It has been my pleasure to serve as Director of the Philadelphia University Honors Institute at Thomas Jefferson University since 2002. The Honors staff works to provide a dynamic, engaging and relevant experience for undergraduates that imprints their professional lives long after commencement.

The strength of Honors at Thomas Jefferson University rests in our collaboration with other University departments, students, alumni and Honors professionals throughout the region to help students situate themselves as responsible global citizens. Honors embraces the nexus of a liberal arts education with preparation in the disciplines, and personal development through a curriculum that places equal emphasis in all three spheres.  

We listen. Honors student workers are the reliable barometers for planning honors activities. Faculty investment remains key to delivering a solid honors curriculum. Students were the impetus for the Honors Cornerstones that require documentation of the development of each student’s professional personality. The Honors Cornerstones challenge students to reflect upon the impact of their Contributions; capacity to Adapt to the unfamiliar; maturity to Act in real world situations; and confidence to pursue their own Questions during their holistic student experience.

Our signature programming engages students around our Core Values: Act, Adapt, Contribute, Question. The Honors Literary Salon invites discussion of works that explore divergent themes. The honors journal, 1884, offers a peer-led iterative process for editors and authors. The Great Hostel Give Back service weekend through Hosteling International, Inc. (HIUSA), excites students to serve others. Students gain research experience on faculty projects through the Honors Student Research Assistantship Program. Students practice articulating and elevating ideas through Change Your Mind, a faculty-led module that demonstrates how to confront biases, listen to, understand and respect varied points of view on polarizing issues.

Networking with the broader honors community is a priority. As a member of the Northeast Regional Honors Council and through the generosity of donors, Honors supports our students’ conference activity and networking with honors peers across the region. The National Collegiate Honors Council, an association for honors professionals, is the national platform where staff re-tool, showcase the impact of our signature programs as well as share our experience implementing best practices for Honors at Jefferson.

I look forward to supporting your achievement.

Wholeheartedly,

Marcella L. McCoy-Deh, PhD