For over four decades, Odell Haggins Jr.’s presence at Florida State University has been defined by impact, first as a force on the defensive line, then as a pillar of mentorship on the sidelines.

The FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice brought that storied journey full circle, inducting the alumnus and associate head coach into its hall of fame. The ceremony, held on Oct. 1 at the Beth Moor Lounge, brought together university leaders, faculty, alumni, former teammates and friends to celebrate Haggins’ lasting impact at Florida State both on and off the field.

Addressing the crowd gathered for the induction, FSU President Richard McCullough highlighted how Haggins embodies the core values of the college.

“The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice prepares students for careers around service, justice and stronger communities,” McCullough said. “And at the heart of that work are the values that you, Coach Haggins, have demonstrated throughout your entire career: integrity, character and mentorship. So it’s very fitting that you are being welcomed into its hall of fame.”

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Florida State University students and recent graduates earned 10 nationally competitive scholarships to study critical languages abroad during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.  

The awards include four Boren Awards and six Critical Language Scholarships (CLS), which support students studying languages considered critical to U.S. national security and economic interests. 

Senior Gage Stanton earned both awards. After receiving a CLS to study Russian during the 2025-26 academic year, Stanton was awarded a Boren Scholarship for 2026-27 and is currently studying Russian overseas. 

The Boren Awards allow students to study abroad for up to a year in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security. The scholarship provides up to $20,000 for undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions underrepresented in study abroad programs and considered critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. 

During the 2025-26 academic year, three FSU students received Boren Scholarships, offered through an initiative of the National Security Education Program. 

Nadia Rassech, who graduated in summer 2026 with degrees in international affairs and Middle Eastern Studies, received the scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco. 

During the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters, Rassech spent nine months in Rabat, Morocco, immersing herself in Arabic while studying local history, film, literature and political science through Amideast Education Abroad, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational development in the Middle East and North Africa. 

“I liked how well-rounded the program was for getting a better sense of Moroccan history and society outside of language studies,” she said. “You learn so much about a language by living in a place and exploring its culture, and vice versa — by studying a language, you learn a lot about a country’s culture and history.” 

Rassech, who long wanted to study abroad, had already immersed herself in Arabic language and culture on campus, building a strong foundation through classes in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. She also lived in the Arabic Language House, where students reside with a native Arabic speaker and practice the language beyond the classroom, and worked as an assistant at FSU’s Middle East Center, an interdisciplinary center focused on the region. 

She also completed internships at the Foundation Orient Occident, a local nonprofit that supports refugee communities through cultural exchange and community development. 

Rassech previously studied abroad in Fez, Morocco, through FSU funding, and at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg in Germany through the Center for Global Engagement’s Global Exchanges Program. She said the Boren Scholarship’s length and scope provided greater opportunities for language, cultural and community immersion. 

“My biggest takeaway from the experience was not only my language development, but also the community that I was able to build in that city,” she said. “I don’t think I would have gotten nearly as much out of this experience if I hadn’t been in one place for a whole academic year.” 

Maya O’Donnell, who earned her bachelor’s degree in international affairs from FSU in 2024 and is now pursuing a graduate degree in international affairs, studied Russian in Latvia.  

Sandra Leis, who earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and languages in spring 2026 and is now pursuing a graduate degree in East Asian languages and cultures, studied Mandarin in Taiwan. For the 2026-27 award cycle, Stanton became FSU’s next Boren Scholar and is studying Russian overseas. 

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the CLS provides eight to 10 weeks abroad for American undergraduate students to study one of nine critical languages (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili). Recipients also serve as citizen ambassadors while developing skills for an increasingly globalized workforce. 

During the 2025-26 academic year, four FSU students earned the Critical Language Scholarship.  

Shovik Saha, who graduated from FSU in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social sciences, received the scholarship to study Hindi in Jaipur, India. 

Saha attended the American Institute of Indian Studies and lived with a host family, an experience he said deepened his understanding of contemporary life in India.  

“Immersing myself in the Hindi language and South Asian culture helped me better understand diverse communities, which is especially valuable as I prepare for a legal career,” said Saha, who plans to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental law. 

Because Saha already knew Bangla, the national language of Bangladesh, learning Hindi felt like a natural next step. The languages share Indo-Aryan roots, sentence structures and many Sanskrit-derived words, though they have distinct sounds, grammar and writing systems.  

