Florida State University awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to alumna and Spanx founder Sara Blakely during spring commencement Friday, recognizing a career built on instinct, persistence and a willingness to do things differently. 

When Blakely took the stage, she didn’t dwell on success. She talked about failure, self-doubt and the decision that shaped everything that came next. 

“The most critical thing that I did — the thing that everyone here can do — is I made one big investment early on,” she told the graduates. “I invested in me.” 

Blakely returned to campus 33 years after graduating from Florida State, where she said her dreams began, even if her path after college didn’t go as planned. 

She had hoped to become a lawyer. She failed the LSAT twice. She went to a job fair and was rejected by 20 companies. She hoped to be Goofy at Disney World and didn’t meet the height requirement. 

Eventually, she found herself selling fax machines door to door for seven years. 

“It was brutal,” she said, recalling days of rejection while her peers moved into careers as lawyers, doctors and corporate executives. 

At one point, she pulled her car to the side of the road and said out loud: “I’m in the wrong movie.” 

Two years later, she started a company called Spanx. 

What began as a simple fix — cutting the feet off a pair of pantyhose to improve the way clothing fit — grew into a global brand that reshaped the shapewear industry. Blakely built the company without outside investors, eventually selling a majority stake in 2021 after turning it into a billion-dollar business. 

She has continued working on another venture called Sneex, a footwear company she launched to combine the comfort of a sneaker with the look and style of a heel. 

FSU President Richard McCullough conferred Blakely’s degree during Friday evening’s ceremony at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the first honorary degree awarded during his presidency. 

In introducing her, he described Blakely as someone defined by curiosity and perseverance and a cultural force whose success began with a simple belief: There must be a better way. 

After the hooding, McCullough turned back to the audience and said, “It is now my honor to introduce, for the first time, Dr. Sara Blakely.” 

Blakely told graduates that the curiosity and persistence behind her success is available to anyone willing to do the work on themselves. 

“You can be a spectator in your life or a participant,” she said. “You can be a passenger of your thoughts or the driver of your thoughts. I chose to be the driver.” 

That idea, she said, traces back to her teenage years, when her father gave her cassette tapes by author Wayne Dyer that focused on mindset, visualization and not fearing failure. She listened to them so often she memorized them, even if it made her unpopular on car rides with friends. 

Years later, after building Spanx and landing on the cover of Forbes for being the youngest female self-made billionaire, those same friends sent her a message: “Should have listened.” 

Blakely’s speech mixed humor with hard-earned lessons. She told stories about scrambling to fulfill her first major order without the right manufacturing pieces, navigating embarrassing moments on international television and writing her own patent because she couldn’t afford an attorney. 

“I had no experience, but I had belief,” she said. 

She also warned graduates about the challenge of distraction in a fast-moving world and urged them to protect time to think, reflect and grow. 

“You can distract yourself or you can discover yourself,” she said. 

At one point, Blakely held up a worn red backpack, the same one she carried as a student at Florida State and later to early business meetings. Today, it serves as a symbol for her Red Backpack Foundation, which supports women and girls around the world. 

“It’s a reminder that everything you need is already right there on your back,” she said. 

Blakely’s recognition marks the 133rd honorary degree conferred by the university.

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Florida State University has announced it will offer a new admissions plan to prospective undergraduate students applying for the summer and fall 2027 entering class.

FSU’s Office of Admissions will introduce a binding Early Decision option for domestic first-year applicants, expanding opportunities for students who have identified the university as their unequivocal first choice. Applications open Aug. 1.

After a record year of nearly 100,000 applications and a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years, Early Decision will allow more students to receive an admissions decision earlier in their senior year of high school.

“Each year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,” said Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions. “Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

The significant rise in applications coincides with recent record-breaking student success at FSU. The school recorded a 97% first-year retention rate last fall, which placed it at No. 4 in the nation among public universities, and a record 78% four-year graduation rate, placing it at No. 9.

Within the state of Florida, FSU ranked No. 1 among public universities for student satisfaction and best value by The Princeton Review, No. 1 for best first-year experiences by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 1 among honors programs by College Transitions.

