LAKELAND, Fla. (Sep. 3, 2007) — Joseph Murphy, a senior political science major, received the Robert W. and Susan E. McKnight Scholarship at Florida Southern College. Murphy is the son of Joseph and Cheryl Murphy of St. Petersburg, Fla.

The McKnights established the scholarship to assist students majoring in political science or business administration. An annual gift of $1,000 is awarded to a student in financial need who is of good ability and character and maintains a competitive grade point average.

Robert McKnight earned his degree in business administration at FSC in 1966 and his MBA at Florida State University. He served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate and in 1980 was named one of the “Five Outstanding Young Men in Florida.” Currently an executive with Fringe Benefits Management Company in Tallahassee, McKnight has been a member of the FSC Board of Trustees since 1996 and received the college’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1995.

Susan McKnight graduated from Auburn University in 1968 with a degree in early childhood education. She has extensive post-graduate training in early childhood education and currently teaches kindergarten at Epiphany Lutheran School. In addition, she serves on the school board of Timberlane Church of Christ School in Tallahassee, has been active in community affairs and has won numerous awards for her church service.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive United Methodist-affiliated college with a liberal arts core. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 46 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio; is a national leader in engaged learning; and boasts 26 NCAA Division II national championships. It is ranked in the Top 5 “Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the South” by U.S. News & World Report and is included in The Princeton Review’s “366 Best Colleges” guide. The College is committed to the development of the whole student through vibrant student life programs that prepare graduates to make a positive, consequential impact on society. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.