“I started the program as a beginner, and through the immersive experience and the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview, I reached intermediate mid-proficiency,” Saha said. “Since completing the program, I have continued using my Hindi skills when speaking with Hindi speakers, engaging with Hindi media and maintaining my language skills through practice.” 

Saha’s other international experiences include a UK Fulbright Summer Institute Program at the University of Exeter in 2024 and the Junior Resident Fellows Program at the Center for Khmer Studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in summer 2026. He said the experiences strengthened his commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange. 

“I believe experiences like this are valuable because they help me better understand people, communities and perspectives that may be very different from my own,” he said.  

Along with Saha and Stanton, Rand Peate, a graduate student in urban and regional planning, studied Arabic in Jordan through the CLS, while alumnus Jackson Root, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in spring 2025, used the scholarship to study Arabic in Egypt.  

Two more recipients from FSU earned the CLS for 2026-27. Mahathi Tallapragada, who graduated in Fall 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biological science, used the scholarship to study Hindi in India. Sara Boswell, a sophomore double majoring in Russian and international affairs, is studying Russian in Latvia. 

Applications for the 2027-2028 CLS Program will open during the fall 2026 semester. Applications for the 2027-2028 Boren Awards are due Nov. 19.  

Undergraduate students interested in applying for a Boren Award or the CLS may contact Bonnie Garcia-Gloeckner, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships, at bjgarcia@fsu.edu, or visit onf.fsu.edu. Graduate students interested in applying for a Boren Award or the CLS may contact Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards, at kmccall2@fsu.edu, or visit ogfa.fsu.edu. 

To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.  

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President Richard McCullough selected Emily McClellan Lopez and James Pfohl as the recipients of Florida State University’s 2026 Max Carraway Employee of the Year Award.

The Max Carraway Employee of the Year Award honors employees who exemplify customer-focused values through outstanding contributions to the university. This year, a large number of nominations were submitted, reflecting the many employees making a difference across campus. Given the strength and volume of the nominations, President McCullough awarded two recipients.

“The exceptional quality and quantity of nominations this year reflect the remarkable caliber of employees at FSU,” said Renisha Gibbs, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for Finance and Administration. “Emily Lopez and Jim Pfohl were selected from an outstanding group of nominees and exemplify the service excellence this award celebrates.”

Lopez, a student engagement coordinator for University Libraries, was recognized for her leadership in connecting students with resources and opportunities that enrich the student experience. Through innovative programming, collaboration with campus partners and a strong commitment to student success, she has helped expand the University Libraries’ impact.

Over the past year, Lopez led 132 library-focused programs and contributed to 61 additional initiatives. She also played a key role in orientation programming that engaged more than 17,000 students and family members, helping introduce new students to services available throughout their FSU journey.

Lopez ‘s nomination highlights her ability to blend creativity, strategy and execution. Her leadership extends to mentoring student employees and creating resources that support their development and success.

“Receiving this recognition as a library employee is an honor and a privilege,” Lopez said. “Finding creative, innovative ways to connect students to our resources and offer support is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. I owe this honor to my family, friends, educators and mentors for their endless support, as well as my library colleagues who have worked hard to keep our exceptional library a welcoming space for the community.”

James “Jim” Pfohl, is a scientific research specialist at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. He was recognized for his extraordinary support of the faculty, staff, students and researchers who rely on the college’s laboratories and research facilities. Known for his resourcefulness and problem solving, he plays a vital role in supporting the teaching, research and clinical activities that advance the university’s mission.

Working across multiple facilities, Pfohl manages laboratory spaces, equipment and operational needs essential to the college’s success. Nominators praised his leadership during major laboratory renovations and relocations, including the coordinated move of approximately $500,000 in sensitive research equipment during Spring Break 2026, allowing research activities to continue without disruption.

Colleagues describe Pfohl as dependable, approachable and relentlessly committed to helping others. Whether responding to facility emergencies, coordinating complex projects or assisting with everyday operational needs, he is known for taking ownership of challenges.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by this incredible recognition,” Pfohl said. “Receiving this award is a testament to the unwavering support and the incredible opportunities I have been given here at Florida State University and Anne’s College. It serves as a reminder of the amazing people I have the privilege of working with every day. Thank you all for this incredible honor.”