“I am grateful for all that our faculty, staff and students have done to make FSU such a special place and one of the most sought-after universities in the country,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “Early Decision builds on that momentum by giving students who already know FSU is right for them another admissions option.”

“Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express [their top-choice] preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

– Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions

Early Decision is a binding plan, requiring that applicants not apply Early Decision to other institutions. FSU will require a written agreement signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and the student’s high school counselor.

Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU’s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. Both Early Decision and Early Action will share an Oct. 15 application deadline, with decisions released on Dec. 17.

Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15, 2027.

Students applying early will remain eligible for need-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. FSU’s Office of Admissions says students considering Early Decision should use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and financial aid eligibility. Financial aid information will be shared shortly after admission decisions are released to support informed family decision making, provided students complete the FAFSA by Dec. 1.

Early Decision will not be available to those applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program.

Regular Decision and rolling deadlines will continue to be available for students who prefer greater flexibility. A full list of the 2027-2028 application plans, dates and deadlines can be found on the FSU First-Year Dates & Deadlines page.

All applicants, regardless of application plan, will continue to be evaluated through FSU’s holistic review process. The Office of Admissions considers all aspects of an applicant’s record, and no single criterion guarantees admission.

Visit the FSU First-Year Decisions page for eligibility guidelines, timelines and frequently asked questions.

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Annual innovation challenge will connect students and faculty with industry mentors, datasets and applied research priorities 

ReliaQuest and Florida State University today announced a new partnership designed to advance research and real-world application of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. Made possible by a $1.5 million philanthropic investment from ReliaQuest, the collaboration will establish the annual ReliaQuest Innovation Challenge at FSU to incentivize faculty research into some of the most complex use-cases for this dynamic field.  

The partnership brings together academic research to solve real-world industry challenges, accelerating practical breakthroughs in how organizations secure data, manage AI performance and operationalize intelligence. 

“The cybersecurity landscape is only getting more complex, and challenge always creates opportunity for innovation,” said ReliaQuest Founder and CEO Brian Murphy, who is a Florida State University alumnus and trustee. “This partnership will allow us to continue to push what’s possible for AI in cybersecurity, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application during one of the most important times for our industry.”  

ReliaQuest’s investment represents FSU’s largest gift to date supporting AI and cybersecurity, and the interdisciplinary nature of the collaboration is expected to engage faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students across the university. 

“This generous gift from ReliaQuest embodies Florida State University’s innovative spirit and focus on cutting-edge technology solutions,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “It will allow us to bolster our partnership with ReliaQuest and apply the power of AI in solving critical global challenges in cybersecurity while helping to train the next generation of innovators and leaders in Florida. We are deeply grateful for ReliaQuest’s commitment and the dedication of their CEO, Brian Murphy, to advancing FSU in this important area.” 

The gift also establishes the ReliaQuest Interdisciplinary Digital Badge Program in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. This program will provide students with hands-on training in AI and cybersecurity, paired with mentorship from ReliaQuest professionals and exposure to advanced technology environments.  

Together, the initiatives are designed to deepen understanding of how AI can be deployed responsibly and effectively in cybersecurity, while strengthening the pipeline of young professionals who can translate research into practical tools and techniques. The partnership reflects the growing importance of collaboration between industry and higher education to tackle complex, real-world challenges and deliver measurable impact for organizations and communities. 

About ReliaQuest
ReliaQuest exists to Make Security Possible. ReliaQuest’s Agentic AI security operations platform, GreyMatter, allows security teams to detect threats at the source, contain them in under 5 minutes, and eliminate Tier 1 and Tier 2 work for faster investigation and response. GreyMatter orchestrates six Agentic AI personas with 200+ agent skills and 400+ AI tools to exponentially scale security operations and help organizations predict what’s next. ReliaQuest is the only AI cybersecurity company that delivers outcomes specific to each organization’s unique architecture, technology stack, and business needs. With over 1,300 customers and 1,200 teammates across six global operating centers, ReliaQuest Makes Security Possible for the most trusted enterprise brands in the world. Learn more at www.reliaquest.com. 

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A Florida State University master’s student and Presidential Scholar was accepted into a highly competitive national fellowship program for emerging civic leaders.

