"Best Honors Program in Florida" - Florida Leader Magazine, 2002

"Best Student Honors Council in Florida" - Florida Leader Magazine, 2003

The University Honors Program began in 1989 under the leadership of Dr. Jack Salmon, Professor of Political Science. Within just a few years, Dr. Salmon had recruited top students, developed an Honors curriculum, and cultivated a fledgling Honors faculty. He was succeeded by Dr. Mary Lowe-Evans who moved the program into a more permanent facility, opened an Honors residence hall, and established the junior seminar. The third director, Dr. Martha Saunders, built on the foundation prepared by her predecessors by expanding the curriculum, finding permanent funding, and establishing the Honors International Summer Experience. Dr. Saunders went on to become the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and remained a strong supporter of the Honors Program during her tenure as Dean.

In 2000, the University Honors Program was given its first full-time Director, Dr. Greg Lanier. Dr. Lanier expanded on the program's solid foundation by establishing the program as a participant in state, regional, and national conferences, along with improving the program's recruitment and retention efforts. He expanded the program's course offerings, establishing the IDH 403X series of Honors Seminars that are so successful today.

The future of the University Honors Program is boundless; students of the program's future can look forward to continuing progress in the form of deeper and more comprehensive web-based interactions with the program, a unique and special Honors "Living and Learning" Complex, and even more ways to enjoy their college experience.

Vision Statement:

To distinguish the University Honors Program as the Honors Program of choice in the State of Florida and surrounding geographical area.

Mission Statement:

The University Honors Program at the University of West Florida provides enhanced educational opportunities for superior students by providing creative ways for Honors students to achieve Areté (Excellence), Téchne (Skill), and Sophía (Wisdom), and by conforming to the guidelines for Honors Programs set forth by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).

Specific Program Goals:

• To provide Honors courses that are consistent with Honors educational enrichment goals and strategies which range from offerings that fulfill General Studies Requirements to offerings that fulfill requirements in a student's Major program.
• To provide Honors courses that are unusual or experimental either in content matter or manner of delivery, i.e. courses that range from Interdisciplinary concerns to team-teaching opportunities to site-specific and compressed instructional formats among others.
• To create opportunities for Honors students to contribute materially to focused research, scholarly, and creative projects under the supervision of recognized faculty experts.
• To create opportunities for Honors students to contribute materially to special service projects initiated by the Honors Council.
• To create opportunities for Honors students to develop their leadership and teamwork skills through Honors Council and Honors-related events.

If you want to be a member of the UWF Honors Program, however, you must meet a few requirements.