Campus Spotlights

Located in Winter Park, Florida, Rollins College offers a vibrant undergraduate experience that seamlessly blends academic excellence with a rich social and cultural environment. Rollins’ mission “is to nurture global citizens and responsible leaders as they chart their own course to a meaningful life and productive career.” With a commitment to personalized education and a gorgeous campus setting on Lake Virginia, Rollins provides students with opportunities for growth, exploration, and community engagement. Academically, Rollins College boasts a diverse range of majors and programs designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning. Some of the most popular majors among students include Business Administration, Psychology, Communication Studies, Biology, and Political Science. Additionally, Rollins continuously introduces new academic majors and programs to meet the evolving needs of students and the job market, such as Environmental Studies, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development. The academic experience at Rollins is characterized by small class sizes, interactive learning environments, and close mentorship from faculty members. All students complete the 6 Rollins Foundations courses as general education requirements. The first is a freshman conference class with no more than 15 freshmen, the professor, and two upper class mentors. The final Foundation class consists of a capstone research project. Internships are readily available in near-by Orlando and about 70% of students study abroad at least once in their four years. Beyond the classroom, Rollins offers a vibrant social scene and downtown Winter Park has many fun shops and a great variety of restaurants. From student organizations and clubs to cultural events and recreational activities, there is always something happening on campus. The College Union Board (CUB) organizes a variety of events, including concerts, movie nights, and guest speakers, fostering a sense of community and connection among students. Greek life also plays a role in the social fabric of Rollins College, with several sororities and fraternities providing opportunities for leadership development, philanthropy, and social networking. While Greek life is present on campus, it is just one of many options for students to get involved and make meaningful connections. Culturally, Rollins College celebrates diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum, located on campus, offers students access to world-class art collections and exhibitions, while the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park brings classical music performances to the community. Additionally, Rollins hosts cultural festivals, film screenings, and lectures that highlight the global perspectives and experiences of its students and faculty. The college provides a variety of housing options. First-year students typically reside in one of the traditional residence halls, which offer double and triple occupancy rooms, communal bathrooms, and common areas where students can socialize, study, and relax. Upperclassmen have the option to live in apartment-style housing, such as Lakeside Neighborhood or Holt Avenue Apartments. We saw lots of students enjoying the pool area next to the dorms and many dorms offer stunning views of the lake. In summary, Rollins College offers a dynamic liberal arts undergraduate experience characterized by academic rigor, social engagement, and cultural enrichment. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Rollins continues to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

This month I participated in a Counselor Fly-In at Jacksonville University and left knowing I’d found a hidden gem! Jacksonville University (JU) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. JU cares so much about the student experience that each student is given the University President’s cell phone number and permission to call with any issues! President Cost believes that creating a strong and inclusive culture is the key to a successful university. He’s focused on building community and corporate partnerships to strengthen academic programs and increase student’s access to internships and other experiential learning opportunities. He tears down walls between colleges to encourage interdisciplinary study and exploration. His team also focused on residential life and improved on-campus dining, dorms, and pool and recreation areas. Undergraduate Colleges and Schools: College of Arts and Sciences: The cornerstone of JU's academic offerings, the College of Arts and Sciences provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Students engage in interdisciplinary learning, fostering critical thinking and creativity. The most popular majors include Psychology, Biology, and Marine Sciences. We joined the Marine Science’s mobile classroom for a trip from our hotel down the St. John’s River to JU and what a treat that proved! JU's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in the Marine Science Research Institute. The institute focuses on marine research, conservation, and education, providing students with hands-on experiences in a coastal environment. Davis College of Business & Technology: JU's Davis College includes the schools of business, engineering & technology as well as aviation & military sciences. Throughout the college the emphasis lies on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. Most popular programs include Business Analytics, FinTech, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Engineering, as well as Aviation & Aviation Management. Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities: The College of Fine Arts at JU nurtures creativity and artistic expression. During our visit we were treated to a River Tones performance and a chance to watch students dance in a choreography class. We were struck with the talent and near-conservatory level of the arts. Portfolio submission is highly recommended for admission into the visual arts and auditions are required for the performing arts. They are starting a new program next year in Music Therapy. We asked about typical career paths and were told that a few go on to LA or Broadway tours each year while the vast majority stay in Florida and join Disney or perform on cruise ships. Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences: This college is at the forefront of healthcare education, offering programs in nursing, health informatics, and other health-related fields. The nursing program offers 50 freshman a direct admit pathway where they then complete core requirements before beginning the 28-month nursing program. If students are not accepted direct admit, they may enter the Health Sciences major and apply after completing the core nursing requirements. In the last three years the pass rate for the NCLEX averaged 96.8 and last year 100% of their students passed in their first sitting! Cost Honors College: In the fall of 2024, Cost Honors College will officially open to 450 honors students who represent the best and brightest of each of the four classes. They are using a Living Learning Community model, the first of such housing at JU. Residents will take some classes there, dine at their own in-house restaurant, and enjoy a free game room and laundry facility. The dorm sits on the north side of the campus, but honors students also have access to a 440 sq. foot Honors Lounge in the heart of campus. Students are strongly encouraged and supported in creating their own “Pathway of Distinction” by pursuing cross-disciplinary majors, minors, and certificates with ultimate career paths as their goals. Jacksonville University offers admissions on a rolling basis and strongly considers “demonstrated interest” as a factor in their admission decision. They track applicant’s visits both in-person and virtually, and award $1000 grants for each visit. Every accepted student receives a merit scholarship ranging from $14k-$36k with the highest awarded to those students selected for the Honors College. $65,780 is the full cost of attendance but students may stack merit and grant awards. The University has a Test Optional Policy with the exception of Nursing, and the Honors College. Testing is encouraged for Engineering and Aviation. With the recent addition of a Law School and the forthcoming Medical School, JU is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal and healthcare professionals in the region and beyond. The university's commitment to holistic education, experiential learning, and community impact continues to make it a standout institution in the academic landscape. 