Ella Garcia, who is working toward her master’s degree in public administration, was accepted into the Coro Fellows Program housed at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The Coro Fellows Program was founded in 1947 in San Francisco to train young World War II veterans in civic leadership skills. It now operates four centers in St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, where it serves to advance civic engagement and accelerate the careers of those in public affairs.

As a Coro Fellow, Garcia will live in St. Louis and participate in a full-time, graduate-level leadership training program that includes seminars, interviews with local leaders, opportunities to learn about regionally specific topics, and placement in organizations across nonprofit, business and government sectors.

“I’m excited because it’s going to be very fulfilling to focus on the aspect of public administration that’s about giving back, not just pursuing my own professional goals, but learning how I can better the communities around me,” Garcia said. “It’s one thing to study administration and government in a theoretical way, but it’s another to apply what I’ve learned hands-on. It’s what I feel like I’m called to do.”

From Mount Dora, Florida, Garcia is a member of FSU’s Presidential Scholars Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and will graduate with her master’s degree this summer with support from FSU’s More in Four program, which helps high achieving students complete a bachelor’s degree in three years and continue immediately into a master’s degree.

Professors and mentors say Garcia’s involvement at FSU has prepared her well for the Coro Fellows Program. That includes her participation in FSU’s Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program, in the Department of Political Science, where she was able to intern for a state representative and a member of U.S. Congress.

“Ella has used her time at FSU to gain extensive hands-on government experience and advanced analytical skills, with the aim of driving informed, community-oriented public service,” said FSU professor Amanda Driscoll, cofounder of APPLE and one of Garcia’s mentors. “The Coro Fellowship will provide her with additional public service experience and practical leadership training to deepen her impact and professional growth. I am confident that she will translate her established civic commitments into effective, real-world solutions, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next.”

Garcia’s interest in policy work extended beyond U.S. government last summer, when she traveled with a group of FSU Honors Program students to the Oxford Consortium of Human Rights workshop at the University of Oxford in England.

“Ella is among the finest students I’ve worked with at Florida State,” said Ross Moret, who led the trip to Oxford and serves as an associate teaching professor in the FSU Honors Program. “She is dedicated, responsible, insightful and caring. She will make an outstanding Coro Fellow.”

As a Presidential Scholar, Garcia said she enjoyed mentorship and a peer community that helped motivate her to reach her goals.

“FSU and the Presidential Scholars Program specifically have been instrumental for me,” she said. “It’s really shaped who I am, as a leader and as a person.”

To learn more about student support for pursuing national fellowships, visit the Office of National Fellowships and the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

Visit the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy website to learn more about the college, department and programs.

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Florida State University has bestowed the title of Distinguished Research Professor on four outstanding faculty members for their exemplary research productivity and contributions to their fields.

“The dedication of these scholars represents the very best of Florida State University,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By pushing the boundaries of what we know about everything from quantum materials to human behavior, they are not only advancing their respective disciplines but also inspiring the next generation of innovators on our campus. We are proud to support their continued pursuit of discovery.”

The Distinguished Research Professor award recognizes outstanding research and/or creative activity of eligible Florida State University faculty currently at the rank of full professor. Recipients receive a one-time award of $10,000 and can use the title Distinguished Research Professor throughout their tenure at FSU. The title is only surpassed by that of the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor Award.

This year’s recipients are:

Hui Li, Electrical & Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Hui “Helen” Li is a leading expert in power electronics for grid and transportation electrification. Her research focuses on developing innovative power conversion technologies based on wide-bandgap devices and advanced control to achieve high-performance operation and cost reduction. Li has led power electronics research at the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) for over two decades. Her work is instrumental in advancing next-generation grid systems to meet the surging power demand from booming AI data centers and widespread transportation electrifications. She is an IEEE Fellow, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), and a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL).

Jon Maner, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences

Jon Maner is a social psychologist who uses evolutionary theories to understand fundamental human social motives. His research explores the psychological processes underlying social hierarchy, romantic attraction, social affiliation, and self-protective processes like fear and anxiety. Maner received the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution and is widely published for his work on how dominance and prestige influence leadership.

