One of the 91社区鈥檚 primary goals is to foster the success of well-educated, highly skilled, and adaptable alumni who lead enriched lives, contribute to the democratic process, and engage actively in their communities. Supporting this goal, the Judy Genshaft Honors College has long been dedicated to offering academic courses and extracurricular activities that address societal challenges and promote the public good.
Now, a new program housed in the Honors College offers students interested in public policy an opportunity to grow as future civic leaders throughout their four-year degree progression. Entering its second year, the Wilcox Scholars Program encourages civically engaged students to pursue opportunities and explore ways to advance public policy, community engagement, and leadership at the local, state, national, and global levels.
DEVELOPING THE WILCOX SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Described as Honors Dean Charles Adams鈥� 鈥渂rainchild,鈥� the program was envisioned to prepare students for impactful careers in public service. Provost Emeritus Ralph Wilcox, now an Honors College professor, said the program is 鈥渋ntended to provide students who are passionate about and committed to public service and public policy the skills and the programming to make them more competitive in the field.鈥�
Wilcox, who served as USF provost from 2008 to 2022, led initiatives that boosted the university鈥檚 diversity, academic standards, and graduation rates, culminating in USF鈥檚 membership in the Association of American Universities after his tenure.
The Wilcox Scholars Program (WSP) gives Honors College students opportunities to network, discuss public policy, and apply for competitive internships and scholarships. Students apply with a short video and faculty reference. If accepted, they attend regular WSP meetings, are encouraged to join Student Government or the Honors Student Council, and can apply for scholarships to fund internships or service trips. As scholars progress, they meet leaders in public policy and take on leadership roles within the program.
GETTING INVOLVED
Launched last fall, the Wilcox Scholars Program seeks ambitious, policy-minded applicants from all disciplines. While not limited to political science majors, students like Vanessa Quiroz, an exercise science major, have benefited from its public policy focus.
鈥淚 had seen the Wilcox Scholars Program in the Honor Roll (a weekly communication sent to Honors students containing Honors opportunities and news), and I sort of dismissed it because I thought, 鈥楾his doesn鈥檛 seem like the perfect thing for me,鈥欌�� Quiroz said. 鈥淏ut this ended up being the perfect avenue for me to get more engaged, learn from my peers, and explore different passions.鈥�
Sandra Napolitano, a criminology major, also initially doubted her fit for the program.
鈥淲hen I first saw the Honor Roll newsletter posting, I didn鈥檛 think I would be interested as a criminology student. I thought I already knew what I wanted to do,鈥� Napolitano said. 鈥淏ut then an Honors advisor encouraged me to take things slow and see what I could get out of this program. It鈥檚 honestly been one of the best experiences I鈥檝e had in college.鈥�
Second-year political science major Nico Lavaud shared his perspective on the ideal Wilcox Scholars candidate.
鈥淣o matter what major you are, you want to do something in your field that will affect people in a good way,鈥� Lavaud said. 鈥淏eing in our little community and having support from Dr. Wilcox and our advisor, Kate Ashmore, has been a great experience, and I鈥檓 looking forward to the next three years together.鈥�
TOMORROW鈥橲 LEADERS
One benefit of the Wilcox Scholars Program is the opportunity to meet local officials working in policy and lawmaking. Napolitano said these experiences help her refine her viewpoints and express her ideas.
鈥淲e had a dinner with the mayor of Temple Terrace, Andy Ross,鈥� Napolitano said. 鈥淚t was a fun time! I got to ask questions about policy and my thesis.鈥�
Quiroz and Lavaud have also found ways to promote civic literacy among their peers on campus.
鈥淒uring the election, we helped students who were turned away from voting polls at the MSC because they didn鈥檛 live on campus,鈥� Lavaud said. He and Quiroz located the office number to help students find their correct polling locations.
鈥淚t was very rewarding to hear people say they used that number to vote,鈥� Quiroz added. 鈥淲e talk about civic advocacy, but actually helping people vote who wouldn鈥檛 otherwise was an amazing experience.鈥�
Wilcox Scholars also receive regular support from WSP advisor Kate Ashmore and Dr. Wilcox to apply for internships and professional opportunities.
鈥淜ate helped me get a spot at the Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy and Leadership Conference,鈥� Napolitano said. 鈥淚 was one of 75 students in the nation, one of two in 91社区, and the only USF student to attend.鈥�
Lavaud also highlighted the program鈥檚 mentorship benefits.
鈥淲hen you meet with Dr. Wilcox one-on-one, he helps you work through applications, internships, and statements of interest,鈥� Lavaud said. 鈥淭he support system we have as scholars has been amazing.鈥�
FORWARD THINKING
Wilcox envisions expanding the program鈥檚 reach beyond the Tampa Bay area.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to expand our reach to statewide government and institutions, eventually to the federal government in the nation鈥檚 capital,鈥� Wilcox said. 鈥淔or those students who are so inclined, we鈥檙e also looking at foreign affairs to provide broader opportunities.鈥�
The current WSP students aim to grow personally and in their service to the community over their four years in the program.
鈥淭his is what we鈥檙e all about here: helping people play their role in the great system of democracy we have and ensuring that it continues,鈥� Lavaud said. 鈥淭he Wilcox Scholars Program has taught me that the smaller things really do make a big impact on the community and on yourself.鈥�
Students interested in joining the Wilcox Scholars Program or getting involved can learn more on the Judy Genshaft Honors College website.