Together, Lopez and Pfohl represent two distinct yet equally impactful examples of exceptional achievement at Florida State University. Through their dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting others, they embody the values celebrated by the Max Carraway Employee of the Year Award.

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Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) have finalized core agreements establishing the long-term framework for FSU Health, an integrated academic health system focused on improving health and expanding access to advanced care and research across North Florida and beyond.  

These agreements include lease and operating agreements and other definitive legal documents, including an academic and clinical framework supporting the partnership at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and the future FSU Health hospital in Panama City Beach. 

“Today marks a defining step forward in our shared vision to build an academic health system that will serve our community and our state for generations to come,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “Through FSU Health, with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital as its clinical anchor, Florida State University is bringing together the people, expertise and resources needed to improve lives, expand access to advanced care and create new opportunities for medical education and research across North Florida and beyond.”  

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc. will serve as a cornerstone of FSU Health, bringing trusted expertise in community-based care, an extensive network of physicians and advanced practice providers, and leading specialty and advanced-care services. 

“For nearly 80 years, TMH has grown alongside this community, always looking for new ways to bring better care closer to home,” said Mark O’Bryant, chief executive officer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “Our work with FSU, including the academic medical center strategy we developed together in 2021, has created an opportunity to build on that legacy in ways we could not achieve alone. Our patients, physicians, advanced practice providers and colleagues can expect the same commitment to exceptional, compassionate care, strengthened by new opportunities to advance medicine, educate future healthcare professionals and bring more specialized care and innovation closer to home.” 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc. will continue managing day-to-day operations under the FSU Health brand at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the future Panama City Beach hospital, TMH’s other clinical care locations and its employed physician network, TMH Physician Partners. Patients will continue receiving care from their established physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and team members, while benefiting from the added strengths and capabilities of a Top 25 public research university. 

The agreements build on an academic health center strategic alignment plan that started in 2021 and the transfer of city-owned hospital assets to FSU earlier this year and establish the long-term governance, operational and academic framework supporting the continued growth of FSU Health across North Florida and the Panhandle. They also preserve TMH’s existing charity care policy at both hospitals and establish a new governance structure that gives FSU the ability to nominate candidates for boards in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach.  

As the region’s only academic health system, FSU Health will connect patients with leading physicians, advanced treatments, clinical research and specialized services while training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Future plans for FSU Health in Tallahassee include developing new graduate medical education programs in high-demand specialties such as trauma surgery, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery and pulmonary and critical care medicine. 

Patients and the community can learn more about the partnership at TMH.ORG/FSUHealth.  

About FSU Health
FSU Health is Florida State University’s integrated academic health system, uniting hospitals, physicians, clinics, research, education, and innovation under a unified vision to improve health across communities we serve. With hospitals in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach operated by Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, FSU Health connects trusted community care with the academic, research, and training strengths of Florida State University. FSU will open a new 140,000-square-foot FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building on the Tallahassee Memorial campus in Fall 2026. Together, we are building a nationally recognized destination for patient care, education, research, and innovation.  

About Florida State University
One of the nation’s top public research universities, Florida State University serves more than 46,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries. Located in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, FSU offers nearly 270 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including medicine and law, taught by exceptional faculty who are leaders in their fields. Whether they are Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows or members of the National Academies, FSU faculty inspire students to reach their full potential with unparalleled opportunities in the arts, sciences and humanities. FSU’s unwavering commitment to student success produces some of the highest retention and graduation rates in the nation. Florida State’s welcoming campus is the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state and home to a growing research enterprise, the world-class National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, celebrated fine and performing arts programs, an entrepreneurial spirit and championship athletics teams.  

About Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Founded in 1948, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a private, nonprofit healthcare system serving North Florida and South Georgia that is becoming FSU Health through its partnership with Florida State University. TMH includes a 772-bed acute care hospital in Tallahassee, a new hospital under development in Panama City Beach, a psychiatric hospital, multiple specialty care centers, five residency programs and more than 50 affiliated physician practices. As the clinical anchor of FSU Health, TMH is helping bring together advanced patient care, medical education, research and innovation to improve health across the region. For more information, visit TMH.ORG. 

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Eleven Florida State University students have been selected for the Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship Class XXII, a nonpartisan statewide program that provides students with firsthand experience in policymaking and government operations.

FSU students make up 11 of the 12 fellows in this year’s class. Six fellows are students in FSU’s College of Law, four are enrolled in FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) program, and one is in FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Master of Public Administration program.