Michael Shatruk, Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts & Sciences

Michael Shatruk is an inorganic materials chemist specializing in solid-state and molecular magnetism and the discovery of new quantum materials. As the founding director of the FSU Quantum Science Initiative, Shatruk works at the boundary between materials chemistry and physics to uncover correlations between crystal structure and magnetic properties of quantum materials. His research, supported by numerous grants, utilizes advanced X-ray and neutron scattering methods to explore intermetallic magnets, stimuli-responsive materials and molecular qubits that could revolutionize optoelectronic devices, quantum technologies, computing and medical sensing. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Vladimir Dobrosavljevic, Physics, College of Arts & Sciences

Vladimir Dobrosavljevic is an internationally recognized leader in theoretical condensed matter physics, whose research has advanced the understanding of strongly correlated and disordered electronic systems, particularly near metal-insulator transitions. His work has introduced and developed powerful extensions of dynamical mean-field theory to explain how electron localization, strong correlations, and disorder interplay to produce emergent phenomena such as non-Fermi-liquid behavior, Griffiths phases, and quantum glassy dynamics, with direct relevance to materials including high-temperature superconductors, low-dimensional electron systems and “bad metals.” He has made seminal contributions to the theory of Anderson localization in correlated systems and to the understanding of non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, helping to establish glassy electronic behavior and quantum criticality as central concepts in modern condensed matter physics, while influencing both experimental directions and the broader field of quantum materials research.

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PHOTO GALLERY

Florida State University’s First Lady Jai Vartikar joined hundreds of students, alumni and campus leaders Wednesday, April 22 for the inaugural Legacy Tea, an event that honored the university’s roots as a women’s college and recognized the impact of female leaders.

Hosted by the Panhellenic Association in the Student Union Ballrooms, the event was part of the university’s yearlong 175th anniversary celebration.

The program featured remarks from student, faculty and university leaders, including Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht, history Professor and Department Chair Jennifer Koslow, Panhellenic President Emma Clark and this year’s featured speaker FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar.

Vartikar said the event reflects a central truth about Florida State’s history: “When we talk about the legacy of Florida State University, we are talking about the legacy of women.”

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FSU Panama City’s Dean Randy Hanna recently announced that Korhan Adalier has been chosen as the 2026 recipient of the Provost Sally McRorie Excellence in Teaching and Service Award. 

The award, which was created in honor of former FSU Provost Sally McRorie, is presented annually by FSU PC faculty as part of the celebrations leading up to spring graduation. 

“This award was established by the faculty at FSU Panama City in 2022 as an acknowledgement of exceptional work in the classroom with our students as well as outside in the community,” Hanna said.  

Adalier is the director of FSU Panama City’s engineering programs and serves as a teaching professor. He has been the coordinator of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program since 2005.  

“I am also deeply honored that this award is associated with former Provost Sally McRorie,” Adalier said. “I have great respect for her leadership and contributions to the university, and receiving an award in her name makes this recognition particularly significant to me.” 

Before joining FSU PC in 2003, he was a civil engineering faculty member at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

“Teaching, academic advising and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my profession, and I take great pride in helping prepare the next generation of civil engineers. It is especially meaningful to see a large majority of our graduates remain in Northwest Florida and contribute to the local workforce and economy.” 

— Korhan Adalier, director of FSU PC Engineering Programs

“Teaching, academic advising and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my profession, and I take great pride in helping prepare the next generation of civil engineers,” Adalier said. “It is especially meaningful to see a large majority of our graduates remain in Northwest Florida and contribute to the local workforce and economy.” 

Adalier’s primary expertise lies in the areas of geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, earthquake engineering, soil dynamics, ground improvement and forensic engineering in natural and man-made earth structures. He is an author or co-author of more than 100 technical publications in the fields of geotechnical and earthquake engineering. 

“My interest in engineering began with a strong appreciation for mathematics and physics,” he said. “Civil engineering, in particular, represents the application of these foundational subjects to solve real-world problems and improve infrastructure and communities. This natural connection led me to pursue a career in engineering, and ultimately in education, where I could share that passion with students.” 

A member of numerous technical associations and societies, Adalier has been a reviewer for 10 different technical journals and received several professional awards, including the Casimir Gzowski Medal (2005) from the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers. He has taught more than 20 different engineering courses over the past 30 years as a college professor. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992 and 1996. 

