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The Burnett Honors College combines the intimacy of a small liberal arts college with the benefits of a large, metropolitan research university.


The mission of the college is to provide UCF’s most academically talented and motivated students with a challenging and unique scholarly experience, creating a strong foundation for future achievements. The college strives to create a diverse learning community that fosters the pursuit of excellence, ethical, social and civic responsibility, personal growth, and a passion for lifelong learning.

The most important benefit that the students in the Burnett Honors College enjoy is being a part of a wonderful group of peers who share educational and civic values. Honors students have the advantage of a distinguished learning environment, enhanced resources, civic engagement, an Honors community and special recognition designed to help them achieve academically and grow into well-rounded individuals.

Our Vision

To provide a transformative, vibrant community that fosters academic excellence, interdisciplinary inquiry, and personal growth.

To empower creative problem-solvers who use their talent and passion to address the dynamic challenges of the past, present, and future.

Our strategic plan defines our goals for the college; you can download it here.

2,393

currently enrolled students

12,500+

in the BHC alumni network

1,000,000+

global downloads of Honors undergraduate theses

96%

of BHC graduates find employment or go to grad school within two years

Our History


1963

June 10: University created by law

June 10: University created by law
Florida Governor Farris Bryant signs Legislative Bill 125, officially creating a new state university. Click here to learn more.

1966

University is named Florida Technological University (FTU)

University is named Florida Technological University (FTU)

1968

FTU’s first day of classes

October 7: FTU’s first day of classes
Click here to learn more.

1970

June 14: FTU’s first commencement

June 14: FTU’s first commencement, honoring 423 graduates
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1978

FTU becomes UCF

FTU Becomes UCF
Florida Governor Reubin Askew signs the legislation changing the name of FTU to the University of Central Florida (UCF)

1982

UCF Honors Program created

UCF Honors Program created
The UCF Honors Program is created and Mark Stern Ph.D. is appointed the first program Director

1989

Honors Undergraduate Research (Honors in the Major) program was established

Honors Undergraduate Research (Honors in the Major) program was established

1994

Katherine Keller Ph.D. becomes the second Director of the Honors Program

Katherine Keller Ph.D. becomes the second Director of the Honors Program

1996

Allyn Stearman Ph.D. is appointed as third Director of the Honors Program and later becomes the founding Dean of the Burnett Honors College

Allyn Stearman Ph.D. is appointed as third Director of the Honors Program and later becomes the founding Dean of the Burnett Honors College

1998

The UCF Honors Program was granted college status by the UCF Board of Trustees

The UCF Honors Program was granted college status by the UCF Board of Trustees

2002

Honors student Tyler Fisher, ’02, is named UCF’s first Rhodes Scholar

Honors student Tyler Fisher, ’02, is named UCF’s first Rhodes Scholar
Click here to learn more.

2002

Construction of the Burnett Honors College building is completed through the generous gift from Al and Nancy Burnett

Construction of the Burnett Honors College building is completed through the generous gift from Al and Nancy Burnett
Click here to learn more.

2002

Building dedicated

Building dedicated
The building was completed in May 2002, and dedicated on October 23, 2002. During this ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Burnett were awarded honorary doctoral degrees by UCF President John Hitt.

2005

Alvin Wang Ph.D. is appointed as the second Dean of the Burnett Honors College

Alvin Wang Ph.D. is appointed as the second Dean of the Burnett Honors College
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2007

Tower III inaugurated as UCF’s Honors Living-Learning Community

Tower III inaugurated as UCF’s Honors Living-Learning Community
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2008

University Honors and Honors in the Major student Lalita Booth, ’09, becomes UCF’s first Truman Scholar

University Honors and Honors in the Major student Lalita Booth, ’09, becomes UCF’s first Truman Scholar
Click here to learn more.

2018

Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres Ph.D. becomes the third Dean of the Burnett Honors College

Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres Ph.D. becomes the third Dean of the Burnett Honors College
Click here to learn more.

2019

Second Year Entry program is established

Second Year Entry program is established
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2020

Inspire Scholars Program is established

Inspire Scholars Program is established
Click here to learn more.