I attended an informative Counselor Breakfast at Lynn University this morning. Their mission is “to provide innovative, global, and personalized education that enables students to realize their potential”. Lynn’s core curriculum, called the Dialogues, is designed to teach students to think critically, communicate effectively and solve problems creatively. In the first two years students take all five of The Dialogues each year; these include Self & Society, Belief & Reason, Justice & Civic Life, Quantitative Reasoning, and Scientific Literacy. Each of these courses is designed to build effective skill sets and includes public speaking at least twice in each class. Lynn uses a “Block Schedule” where students take 1-2 classes per four-week term and there are four terms to each academic year. They began this scheduling during Covid and found it so well received that they are now in their 4 th year of the program. All students also receive an iPad to use throughout their time at Lynn. This iPad is completely embedded with all the textbooks and other educational material the students will need. Students are encouraged to explore innovative topics and ideas with opportunities for internships, workshops, and experiential learning. Strong students earn the opportunity to graduate in 3 years or stay for a 4 th year and complete a Master’s! While 50% of students enroll in the College of Business Management, they also offer several unique educational opportunities. At the College of Aeronautics, 98% of students pass their FAA Pilots License Exam. Classes are taught at the Boca Raton Airport and every class is more like a lab. Several years ago, Lynn bought a nearby art college and now offers a College of Communication & Design with majors in graphic design, game art, film, advertising, public relations, and more. Lynn also has a College of Education as well as a College of Arts & Sciences, but one little known gem is their Conservatory of Music. This is their most competitive college, and every student receives a full-tuition scholarship! Lynn University is also famous for their Institute for Achievement & Learning. 15% of current students use the for-pay Institute and it is available for all students. The Institute provides comprehensive student support including couching, tutoring, and mentorships. While the internationally recognized program was designed for to promote student success among those with learning differences, they now no longer require a psychoeducational evaluation. If you’ve read this far, you’re due for some fun facts! · With 25 national championships, the NCAA Division 2 Fighting Knights are among the most successful in college athletics. · 95% of students receive merit aid that ranges between $10k-$22k per year! · 231 average days of sunshine a year! · 70 miles of beautiful beaches are a stone’s throw away. · Campus is served by 3 international airports within a 60-mile radius.