“Advances in computational tools, data analysis and modeling have significantly shaped how we teach and apply civil engineering concepts,” he said. “As educators, we continuously adapt our approach to ensure students not only understand fundamental principles, but also develop the skills needed to effectively use modern tools in a rapidly evolving profession.” 

For more information about FSU Panama City, visit fsupc.fsu.edu. 

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The Florida State University College of Nursing celebrated its fourth-annual Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala on Saturday, April 11, held at the Dunlap Champions Club in Doak Campbell Stadium, honoring the achievements of alumni, faculty, students and community partners while recognizing the college’s continued impact in health care. 

“The Shining Stars Gala is a powerful reflection of the strength and legacy of our Nole Nurse community,” said Jing Wang, dean of the FSU College of Nursing. “Each year, we are proud to recognize individuals who exemplify excellence in nursing and who continue to move our mission forward. Their work inspires the next generation of nurses to lead with compassion and purpose.” 

The Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala highlighted achievements across nursing education, practice, leadership, research and philanthropy, reinforcing the college’s commitment to advancing health care and improving lives. 

The event also celebrated five years of significant momentum for the FSU College of Nursing, marked by significant growth, innovation and national recognition. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program climbed seven spots to No. 21 overall and No. 12 among public institutions, while continuing to rank No. 1 among all public and private institutions in Florida. 

This progress reflects a broader trajectory of advancement across the college. Over the past year, the College of Nursing secured a historic $10 million gift to expand health care education and innovation in Northwest Florida and has made significant investments in its continued growth, including unveiling a new 5,000-square-foot simulation training lab, launching the nation’s first Master of Science in Nursing program focused on artificial intelligence applications in health care and achieving a 62% increase in faculty over the past five years, among more. 

Awards presented during the evening included the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing alumni for their outstanding contributions to the nursing profession; the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and partnership advance the college; and the Dean’s 3T Award, celebrating those who give generously of their time, talent and treasure to support the future of nursing education. 

Distinguished Graduate Awards: 

Sara Barber, a triple alumna of the FSU College of Nursing recognized for more than two decades of dedicated practice and service. A longtime pediatric nurse practitioner in Tallahassee, Barber has also served as an FSU instructor and contributed to the field through published research and textbooks. Her commitment to the community extends beyond clinical care through mentoring students as a clinical preceptor and volunteering with the Tallahassee Memorial Animal Therapy Program. 

Angie McDonald, recognized for a 35-year career dedicated to excellence in bedside critical care nursing. Known for combining advanced clinical expertise with compassionate patient advocacy, McDonald has made a lasting impact both at the bedside and as a mentor to fellow nurses. Her leadership and commitment to her patients, colleagues and alma mater reflect the enduring influence of frontline nursing care. 

Peter Preziosi, recognized for a distinguished career marked by global leadership and innovation in health care. A Florida State University alumnus, Preziosi has held senior roles with the World Health Organization in Geneva and currently serves as president and CEO of TruMerit, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foreign-educated health care professionals. His work advancing health workforce mobility and driving innovation reflects a lasting impact on health systems worldwide. 

Toni Sanchez, a double alumna of FSU, was recognized for a distinguished career defined by leadership, service and excellence in nursing. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Sanchez led a team of 33 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, overseeing more than 200 air evacuation missions for 3,100 wounded service members. She now serves as specialty nurse manager at the VA Tallahassee Outpatient Clinic, where she has played a key role in restoring critical specialty services for local veterans. 

Martin Schiavenato, a triple alumnus of Florida State University, was recognized for his contributions as a nurse-scientist, educator and innovator. A former NICU nurse at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, he has become an international leader in nursing research, particularly in neonatal pain, and was named a finalist for the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Schiavenato continues to mentor the next generation of nurses through his work in academia, digital education and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence in nursing education. 

Kyrie Thomas, an alumna of FSU, was recognized for a career defined by transformational leadership and service in health care. With more than 15 years of experience, she has served as chief nursing officer at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, providing strategic leadership for more than 2,300 nursing professionals. Throughout her career, Thomas has led major clinical initiatives, including the development of advanced oncology and neuroscience programs, while fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration and excellence. 

