Florida State University’s Honors Program was ranked No. 1 in Florida by the college ranking publication College Transitions, a resource for high school students and college counselors and the primary source for honors college rankings.

On its 2026 list of “50 Best Honors Colleges,” College Transitions ranked FSU No. 17 nationally among all honors colleges and programs.

While some universities offer separate honors colleges, FSU offers a comprehensive program designed to meet student needs. The program placed No. 6 among honors programs on College Transitions’ list using methodology that considers selectivity, benefits and program rigor.

“Our Honors Program has seen so much exciting growth in the past few years, thanks to President McCullough’s visionary investments,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “We’re proud to offer a vibrant community that nurtures highly inquisitive students, engages them in a dynamic academic experience with their peers and prepares them for a future where they can thrive out in the world.”

The Honors Program has grown during McCullough’s tenure from about 400 per class before 2023 to more than 800 in the Fall 2025 class. It is the only Honors program in Florida that has a dedicated faculty who design Honors Signature Courses — interactive, interdisciplinary classes available exclusively to Honors students.

Ten full-time Honors faculty members offer courses on a variety of topics such as superheroes and ethics, coffee and culture in the U.S. and gaming in the ancient world.

“I’m so grateful for the dedication of our faculty and staff across campus who mentor, teach and support our remarkable students every day,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “We are honored to serve the brightest scholars from across Florida and elsewhere so they can thrive as leaders in their fields and strengthen the future of our communities.”

“The Honors Program at FSU was such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience. It gave me incredible professors and engaging courses, but most importantly, an amazing community and friendships that lasted throughout my time at Florida State.”

– Hayley Schermer, FSU Honors graduate

Former Honors student Hayley Schermer, who graduated in December with a cell and molecular neuroscience degree, is working as a patient care assistant in the Neuro and Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare while she prepares to start medical school in the summer.

“The Honors Program at FSU was such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience,” Schermer said. “It gave me incredible professors and engaging courses, but most importantly, an amazing community and friendships that lasted throughout my time at Florida State.”

Students can live in Honors housing in one of two centrally located residence halls and have dedicated program advising. They have access to classrooms, study spaces, gathering areas and resources such as advising, the Office of National Fellowships and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House.

More than 200 students are enrolled in Honors in the Major, an opportunity within the Honors Program that provides students from any major the chance to engage in graduate level research, either with an original thesis or creative project.

Last summer, the Honors Program debuted its new Honors Global Experiences program in London, where 15 students traveled with Honors Associate Director Michael Furman to explore the city and surrounding areas while taking the Honors Signature Course “In the Footsteps of the Ancients: Roman Britain.”

Hayden Thomas is a senior political science and economics Honors student from Tampa who is studying abroad at the FSU London Study Center and interning at a United Kingdom policy organization.

“The Honors Program gave me a community of intellectually curious student leaders who pushed me to grow academically, professionally and personally,” Thomas said. “That foundation made it possible for me to pursue transformative opportunities, including serving as president of the Honors Student Association, conducting research through Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and Honors in the Major, and engaging in immersive professional experiences.”

To provide more opportunities for students, FSU has also doubled the size of its Presidential Scholars Program in recent years. Presidential Scholars is FSU’s premier undergraduate merit scholarship program that invests in students who stand out for their potential to be transformational leaders.

There are now 60 students admitted to each class of the Presidential Scholars Program, where students engage in a four-year sequence of learning and community engagement that focuses on four foundational tenets: wisdom, leadership, service and character.

On top of the generous scholarship funding, students in the program receive financial support for enrichment opportunities such as international study or service, internships, research and creative projects, and more.

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Alexis Dorman, a senior at Florida State University pursuing dual degrees in international affairs and political science, aims to inspire her peers to generate positive change and make a lasting impact on campus through community service initiatives.

Dorman chose FSU for its location and experiential opportunities, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics program, the Office of Governmental Affairs and the Office of National Fellowships. She was nominated for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, where she developed a policy proposal to expand resources for English language learners in Florida. As a member of the FSU Social Science Scholars program, within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, she has further explored academic pursuits related to her career goals.

As the hunger campaign coordinator for the FSU Student Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG, Dorman led a statewide effort to lobby for the Hunger-Free Campus grant bill, which provides grants to colleges and universities to expand anti-hunger programs. She is passionate about community organization and political action, believing that FSU has provided her with ample resources to ensure her post-graduate success.

