opportunity to continue Offutt's hard work. "I want to advise the students as well as try to bring them a sense of civic engagement. I try to get the students to do volunteer work."

"Last year, we worked in New Orleans, trying to help rebuild what damage hurricane Katrina left. It's unbelievable to see kids volunteering to help during their spring break rather than going out drinking and partying."

As for the future, Malone sees the possibility for the Honors College to progress and advance in new directions. "I want to continue the excellence of programs and classes. I want to create a faculty advising program so Honors has various partners in the departments. I also want the Honors students to have a top quality senior thesis so senior year they can concentrate on putting out the best they can possibly produce."

"Lastly, I want the Honors College to be involved with faculty at Pace sharing ideas about art and books they've published and try to bring in outside speakers as well. When I was approached with the offer to accept this position, I said I would if I was allowed to do these things. My goal is to teach the students what they should learn and help them with their first crack at adulthood, but have fun in between."

Malone said adjusting to the position has been a positive transition thus far. "I've taught some of them in my learning community classes and with others I'm slowly getting acquainted. When I sent out emails dozens of kids wrote me back emails and welcomed me. That meant a lot to me and I can't thank them enough. It's big group around 500 students so I'm really glad Bill is still around to help."

With the new responsibility, Malone acknowledges the work of his partner. "Bill is truly irreplaceable, especially in the way he responds to students. I hope that I can do half as much as he does. It's important for students to look for ways to be engaged in all aspects of the University and it's our job to show them the avenues they might pursue."

While acknowledging the differences between he and the former director, Malone believes he will bring a similar commitment to the job.

"You can't be here if you aren't completely dedicated even though we may go about it in different styles," Malone said. "I'm a little more low-key but still accessible.  I'm from the south so I am a little slow and think and talk slowly but Bill is very fast with everything he does and is always multi-tasking. In substance we share the same goals just go about them in different way."