Jeann Michael Edodoleon, recognized for his commitment to excellence in critical care nursing and his inspiring professional growth. Beginning his career as a volunteer at Baptist Health, he advanced to become a registered nurse in the medical-surgical intensive care unit, where he is known for his strong clinical judgment and calm leadership in high-acuity settings. Edodoleon is also a dedicated mentor to new nurses and a compassionate patient advocate, exemplifying the integrity and commitment of the nursing profession. 

Leslie Webber, recognized for a 25-year career dedicated to pediatric nursing and clinical leadership. At Wolfson Children’s Hospital, she advanced from a pediatric ICU staff nurse to nurse director of Children’s Emergency Services, leading key programs including pediatric cardiovascular care, ECMO and trauma services. Known for her integrity and commitment to excellence, Webber has earned honors such as the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida and the FSU Alumni Association’s Grads Made Good award. 

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing: 

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation was recognized for its longstanding support of the Florida State University College of Nursing. Through its investment, the foundation has helped generations of Nole Nurses complete their degrees and enter the workforce, creating a lasting impact on nursing education and the health care community. Since 1993, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation has provided over $3 million in scholarship support to FSU Nursing students.  

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing: 

Mark Hillis, a graduate of the FSU College of Business, was honored for his role in establishing a lasting partnership between the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation and the College of Nursing. During his 33-year career at SunTrust Bank, Hillis connected the foundation to the college, creating opportunities that have supported nursing students for generations. A dedicated supporter of Florida State University, Hillis’ commitment to service and philanthropy has helped strengthen the future of the College of Nursing and its students. 

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service: 

Pam Turner, recognized for a pioneering career and longstanding service to the nursing profession and the FSU College of Nursing. She broke barriers in 1977 as the first female firefighter and paramedic for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and went on to lead in pediatric nursing and advance health care quality and safety. Turner has also served as adjunct faculty at both Florida State University and the University of Florida. A former chair of the College of Nursing Advancement Council, Turner has played a key role in guiding the college through periods of growth and transition. Her leadership and philanthropy, including her early commitment to an endowed professorship, reflect a lasting dedication to advancing the mission of the college. 

Dean’s 3T Award: 

Laura Levine, recognized for her exceptional contributions of time, talent and treasure to the FSU College of Nursing. Through the establishment of the Laura and Alan Levine Endowed Professorship in Innovation Applications in Nursing, Levine has made a lasting investment in the college’s future, supporting faculty leaders who will advance nursing education and innovation for years to come. Levine’s career has spanned hospital and public health settings, including leadership roles as a nursing director and contributions to national public health initiatives. She continues to serve as a bedside nurse and mentor in the ICU. A dedicated member of the Nole Nurse Advancement Council, Levine’s philanthropy and leadership reflect a deep commitment to strengthening the college and inspiring future generations of nurses. 

The 2026 Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor, BayCare, garnet sponsors Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Mayo Clinic in Florida, and dessert reception sponsor Big Bend Hospice. 

For more information on award nominations and upcoming events, visit nursing.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University has named Joan M. Schenkel as the new Associate Vice President for Research Administration.

A seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in higher education research administration, Schenkel joins FSU to bolster the university’s research infrastructure and support its continued growth as a top-tier research institution. She succeeds Kerry Peluso, who has served in the role since 2017 and is retiring.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Joan to Florida State University,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Joan’s deep expertise in the research lifecycle — from pre-award strategy to post-award compliance — will be invaluable as we continue to expand our research footprint and drive innovation.”

Schenkel comes to Florida State after a 20-year career at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Most recently, she served as the Associate Vice President for Research in the Office of Research and Technology Management, where she played a pivotal role in managing a research enterprise of $642 million.

At CWRU, she was instrumental in leading digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of upgraded enterprise software solutions to reduce administrative burdens and improve workflow transparency.

“I am passionate about helping position universities so that researchers can do their best work and make the important discoveries and breakthroughs,” Schenkel said. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented faculty and staff at Florida State University to optimize our research operations and support the groundbreaking work being done across campus.”

Schenkel holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from McDaniel College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dickinson College. She starts at Florida State on April 28.

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