What factors influenced your decision to attend Florida State University?

There were several factors that influenced my decision to attend FSU. The campus location, extracurricular opportunities, Honors Program and community were the most appealing aspects. Being accepted into the Honors Program at FSU was a major factor in my decision to attend. The Honors Program offered a more intimate academic experience, allowing me to explore my interests and develop intellectual relationships with faculty.  

I’ve been interested in social sciences since elementary school and knew I wanted to pursue political science. FSU’s location in Florida’s capital city offers unparalleled experiential opportunities compared to other in-state universities. In addition, FSU offered unique extracurricular opportunities related to my major, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics program, which provided professional experience and increased my involvement with the Student Government Association. 

What are some of your most significant academic achievements at FSU?

Two of my most significant academic accomplishments at FSU were receiving a campus nomination for the Truman Scholarship and participating in the Social Science Scholars program. The Truman Scholarship nomination process helped me clarify my post-graduate and career plans and develop a policy proposal to expand resources for English language learners in Florida.  

My goals include pursuing a career in community organizing and governmental advocacy. FSU has provided me with ample resources to ensure my post-graduate success, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics Program, the Office of Governmental Affairs, and the Office of National Fellowships. These resources have allowed me to gain professional experience, engage with political leaders and participate in policy discussions.

How has your research experience affected your future goals? What resources at FSU did you find most useful?

In my first year at FSU, I participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) where I conducted research under Beth Ann Williams in the Department of Religion. My research focused on the role of women in a predominantly Lutheran community in Meru, Tanzania. I was responsible for data entry and analysis of interviews conducted in Meru where I presented my findings “The Changing Definition of ‘Womanhood’ in Meru, Tanzania” at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.  

The research I conducted at FSU allowed me to examine the intersection of culture, education and gender, providing me with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by women and girls across the globe. Presenting my research allowed me to connect my understanding of Western feminism and social movements with the experiences of Tanzanian women in Meru. Reviewing firsthand the perspectives of Tanzanian women reinforced my belief in the importance of grassroots efforts as a foundation for meaningful change and underscored the fact that lasting impact requires a deep understanding of the needs of those we aim to support. This made it apparent to me that I needed to deepen my understanding of the political process. 

Opportunities at FSU like the Noles Engaged in Politics program, the Office of Governmental Affairs and the Office of National Fellowships have been instrumental in allowing me to explore my passions and gain the experience needed to pursue a career in community organizing and governmental affairs post-graduation. These resources have provided me with a platform to participate in fellowship programs, engage with political leaders and participate in policy discussions.

What motivated you to pursue the Honors Program at FSU? How has this program enhanced your academic journey?

I was looking for a program that would allow me to explore my academic interests and receive a personalized educational experience. I decided to pursue the Honors Program at Florida State for several reasons, including the class sizes, course offerings and the community created by being a part of the Honors Student Association. 

Since becoming an honors student at Florida State, I can definitively say that my academic experience has been enriched. As an honors student, I have discovered new interests and passions, had the opportunity to actively engage with my professors and peers, and connected with a like-minded community of driven students who challenge me to continue excelling. 

What impact do you believe your community service initiatives have had on FSU’s campus culture and the broader Tallahassee community?

I believe that it is our responsibility, as individuals, to both inspire and be inspired. It is my hope that my community service initiatives have served as a source of inspiration for other students and community members. In turn, I continue to be inspired by all the passionate individuals who eagerly volunteer their time and get involved with the initiatives I organize. 

This exchange of inspiration is what drives my involvement. My goal is to not only pave the way for the next class of leaders, empower others and inspire change, but also to learn from those around me, collaborate with campus and community leaders and be inspired. 

Ultimately, my belief in collaboration, lifelong learning and the power of collective action continues to guide my actions and fuels my belief that by embracing the different perspectives of others, we can create positive change and inspire others to do the same. 

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Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 53 high-achieving graduates during a Dec. 11 ceremony in the Alumni Center Ballroom.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

The ceremony included remarks by Craig Filar, Associate Dean of the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House; Joe O’Shea, Dean of Undergraduate Studies; Parker Franklin, Outstanding Senior Scholar; and Julie Decker, President and CEO of the FSU Alumni Association.

The breakdown of the honors awardees is as follows:

33 graduates, University Honors Program
Earned at least 18 honors points in fulfillment of the FSU Honors Program requirements.

