Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

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Profile of Matthew Hall, Third-Year Honors Program

Matthew Hall, a junior majoring in business analytics, is challenging himself in every sense. As a driven student eager to expand his career opportunities, Matthew chose Saint Francis University's Honors Program for its high standards and unique thesis opportunities, knowing it would help him push his limits. "Don't be afraid to jump in," he encourages new students, emphasizing that the workload isn't as intimidating as it might seem. "Once you're in, keep an open mind and give yourself the chance to build amazing relationships."

Matthew's love for sports shines through in his academic achievements. As student manager for two of the university's athletic teams, softball and basketball, he's had the chance to research and report on NCAA transfer portal data, a topic he carried into his thesis. He is analyzing data on award recipients across Division I basketball programs from 2019 to 2024. His project tracks player movement, hoping to create an open-source platform to help coaches and teams strategize. "It's more than just numbers," Matthew explains. "I'm interviewing coaches and working with NCAA representatives to make this accessible."

A highlight of Matthew's experience in the program has been the individualized Directed Readings course, where students can select a mentor and research topic. This was a chance for Matthew to dive into areas outside his major while connecting his studies to real-world applications. "Getting to choose a topic I was passionate about made the work so much easier," he says. Working alongside a mentor, Matthew enjoyed exploring conversations that linked his studies to practical applications, especially in sports and business analytics.

Through the Honors Program, Matthew has gained much more than research experience. His sophomore seminar explored understanding real-world situations based on varied ethical viewpoints, and alongside learning Franciscan values, he emphasized the program's solid ethical foundation. "The program teaches you so much beyond academics," he says. By focusing on clear communication and ethical decision-making, Matthew feels prepared for any career in the business field.

Matthew's advice to future students? "Don't shy away because you think it'll be too hard. Keep yourself open to opportunities; the relationships you build here will be one of the best parts." For him, diving into the Honors Program was one of his best decisions.