Avalon Jade Theisen is a University of South Florida (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors College
alum who personifies what it means to “get the most out of your time in college.”
Currently a Ph.D. student at Arizona State University, Theisen majored in religious
studies and obtained a certificate in food studies while at USF. She was a member
of the Provost’s Scholars Program, founded a nonprofit, became an involved environmental
activist, served as Miss University of South Florida, and was involved in organizations
such as Bulls for Kids, Sigma Kappa sorority, and Peace Corps Prep.
I would describe my time in the Honors College as a very “Honor-a-Bull” experience! – Avalon Jade Theisen
Theisen continues to harness her impressive drive as an active USF Honors alum. She
attributes many of her fondest memories to her experiences in the Honors College and
strongly encourages current and incoming students to get involved with USF’s many
vibrant student organizations.
In a recent visit to the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Theisen reflected on her time
as an Honors Bull and shared some advice for students.
Q: What are you currently studying?
I am a Ph.D. student at Arizona State University where I am studying religion, environmentalism, and nonprofit organizations. After I get my doctorate, I want to become a university professor.
Q: How does the new Honors building compare to the resources you had as a student?
I loved my experience in the Allen building, which was the old Honors building here at USF. It was a really traditional, intimate setting, and it was very homey. But this new Honors College building is a whole different ball game! It is beautiful and big. It has this sense of so many parts of campus coming together. It gives a real new, modern sense of what it means to be an Honors student at USF.
Q: What do you think incoming Honors students can look forward to in their Honors experience?
I hope new Honors students can look forward to the idea that what you put in is what you get out. As an Honors student I was very involved. I would do all sorts of events, student meetings, and was really involved in my classes as well. I feel like by doing so I got more out of my Honors experience because I made all these friendships and connections that have lasted me for years.
Q: What are you looking forward to professionally?
After I get my Ph.D. in religious studies from Arizona State University, what I would really love to do is become a professor in the religious studies department and talk about the intersection between different religions and the environment. If you think about it, around 85% of people around the world follow a religion that informs peoples‘ beliefs, values, and how they view the world. At the same time, everyone relies on functional ecosystems for clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and food to eat. So, by looking at different forms of religions and the environment we are able to look at systems that sustain life.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming Honors students?
The advice I would give is to get involved. Whether it's in your classes, in friendships,
or with your advisors, be there fully.
I made the most out of my USF undergraduate experience. I was really involved in the
Religious Studies Club, Sigma Kappa sorority, the Provost’s Scholars Program, Global
Citizens Project, the Peace Corps Prep, Bulls for Kids, and so many other amazing
organizations that are here at USF.
I regularly reach out to fellow alumni as well as Honors professors and advisors I
connected with. I feel like reaching out and talking about what is going on in each
other’s life is a great way to stay connected even after graduation. I also return
to campus a few times each year, so I can attend department and campus events, like
the Urban Food Sovereignty Summit and Homecoming, because at heart, I will always
be a Bull.