UAH has established an Honors College to promote an enriched academic environment for all students that demonstrate high ability, and who are motivated to take advantage of educational, intellectual, and research opportunities and challenges. The college received approval today by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. The board members also gave their approval to creating a Department of Space Science, as well as approval of a lease with Rise School of Huntsville. UAH currently offers an honors program, and the tremendous growth of interest among the university's students and faculty in recent years is leading the administration to elevate the program to a higher level.