Announcing new dean of Lewis Honors College

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. James Buss has accepted the offer to serve as our next dean of the Lewis Honors College, effective July 1.

Dr. Buss is an outstanding honors educator, leader and scholar — he founded the Honors College at Northern Kentucky University and the Clarke Honors College at Salisbury University, helping build upon rich traditions of honors education at both institutions.

As dean of the Honors College at Ball State University, a role he has held since 2023, Dr. Buss helps elevate honors education as a practice and transformative experience for students. He has helped grow the Honors College to new heights, welcoming more than 600 first-time students in Fall 2025, a first in the college’s history.

Dr. Buss is also a prolific scholar, publishing books, book chapters, peer-reviewed articles and papers in both his field of history and honors education. He is an engaged representative of honors education both at his institution and across the nation.

The Lewis Honors College plays a pivotal role in providing a well-rounded and rigorous liberal arts education for its students to prepare them to be leaders, scholars and creators of the future. As we continue to serve more students across Kentucky, the Lewis Honors College will continue to grow its community of motivated and talented students, faculty and staff. I am confident Dr. Buss will not only contribute to its growth, but he will help the community thrive in the process. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Buss to the UK community. And I would also like to thank Dr. Laura Bryan for serving as interim dean and helping guide the Lewis Honors College with such dedication to its mission of serving its students. 

Thank you for all you continue to do to help UK advance our Commonwealth. 

Robert DiPaola 
Provost