By Sophia Sullivan, Editor of Arts and Culture
Here at Saint Leo University, many different opportunities for professional and personal growth are presented to students. A stand-out option at Saint Leo is its prestigious Honors Program.
The past four years have brought a substantial growth period to the program under the direction of Dr. Timothy Jussaume. Jussaume will sadly not be returning to teach at Saint Leo in the fall, thus, a new director has been announced.
In June, Dr. Daniel DuBois, associate professor of history and international studies, accepted his new position as director of the Honors Program. Working alongside him as Associate Director will be Dr. Elisabeth Aiken, associate professor of English.
DuBois has taught at Saint Leo since 2016 and has since taught various courses focused on American history and international relations. He has previously published a book and has even taught an Honors Program class on sports diplomacy.
DuBois stated his enthusiasm in interacting with students in the program with his new position, especially considering the program’s extensive growth in the past few years.
“Our classrooms have become incredibly dynamic and engaging learning environments that put students and faculty in positions to work with people outside their departments and colleges whom they might otherwise never meet,” he stated.
The program offers students unique opportunities that would be impossible if it were not for the specialized classes and the willing professors that teach them.
Instead of sticking solely with students and professors in one’s scope of study, taking part in the Honors Program will allow students to branch out and interact with new people.
“We believe [the Honors Program]can play a key role in augmenting that element of our school’s identity,” said DuBois.
The description of an honors student typically suggests a picture of extremely smart students engaging in late-night cram sessions, surrounded by empty energy drink cans and half-eaten meals in takeout containers.
What prospective students might not know, however, is that Saint Leo’s Honors Program does not mean more work for the students (https://www.saintleo.edu/academics/honors-program). Conversely, it means less work that students have the special opportunity to dive much deeper into, as opposed to other course material.
Between small class sizes, close professional relationships with Honors professors, priority class registration, and fewer required credits, the Honors Program aims to not only distinguish the top academic performers of Saint Leo, but it ensures that they are thoroughly immersed in a top-notch academic experience in all aspects of student life.
DuBois described the program’s many rewards as a way “to enhance our students’ learning experience and to create a community that goes beyond the traditional undergraduate experience.”
Because of his field of expertise, DuBois plans to lean heavily into the global studies focus of the Honors Program values. He intends to introduce a newsletter detailing relevant stories to Honors courses, and a specific study-abroad program solely for Honors students.
DuBois is also interested in enhancing the Honor Program’s frequency of what he calls “service learning.”
“Service learning offers students the chance to work with vulnerable populations and people and communities in need,” said DuBois.
While these qualities are certainly important, another thing DuBois and Aiken plan to push is “professional development.” Of course, students go to college to find the career that suits them, so taking the time to explore, attempt, and learn about different jobs is extremely important. This will be accomplished by visits from Career Services, internships, apprenticeships, and guest speakers, all of which are exclusive to students in Honors.
To DuBois, the growth of the Honors Program at Saint Leo is a strong symbol of the quality of the university’s students.
“It indicates the incredible number of driven, curious, and passionate students from around the world who are coming to study at Saint Leo’s campus,” he stated.
If you are a student eligible and interested in joining Saint Leo University’s Honors Program, go to https://www.saintleo.edu/academics/honors-program/honors-apply to learn more.
