FSU Presidential Scholars Program poised to double in size, inspire more life-changing opportunities

 

FSU Presidential Scholars Program poised to double in size, inspire more life-changing opportunities

One minute, you’re studying brain waves in a Florida State University professor’s lab; the next, you’re presenting research about prefrontal cortex neurons to one of the world’s most famous couples.

That’s the story of FSU alumna Olivia Rose, who credits her FSU education and involvement in the Presidential Scholars Program for igniting her love of neuroscience and preparing her to compete in the field at the most elite levels. That includes recently being chosen by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan to demonstrate her research during a private showcase at a Harvard University event.

Rose’s experiences underscore what’s possible from an FSU Presidential Scholar and what could be possible for even more students like her.

“The Presidential Scholars are high-achieving students who will be the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow. Our investment in this program is a testament to our commitment to excellence as one of the nation’s Top 20 public universities and will provide opportunities for more ambitious and talented students to join this community of scholars.”

— FSU President Richard McCullough

The Presidential Scholars Program — and its accompanying merit scholarship — is now set to grow, with administrators prepared to accept more students than ever this year, eyeing a goal of doubling in size from 30 per class to 60.

“The Presidential Scholars are high-achieving students who will be the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow,” said President Richard McCullough. “Our investment in this program is a testament to our commitment to excellence as one of the nation’s Top 20 public universities and will provide opportunities for more ambitious and talented students to join this community of scholars.”

Presidential Scholars are chosen from among top students who have already been admitted into the competitive Honors Program, which itself has been doubled to 800 this year from a typical class of 400.

The Presidential Scholars Program is the premier undergraduate merit scholarship at FSU, with a total award package of $38,000, plus an out-of-state tuition waiver, but administrators emphasize that its benefits stretch far beyond the financial.