“FSU’s proximity to the capital is a very big deal and something that I think our students recognize and take advantage of,” said FSU Chief Legislative Affairs Officer Clay Ingram. “I think it’s one of the things that attracts students to FSU, to want to come here and to be a part of the governmental process, learn about politics and about government. It’s great to see the capital recognizing the excellence of our students and their interest and desire to learn and be a part of government.”

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Final action is expected on Friday, October 30, 2026, when the Florida State University Board of Trustees will consider the proposal (meeting dates and times are subject to change). Please continue to monitor the Board of Trustees website (https://trustees.fsu.edu/meetings) for potential changes to the next meeting date and time. 

Rationale and Use of Funds 

• Master of Science in Risk Management and Insurance – The proposed increase sustains a high-quality, market-responsive program by supporting continuous curriculum updates, competitive faculty and staff salaries, and the technology and instructional support required for online and technology-enabled courses. It will also fund recruitment and marketing for career-relevant offerings such as business analytics. 

• Master of Science in Management Information Systems – The proposed increase supports ongoing course redesign that incorporates emerging technologies and current industry practices, along with the rising cost of recruiting and retaining qualified faculty, advisors, and career-support staff. Funds will also strengthen learning technology, accessibility, and technical support for students. 

• Master of Business Administration – The proposed increase addresses rising personnel and inflation-driven instructional technology costs and will help the College promote new curricular options in areas such as healthcare administration, alternative investments, analytics, and leadership. 

 In accordance with state law, this notice is being emailed to all enrolled students. 

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Florida State University will establish a campus-scale quantum communication testing platform with $2.1 million in federal Community Project Funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, secured with support from U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

The testbed will link a central quantum communication hub in FSU’s Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB) with receiver nodes at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab). Researchers will study how quantum communication hardware and optical links perform under challenging conditions, including strong air turbulence, high magnetic fields and cryogenic thermal cycling.

Quantum communication uses quantum properties of light, including entanglement, to transmit and protect information in ways that are fundamentally different from conventional networks. A major challenge is moving quantum communication from carefully controlled laboratory demonstrations to reliable systems that can operate in real-world conditions.

“Florida State University leads the nation in quantum science and engineering,” said Rep. Webster. “I fought for this investment in Congress as it will help establish the first quantum communications testbed facility in the southeastern United States. These resources will help expand their important work and strengthen American innovation. Advancements in quantum technology are critical to our national security and will help ensure the United States remains a leader in these emerging technologies as we counter adversaries like China.”

The testbed will connect the hub to the nodes through campus fiber resources. It will generate and distribute entangled photons and monitor measures such as link reliability, allowing researchers to improve system performance. The system will also include reconfigurable optical links so researchers can deliberately expose components and communication channels to controlled environmental stresses.

“The next frontier is not simply demonstrating quantum communication in an ideal laboratory, but understanding how to make these systems reliable in the environments where they will ultimately operate,” said Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “This investment gives us a platform to connect fundamental quantum science with engineering validation, workforce development and future partnerships with government, industry and other universities. It is an important step toward secure and resilient quantum networks that can operate in the real world.”

 FSU expands quantum research

The project continues FSU’s commitment to advancing research in quantum science and engineering. Since launching the FSU Quantum Initiative in 2023, the university has hired 10 new faculty members to reach a total of 45 faculty members researching quantum topics, developed Florida’s first graduate credential in quantum information science and engineering, hosted the inaugural Florida Quantum Conference and joined with other universities around the state to establish the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology.

In July, the U.S. Department of Energy chose FSU to lead four major projects as part of the Genesis Mission, including a project to develop AI that acts as a real-time diagnostic system for quantum computers and another to improve scientists’ understanding of atomic nuclei and other quantum systems.

“This is an important research infrastructure investment that can support future quantum-networking activities and position FSU for larger-scale opportunities,” said Wei Guo, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, head of the MagLab’s cryogenics lab and co-director of the FSU Quantum Initiative. “Just as importantly, it will give students and researchers hands-on experience across the full quantum-networking stack, from photons and detectors to controls, data, networks and demanding operating environments.”

For more information about ongoing quantum research at Florida State, visit the FSU Quantum initiative website.

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Florida State University has been named to Forbes’ 2026 lists of America’s Best-In-State Employers and Best Employers for Women. 

