BETHANY, W.Va. (Sept. 22, 2025) – Bethany College proudly announces that Associate Professor of Economics, Aaron Honsowetz has been named the 2025 Outstanding Educator by the West Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy (GHA).
Honsowetz, who has been teaching at Bethany since the fall of 2015, reflected on the recognition with humility. “The humbling part of the award is having a student nominate you for the award in the first place,” he said. “As an educator, you work hard to have your students grow into the best version of themselves, and to have a student recognize that you are contributing to their growth is more rewarding than the award itself.”
Elijah Lanigan, a dual enrollment student from Brooke High School who is also taking courses on Bethany’s campus, submitted the nomination. He asked if he could recognize a college professor rather than a high school teacher, sharing that “you are my favorite teacher I have ever had.” In his note, Lanigan further praised Honsowetz, writing, “Your advice is unmatched, and your help is incredibly useful.”
For Honsowetz, the heart of Bethany’s academic experience is the close connection between faculty and students. “Bethany College is a place where professors are able to challenge students to grow intellectually and personally,” he shared. “Because of the small college environment, we can follow up with the students we care that they actually rise to pursue that challenge.”
The Governor’s Honors Academy is a three-week summer residential program hosted July 12–26, 2025, at West Virginia University. Founded in 1984 by Gov. John D. Rockefeller IV, the program brings together approximately 175 academically driven rising high school seniors for advanced educational opportunities. Each student nominates an educator who has had a significant impact on their academic or personal growth.
Bethany College celebrates Honsowetz’s recognition as a reflection of the College’s commitment to student success and mentorship.
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