Polk State Honors Program welcomes its newest students
The Polk State Honors Program hosted an engaging and enriching orientation for its newest students in July, offering a glimpse into the vibrant academic community that awaits them.
The Honors Program at Polk State College is designed to challenge high-achieving students through advanced coursework, specialized projects, and a supportive community of equally motivated peers and dedicated faculty. During orientation, students explored the program’s offerings, from interdisciplinary projects to networking opportunities that prepare them for higher learning and professional success.
Mike Long, Director of Enrollment and Curriculum Management, who serves as the Honors Program Advisor, kicked off the event with a lively introduction of faculty and staff, as students had to match quirky facts to each member of the Polk State team.
“We are just like you – we wear Crocs and flip flops, and we have done some crazy things,” Long exclaimed.
From Professor of Ceramics Andrew Coombs’ former life as a dental assistant, to Dean of Academic Affairs Bert Rivera-Marchand’s appearance on National Geographic for his research on the bats of Puerto Rico, students connected instantly with the stories and unsuspecting truths of their professors and administrators.
They then circulated through different sessions led by Long, Coombs, Marchand, Professor of Liberal Arts Diana Cobble, Professor of Political Science Ed Smith and Dean of Academic Affairs Kim Thomas Manning.
“I really enjoyed Dr. Manning’s session as she spoke about leadership,” said Diana Nunez, a senior at Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School. “We made up bullet points about the differences between leadership and management. I’m president of ASLHS [American Sign Language Honor Society], and those kinds of things are something that we really consider when we are in leadership positions.”
Nunez added that the sessions allowed her to create connections with her peers and professors.
“I chose to join the Honors Program because [it will give me the opportunity to] be involved in more projects, more involved with the teachers and with learning on a different level, going further into the aspects of different classes,” Nunez explained.
Honors Program courses are not classes with additional work; instead, they provide alternative approaches to learning that are student-centered and interactive, promoting creativity and global understanding.
“What I’m looking to accomplish the most is connections with people that are higher up and who have done many things in life and have taken different routes,” Nunez added.
Student Farhan Rasul, a junior at Lakeland Collegiate, echoed this.
“The Honors Program will allow me to challenge myself and see what I’m really capable of,” he shared. “Also, it will give me a sense of recognition at graduation.”
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program with a minimum of 18 credit hours in courses with Honors designation and a 3.2 grade-point average or greater receive a special designation on their diplomas as well as an Honors Program medallion to wear at graduation.
Perhaps more importantly, graduates of the Honors Program increase their abilities to research and create original work, interpret qualitative and quantitative data, engage in cultural events and service-learning projects, as well as experience professional opportunities related to their disciplines.
“Polk State offers so many different types of things – there are so many resources you could use, so it’s a perfect place to learn and get your degree,” Rasul said.
“I would encourage other students to get involved in Polk State, especially in the Honors Program, because it gives you a different perspective on education,” Nunez added. “Doing an honors program and challenging yourself show that kind of commitment that you are planning to put into advanced schooling or into your work.”
Students who are interested in the Honors Program may email honors@polk.edu for more information.