The annual rankings are based on independent employee surveys conducted in partnership with Statista, a global statistics and industry ranking provider.  

The Best-In-State Employers list measures employee satisfaction and workplace reputation, while the Best Employers for Women list evaluates employers on workplace experiences and opportunities for women.  

Best-In-State survey participants were asked how likely they were to recommend their employer and to evaluate factors such as compensation, workplace culture, opportunities for professional advancement and employer reputation. 

FSU ranked No. 29 among Florida employers across all industries and was the highest-ranked employer in the education category. 

Best Employers for Women respondents were asked to rate their current employers on pay equity, career development, parental leave, work-life balance, childcare and eldercare benefits, and how employers handle workplace complaints.  

FSU ranked No. 74 among 700 employers nationwide on Forbes’ Best Employers and ranked in the top 15 of the education category. 

“These recognitions from Forbes affirm Florida State University’s commitment to providing an exceptional workplace experience for our employees,” said Associate Vice President for Human Resources Renisha Gibbs. “We are proud to cultivate a culture that supports professional growth, well-being and opportunity, and we remain dedicated to helping our faculty and staff succeed in meaningful and rewarding careers.” 

Florida State University’s inclusion in these rankings reflects the strength of its workforce and the university’s ongoing efforts to support faculty and staff across every stage of their careers. 

As FSU continues to advance its strategic priorities, these recognitions highlight the contributions of employees whose talent, expertise and dedication help drive the university’s success.  

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Florida State University launched its Presidential Lectureship in Chemical Sciences on Wednesday, honoring internationally recognized chemist Eric Anslyn as its inaugural recipient. 

The new lectureship recognizes extraordinary achievement and influence in chemistry while giving FSU faculty and students opportunities to engage with leading scientists. The lectureship also elevates the national visibility and reputation of Florida State University’s distinguished Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

“I wanted to bring really important people to the university and let them have a chance to get to know our great university and great department,” said President Richard McCullough. 

Anslyn is the Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. A prominent scholar in supramolecular and physical organic chemistry, his research has advanced molecular recognition and chemical sensing, with applications ranging from biochemical analysis and medical diagnosis to the detection of nerve agents and counterfeit wine. 

Introducing Anslyn, McCullough reflected on their longstanding friendship, which began when they were postdoctoral researchers at Columbia University, while highlighting Anslyn’s pioneering contributions and lasting impact on the chemical sciences. 

“I just never met anyone that could do theoretical chemistry and experimental chemistry,” McCullough said. “I was just really, really impressed by him. 

McCullough presented Anslyn with the first Presidential Lectureship in Chemical Sciences Award. This honor includes a commemorative award and support for the recipient’s continued research.  

In his lecture, “The Senses of Taste and Smell: Differential Sensing Concepts and Applications,” Anslyn discussed how sophisticated chemistry can solve practical, everyday problems. Some examples were using LEGOs and smartphones to detect nerve agents and developing sensor arrays capable of identifying counterfeit pinot noir. 

An entertaining speaker with a passion for his field, Anslyn concluded his talk by telling the audience why he loves chemistry.  

“We get to innovate and synthesize and design and build new things and test the properties,” Anslyn said. “When I was a kid, I played with Lincoln Logs, I built airplane models, I raced go karts, so I was rebuilding motors. I was always building and constructing something. And, in chemistry, we’re always building and constructing something. That’s why I love this job so much.” 

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Florida State University continues to prove itself as a leader in promoting transfer student success, breaking records and winning national awards.

FSU’s three-year graduation rate for students who enroll with an associate in arts degree from another institution reached a record of 85%, the highest among Florida’s state universities.

“This record reflects who we are as a university: a community committed to ensuring every student has the support and opportunities to thrive,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “It demonstrates that when FSU invests in transfer students and creates pathways for their success, they achieve at the highest level.”

The new transfer rate builds on last year’s 80% transfer student graduation rate and reflects FSU’s growing emphasis on helping transfer students make a smooth transition to the university and stay on track toward graduation.

About 25% of FSU’s undergraduate students have transferred to the university from other institutions.

Transfer Student Success leaders win national recognition

Two leaders in FSU’s Transfer Student Success (TSS) department earned national awards celebrating their dedication to bolstering transfer student success.

The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition honored Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies Heather R. Bishop with the Bonita C. Jacobs Transfer Impact Award, for those who significantly shape how institution systems support transfer students, and TSS Director Robin Haggins with an Outstanding Transfer Champion Award, for those who make a difference in transfer students’ lives.

