SALO Director recognized as national advisor of the year
Over the years, Melvin Thompson has watched the Polk State College Student Activities & Leadership Organization (SALO) earn plenty of recognition. With four fellow staff members and six students by his side, Thompson had the opportunity to enjoy the personal spotlight earlier this month.
During the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) annual conference in Hershey, Penn., Thompson, Director of SALO, was presented with the Ernest C. Jones National Advisor of the Year Award. The honor goes to the top advisor or student affairs director in the nation.
“I tell people that all the time that SALO is where greatness is achieved,” Thompson said. “Now, I got this nice little piece of hardware to point at just in case anyone doesn’t believe me.”
Founded by Thompson in 2008, SALO offers and oversees a variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events on both the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses. Including Student Government Associations (SGAs) on both campuses and the Polk State JD Alexander Center, it oversees more than 30 clubs and My Brother’s Keeper. Student attendance for SALO events reached nearly 14,000 for the 2023-24 Academic Year.
“If you want to make the most of your college experience, joining SALO is the way,” said Blessen Jacob, SALO Program Coordinator Blessen. “There are so many opportunities that will benefit you in the future.”
Through SALO clubs and activities, students have been able to build friendships, serve as a voice for fellow students, and become involved in the community. Last month, SGA members went to Tallahassee to meet with elected officials and advocate for the College.
“A lot of people think that SALO is just fun, games, and pizza, but it’s much more than that,” Thompson said. “It’s an opportunity to stand out, get involved, find your niche, showcase your talents, network, and make meaningful relationships that will last throughout your academic career and into your professional career. Now, don’t get me wrong – we do have fun, games, and pizza.”
For the many accomplished individuals who have come through SALO, Thompson is quick to hand out the “GOAT” (greatest of all-time) designation. With national accomplishments that include the Phi Theta Kappa International Administrator of the Year Award, Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Member Medallion, and national honors from Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and American College Personnel Associations, many say that it’s Thompson who is the “GOAT.”
“There’s a reason why he’s called the godfather – and that’s better than the GOAT,” Jacob contended. “He’s so encouraging and supportive. It goes beyond the department; it goes for the entire organization. He’s willing to help absolutely anyone.”
“Melvin is the GOAT for many reasons,” SGA Advisor Chris Ly said. “The amount he puts into this College and the students is impeccable. He makes everything enjoyable. He’s a unique, clever, funny, well-rounded person, and someone I really admire.”
Being active on campus for Thompson goes back to his time as a student at “The” Florida State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American and Florida Studies. While in Tallahassee, he participated in the Student Government Association, served as a resident assistant, and worked in the Student Union.
“Melvin is so deserving,” Ly exclaimed. “When students are in need, he helps them get the resources — academic or otherwise. Even for those who graduate, he still reaches out, stays connected, and creates opportunities.”
SALO boasts a laundry list of accomplishments – both for individuals involved and for the organization. During the fall, SALO was recognized as the 2024 Southeastern Region Organization of the Year by APCA. In each of the last two years, a Polk State representative has won the Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award. Jacob won the honor in 2024 after Ly took home the hardware in 2023. In 2022, APCA presented Polk State with the Marjoree Harper Event of the Year Award for the Polk State College Block Party.
“Over the last 17 years, I’ve been so fortunate to make so many meaningful connections and watch these young people grow,” Thompson concluded. “I’m so proud of the work we’ve done and the difference we’ve made. The work we do in SALO bolsters student success and retention at Polk State and I really like winning awards, too.”