18 graduates, Honors in the Major Program
Completed an honors thesis in fulfillment of the requirement for the distinction “with honors” in their major department.

2 graduates, Outstanding Senior Scholar
Completed both the University Honors Program and the Honors in the Major Program, with a 3.9 cumulative GPA or higher.

The honors medallion recipients, along with their hometowns, award designations, and academic majors, are listed by state and city below:

Florida

Bradenton

Elizabeth Bernate, Biochemistry, Honors in the Major

Clermont     

Giovanni Moraes, Biology, University Honors

Clewiston

Eileen Perez, Political Science, University Honors

Coconut Creek

Sophia Fandino, Environmental Science, University Honors

Crawfordville

Daniel Zdrazil, Creative Writing, Honors in the Major

Gulf Breeze

Riley Hart, Exercise Physiology, University Honors

Hialeah

Karen Iglesias, Psychology, University Honors

Jacksonville

Andrew Lodge, Psychology; Statistics, University Honors

Jupiter

Kendall McMullen, Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (Clinical Professions), University Honors

Kissimmee

Nayeli Marcial, Environmental Engineering, University Honors

Lake Mary

Avery Hall, Civil Engineering, University Honors

Live Oak

Lilian Lamb, Behavioral Neuroscience, University Honors

Longwood

Lara Alston, Psychology, University Honors

Miami

Miguel González, International Affairs, Honors in the Major

Robert Kirk, Exercise Physiology; Psychology, University Honors

Arthur Noriega, Creative Writing; Humanities, Honors in the Major

Anthony Ogando, Biological Science, Honors in the Major

Taylor Torres, Political Science; Japanese Language and Culture, Honors in the Major

Joel Weeks, Finance; Management Information Systems, University Honors

Naples

Rylee Price, Psychology, University Honors

North Lauderdale

Janeen Green, Religion; Humanities, Honors in the Major

Orlando

Gabriela Kaiser, Finance; Marketing, University Honors

Palm Beach Gardens

Julianne Strickland, Accounting, University Honors

Panama City

Makayla Evans, Psychology; Social Work, Honors in the Major

Parrish

Eric Rindermann, Political Science, Honors in the Major

Plantation

David Marblestone, Finance; Professional Sales, University Honors

Rockledge

Anna Nguyen, Public Health, Honors in the Major

Sarasota

Noah Kunkel, Economics, University Honors

Raeanna Michael, Actuarial Science; Statistics, University Honors

St. Johns

Caleb Towne, Biological Science, University Honors

St. Petersburg

Jillian Kuusela, Psychology, Honors in the Major

Christopher Sanders, Political Science, University Honors

Tallahassee

Braidan O’Connor, Public Health, University Honors

Laura Obermaier, Computer Science, University Honors

Ashleigh Witherington, Latin and Greek, Outstanding Senior Scholar

Georgia

Atlanta

Grace Lege, Instrumental Music Education, Honors in the Major

Cumming

Hailey Anderson, Statistics; Applied and Computational Mathematics, University Honors

Marietta

Harper Coombs, Biological Science, University Honors

Parker Franklin, Commercial Music; Management Information Systems, Outstanding Senior Scholar

Illinois

Vernon Hills

Jiayi Guo, Statistics, University Honors

Maryland

Bethesda

Marlo Friedland, Criminology, University Honors

Takoma Park          

Daniel Siegel, Literature, Media, and Culture (English), University Honors

Missouri

Kansas City

Julianna Cartwright, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, University Honors

North Carolina

Cary

Aimee Wagner, Criminology; Anthropology, Honors in the Major

Raleigh

Lilliana Solovay, Political Science; Editing, Writing, and Media (English), University Honors

New Jersey

Livingston

Alissa Kalyan, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Honors in the Major

Ohio

Lakewood

Stephanie Posedel, Chemical Engineering, Honors in the Major

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Serena Aiken, Psychology; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Honors in the Major

South Carolina

Fort Mill

Rachel Strickland, Criminology, Honors in the Major

Tennessee

Chattanooga

Ashley Holland, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, University Honors

Collierville

Angelina Perera, International Affairs, University Honors

Knoxville

Lauren Russell, Biological Science; Public Health, University Honors

Panama

Panama City

Andrea Espinoza, International Affairs, Honors in the Major

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