On a trip to Charleston last week for my niece’s wedding, I devoted a morning to visiting The College of Charleston (CofC) and what a treat it proved! The stunning college is built into the gorgeous historic district of the city with moss laden oaks rising tall among the Victorian buildings and red cobblestone streets. The campus center, Cistern Yard, hosts matriculation and graduation and has recently earned a designation as a National Historic Landmark and National Arboretum. CofC serves approximately 9230 undergraduates, the large majority of whom are female. It is a mid-sized public institution about 1/3 the size of USC, similar in size to William and Mary but less rigorous. Students complete a core liberal arts curriculum beginning with freshman year, choosing between a Learning and Living Community or a Freshman Seminar. Seminars are designed to introduce fun relevant topics while also serve as a freshman writing seminar. The campus vibe seemed cooperative and faculty doors wide open to students during office hours. The Pre-med track earns especially strong marks with many biology and chemistry majors doing research and/or shadowing at the Medical University of South Carolina down the street. Fun Fact: CofC has the largest telescope in South Carolina, and it is open for student use. Business and communications prove the most popular majors, while arts management, public health, and marketing are also gaining in popularity. The Honors College enrolls approximately 700 students and our tour guide strongly suggested all should apply. Honors students earn merit scholarships, live in upgraded housing, gain early access to course selection, and enjoy additional study abroad opportunities. While CofC does not offer football, it still enjoys the southern school rah-rah campus culture. Baseball and basketball games are popular and approximately 25% of students “Go Greek” and join one of 8 fraternities or 8 sororities. Most freshman and sophomores live on campus and utilize the three dining areas on campus. You’ll also find lines at the campus Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. I think many would agree that CofC, the movie set for The Notebook and Dear John, would prove a fine place to learn and grow for their college years. Charleston also offers a vibrant port city with numerous internship and job opportunities, not to mention delicious southern food and charm.

If you’re drawn to a “rah, rah” Southern university D1 football culture with strong Greek Life, yet access to smaller classes and professors that care, SMU may be for you! On my recent visit, I felt the energy and go-getter atmosphere. SMU’s gorgeous campus lies five minutes from central downtown Dallas in an area called University Park. Being so close to one of the hottest job markets in the country, internship opportunities abound. In fact, over 20 Fortune 500 Companies are based in Dallas and over 65,500 alumni work in the DFW area giving SMU students a huge leg up in the jobs market upon graduation. Some of their strongest and most interesting programs include the Cox School of Business, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, and the Meadows School of the Arts. Cox is a very competitive direct admit process where students indicate their interest in Cox as their first choice of study. If they are not selected to Cox, they may still be accepted to SMU and will have the opportunity to minor in business. There are a handful of internal transfers available but extremely difficult to secure. Finance is the most popular major but new programs in Real Estate and Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management are gaining in popularity. The Lyle School of Engineering hosts its own supercomputer and the first LEED Gold Standard Building for Environmental Design. The school offers undergrads numerous research opportunities and runs a co-op program with local engineering and technology companies. The school also prides itself in its high ratio of women as students and faculty. The Simmons School of Education and Human Development boasts one of the strongest sports management and physiology programs in the country. Sports are huge in Dallas and SMU takes full advantage. Meadows School of the Arts is a dual admission process requiring students to submit their portfolio/or audition. It is one of the few conservatory style degree programs in the country that allow students to double major outside of the arts. Many students opt to combine their art degree with a minor in business at Cox….no need to be a starving artist they say! Fashion media, communications, and advertising are also well-respected majors within the school. All students complete a liberal arts Common Curriculum (CC). In addition to the southern sports culture, there is also a strong emphasis on the Methodist values of “teaching and learning for the greater good.” Students are encouraged to give back to the local community. All students live on campus for their first two years in 11 residential commons with faculty, their families, and pets. The faculty host weekly events and the residential commons host events and compete with one another at the end of the year for the residential common cup…great fun had by all!

This week I headed for the great state of Texas with my first stop being TCU. Texas Christian, at its core, is a liberal arts college serving 10,020 undergraduates across nine colleges: AddRan College of Liberal Arts (the largest), Neeley School of Business, Bob Schieffer College of Communication, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Science & Engineering, John V. Roach Honors College, and Burnett School of Medicine. Business, Communications, and Nursing & Health Sciences are the most popular. Neeley School of Business has a couple of unique programs, the first being the BNSF Neeley Leadership program in which participants complete a three year, five course program devoted to developing strong global leaders. The second unique program is the Neeley Fellows Program offered in conjunction with the John V. Roach Honors College and dedicated to providing experiential curricular and co-curricular programming to the best and brightest of Neeley scholars. Another college with some interesting programs is the College of Science and Engineering. In addition to the usual offerings, the college houses Geological Studies, Nutritional Sciences, and Ranch Management. At TCU, classes are taught only by professors and all offer office hours. Faculty pride themselves in getting to know their students and many offer research opportunities to undergraduates and/or help find them internships. An internship scholarship program helps support unpaid internships. Students are required to complete a core curriculum, but many requirements can be satisfied with a strong AP exam. After this year’s football season, everyone knows the mighty Horned Frogs, the smallest of the NCAA Division 1 Big 12. Applications increased dramatically after this year’s run at the title! Students are given free tickets to all home games and tailgating is serious stuff! All students live on campus for their first two years. Campus is a beautiful mix of mostly neo-Georgian and some modern buildings. While Greek life is big there’s also plenty to do off campus in Fort Worth and the downtown stockyards. In fact, students can use their meal plan dollars at many off-campus restaurants! 48% of students hail from Texas and over 80% receive need-based and/or merit financial aid. Despite the name, over 60 faiths are represented on campus. I left TCU impressed by its offerings and the highly motivated, engaged student body.

