Lee University's Summer Honors Program welcomed a record 232 incoming freshmen and high school seniors from across the nation June 14-26, marking the largest enrollment in the program's history. During the two-week experience, students explored Lee's academic programs, campus life, and Christ-centered mission while earning college credit.

For more than 40 years, Summer Honors has provided academically gifted students the opportunity to earn six hours of university credit while experiencing life at Lee. The program is designed to challenge students academically, strengthen their faith, build lasting relationships, and help them discern their future.

This year's theme, "SOAR," was inspired by Isaiah 40:31 and encouraged students to consider where true strength is found and what it means to live with hope that is steady, lasting, and anchored in Christ.

"When people hear the word 'soar,' they often think about reaching new heights," said Dr. Jason Robinson, director of Summer Honors and professor of education at Lee. "Inspired by Isaiah 40:31, our hope was that every student would leave these two weeks with a deeper faith, a clearer sense of God's calling, and the confidence to follow wherever He leads."

Students selected two courses from a range of academic offerings and earned six hours of university credit while learning from Lee faculty. New courses introduced this year included "May It Please the Court: Mock Trial and Law at Lee," "Design It. Print It. Display It. Exploring Engineering Through Making," and "Embodied Artificial Intelligence: Robots that Think, Sense, and Act!" These additions reflected the university's ongoing commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities while preparing students for an ever-changing world.

Throughout the program, students were encouraged to think critically, engage new ideas, and consider how their education intersects with faith, purpose, and service.

Beyond the classroom, students lived in residence halls, built friendships with peers from across the country, worshiped together, and participated in campus traditions including rafting the Ocoee River, Greek Olympics, karaoke, themed events, and the Summer Honors banquet.

"Summer Honors gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience what life at Lee is really like," said MaryKatherine Evans of Cookeville, Tn. "Between the classes, fun activities, and the incredible community, I found a place where I was encouraged academically, spiritually, and personally."

A defining experience of the program was Serve Day at Operation Compassion, where students helped prepare humanitarian supplies for individuals and families in need around the world. More than a service project, the experience reinforced the program's emphasis on servant leadership and caring for others.

"We want every participant to understand that their education is not only about what they accomplish, but about how they use their gifts to serve others," Dr. Robinson said.

Worship services, small-group devotions, and mentoring relationships complemented the academic experience and reflected Lee's Christ-centered approach to education.

Beyond academics and activities, students connected with faculty and staff members from across campus, including Admissions representatives, Student Life staff, Athletics personnel, Financial Aid professionals, academic deans, university leadership, members of the university's Cabinet, and many others who make up the Lee community. These interactions offered an authentic glimpse into the relationships that shape the Lee community while reflecting the university's commitment to investing personally in every student.

While this year's record enrollment marked a significant milestone, Dr. Robinson emphasized that the program's success is not measured by numbers alone.

"A record enrollment is certainly worth celebrating, but numbers have never been our definition of success," said Dr. Robinson. "Success is seeing students leave with greater confidence, a stronger sense of purpose, and friendships that will encourage them long after the program ends."

For this year's participants, Summer Honors introduced college life through academic exploration, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, and campus experiences that many will continue this fall as Lee students.

For more information, visit leeuniversity.edu/summer-honors.