Patrice McMahon has been named director of the University Honors Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

McMahon will step into the new role May 15. Gwen Bachman, who is currently serving as interim director of the honors program, will return to the faculty in the School of Biological Sciences.

“Dr. McMahon has a long record of teaching and research excellence with a demonstrated commitment to experiential learning,” said Amy Goodburn, associate vice chancellor for the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor. “Her experiences with teaching honors students and promoting interdisciplinary, community-based, and international collaborations will continue the University Honors Program’s 30-year tradition of academic excellence for honors students.”

McMahon is associate professor of political science. Her research focuses on humanitarian affairs, peace building, nongovernmental organizations, and United States foreign policy.

Since joining the university in 1998, McMahon has received several teaching awards, including the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Education (2012); Outstanding Educator of the Year Award (2009-10); “best class,” (2007); and the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award (2005).

“I am excited about joining the honors team, and I look forward to creating more community-based opportunities for our students” McMahon said. “Our future honors program will be interdisciplinary, interactive and more globally-minded. It will root students’ experiences in local and national institutions to ensure that they are ready for the world.”