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) was the third of my Claremont visits and showed yet another distinctive culture. The CMC mission is “to educate it’s students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions.” As such, practical learning takes center stage with an emphasis on internships and research in one of thirteen different research institutes at CMC. 95% of CMC students complete at least one internship enabled by $2.3 million of funding to support students in unpaid internships and experiences. CMC Athenaeum arranges guest dinner speakers from all fields four days a week throughout the school year. Students dress in business attire, enjoy the chance to network during the free three-course dinner, and the student who signs up first earns the opportunity to dine at the guest speaker’s table. CMC’s liberal arts curriculum focuses on building leaders, invoking spirited and open debate, and collaboration. The most popular majors include economics, government, data science, psychology, politics, international relations, history, and the environment. Freshmen take a first year writing class as well as a humanities seminar. All students complete general education requirements and culminate their studies with a senior thesis. CMC offers 140 study abroad programs as well as internship programs in Washington DC and Silicon Valley. Students intern during the day and complete CMC classes in the evenings. The culture bleeds pre-professional tracks and 80% of students work for a few years before many head to graduate school. My gut suggests that CMC leans the least liberal (rather than most conservative) of the Claremont Colleges. Fiske Guide speaks about a “bro culture” but I didn’t witness it. I saw purposeful, dedicated students who seemed really focused on their study groups and professional endeavors. The tour didn’t speak much about the social life, but students seemed focused and involved. I’ve loved my time exploring this consortium and wish I’d had time to tour Pomona College and Harvey Mudd.

Today I visited Pitzer College, another college within the Claremont Consortium of Colleges. Pitzer College’s core values permeate all aspects of academic and student life. These core values include social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement, and environmental sustainability. Arguably, Pitzer is the most progressive of the Claremont Consortium. This top ranked liberal arts college of 1200 students emphasizes a flexible and innovative curriculum where students are encouraged to design their own interdisciplinary major. The most popular majors include environmental analysis, secular studies, human biology, political studies, and global/local studies. A Mathematical Economics major and an Introduction to Public Health are some new additions to the curriculum. Civic engagement and social justice form cornerstones of the Pitzer experience. Every committee on campus sends representatives to the Pitzer College Student Senate which meets weekly to govern campus life. The Senate even lends a hand in the hiring, firing, and tenure of faculty. Pitzer leans the most left of the Claremont colleges. Some traditions include spray painting on the “Free Wall” as an expression of student activism. Free speech reigns and no one is permitted to erase what is written. With one of the core values of the college being sustainability, many of the buildings are LEED certified, native plants flourish throughout campus, there’s a student run garden, a farm to table student run café, and a chicken coop giving students the freshest of egg sammies! I love how each of the Claremont College Consortium colleges have a unique culture and offer so much excellence for diverse and talented students.

Scripps College enjoys the reputation as the top women’s college on the west coast while also offering access to the co-ed consortium of four other Claremont Colleges. Students may take classes and even major across the consortium. The gorgeous Mediterranean campus with its historic buildings, courtyards, and balconies sits below the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains in the western Los Angeles neighborhood of Claremont. Home to 1000 students, this liberal arts college offers an innovative three semester core curriculum in interdisciplinary humanities as well as general education requirements designed to foster engagement in critical thinking and contemporary issues. All Scripps students write a thesis senior year, research and internship opportunities abound, and approximately 60% of students study abroad at least once in their Scripps experience. Scripps freshman matriculate by walking through the famous Denison Doors, doors which will not open again for them until they graduate. Campus life is vibrant as 95% of students live in beautiful dorms and enjoy excellent campus food for all four years. Other traditions include “Flick & Float” and “Screen on the Green” nights where movies are aired on large screens by the pool or on the lawn. Olive picking days get the entire campus involved. The harvest is shipped off to Ojai and the resulting olive oil earns high accolades. Students are also encouraged to pick from 20 kinds of edible plants dotting the campus. On our final stop touring the campus, we strolled the rose walk up to the iconic Graffiti Wall. Since 1931, graduating students pass their messages down to future students in murals that become time capsules for alumni to later enjoy. Scripps is a special place and I look forward to recommending it to students who might find it just the right fit!