In 2006, a founding committee sought to create a Georgia Tech community characterized by Dr. Gregory Nobles, a committee member, as an “Institute-wide incubator for intellectual inquiry and engagement.” Under the leadership of Dr. Nobles, the Honors Program aimed to deliver inquiry-based, interdisciplinary classes, co-curricular activities, and the Student Challenge Fund to support student-initiated project proposals for a cohort of 95 students.  

The Honors Program evolved over the next several years in response to the needs and desires of the community. In 2010, as the first cohort of Honors Program students approached graduation, the program office moved into its new suite in the A. French Building next to Tech Tower.  

In Fall 2014, Dr. Roberta Berry assumed the helm of program director as the program fell under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) provides curricular and co-curricular offerings to assist undergraduate students in developing a strong foundation for success, during and after college. 

By Fall 2015, the Honors Program transitioned to a living learning community on West Campus in the Hefner-Armstrong and Crecine Residence Halls.   

Since then, the program now lives in the Eighth Street Apartments lead by Dr. Amy D’Unger as faculty director (joined in 2022) and Dr. David Torello as executive director (joined in 2026). In Fall 2025, the program was renamed the John H. Martinson Honors Program in recognition of the generous investment of philanthropist and venture capitalist John H. Martinson. Thanks to Mr. Martinson’s transformative $10 million gift, the honors program is increasing its entering class size and enhancing interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship, and immersive learning to help students deepen their academic experience.  

To this day, the program continues to support a population of over 1,000 undergraduate students who learn together in honors program classes, attend events and participate in programming, and live together in our residence halls. The growing staff team also focuses on building the broader honors community by fostering faculty, alumni, and family engagement throughout the year. As we evolve, the John H. Martinson Honors Program will continue to shape the next generation of scholars, leaders, and innovators, both at Georgia Tech and beyond.