Bishop has worked at FSU to implement university-level policy that improves the transfer student transition experience and progression throughout their studies. Bishop is a liaison between Florida College System institutions and FSU, where she helps monitor student transitions between universities.

“I have learned that what many transfer students yearn for is a sense of community,” Bishop said. “We have been successful in creating such a community through our innovative peer-led initiatives, and I believe it is a major factor in our transfer student success.”

Haggins interacts with transfer students across the university by leading events and providing academic support, coaching and mentoring.

“For me, the greatest measure of our success is not just a student’s graduation—it is seeing students gain confidence, find their voice, build community and recognize that they belong here,” Haggins said.

TSS provides students with specialized advising, events to meet other transfer students and networking opportunities with campus partners to promote post-graduate professional success.

In 2024, FSU launched a chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, an organization specifically for transfer students.

In October 2025, FSU recognized the accomplishments of transfer students at its inaugural Transfer Student Leadership Summit. The summit began FSU’s celebration of National Transfer Student Week, which increases the sense of community among transfer students.

Bishop and Haggins will receive their respective awards at the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition’s Transfer Student Experience conference June 29–July 1, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The center is an internationally recognized leader in supporting postsecondary student transitions.

“Heather and Robin represent two essential dimensions of exceptional transfer student support: strengthening the institutional systems that serve students and making a direct difference in students’ lives,” Dean Brown said. “FSU’s transfer students bring tremendous experiences, perspectives and aspirations to our university, and we’re proud to provide resources designed with their success in mind.”

To learn more about how FSU develops the success of its transfer students, visit the TSS website.

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Florida State University will host a virtual conference exploring how recent developments in artificial intelligence are shaping the future of mathematical research and education.

“Mathematics at a Turning Point: AI, Research, and the Next Generation” kicks off Friday, Sept. 25 at 1:20 p.m. with experts in the field of mathematics and AI offering a range of perspectives on the future of mathematical research and career training amid AI’s recent high-profile impacts on the field. The online event is presented by Marion Bradley Brennan Professor of Mathematics Martin Bauer and is open to the public with required registration.

“AI has the potential to reshape every part of the mathematical research process, raising profound questions and uncertainties for mathematics and, more broadly, for science in general,” Bauer said. “This panel aims to examine what these changes may mean for the future of research, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by early-career mathematicians. I strongly believe that there are, unfortunately, no easy answers: responding to this transition will require our community to come together and work hard to address the most pressing questions and develop solutions that will allow the next generation of researchers to thrive in this new environment.”

The rapidly evolving capabilities of AI are now used for a variety of mathematical exercises ranging from basic problem solving to proof assistance and complex computations. This has drastically changed the way mathematical research is conducted, from brainstorming ideas to drafting to applying calculations.

Some experts are concerned that erasing the need for manual calculations at the foundational level trivializes the learning process for math students and forces them to become more dependent on AI for their research. Together, the panelists will discuss challenges faced by mathematicians and solutions brought about by the relationship between AI and mathematics to help visualize a future for what researchers can do with a resource that has the ability to test hypotheses and compute calculations in minutes. The organizers also intend for this panel to highlight responsible AI use in math research.

“Mathematicians making targeted use of AI have demonstrated stunning effectiveness at tackling research-level mathematics problems,” said FSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Sam Huckaba, who earned his doctorate in mathematics from Purdue University in 1986 and served as both FSU math faculty and in administrative roles before becoming dean. “It’s an understatement to say that the recent advancements of this technology, which are multiplying ever more swiftly and have opened possibilities not previously thought to be easily reachable, have captured the attention of the entire discipline.”

Featured panelists: Mathematics experts with unique perspectives on AI

All of the six featured speakers are mathematics researchers, and most are actively studying AI and its capability to make meaningful contributions to mathematics. Panelists will provide unique perspectives to graduate students and early-career mathematicians on how to use the technology in positive ways and prepare for the future of the field. Bauer will moderate the panel, raising questions motivated by his own experiences as well as those of FSU graduate students and early-career mathematicians.

Panelists include:

• Ettore Aldrovandi, professor and chair of FSU’s Department of Mathematics
• Alex Kontorovich, distinguished professor and Department of Mathematics chair at Rutgers University
• Javier Gómez-Serrano, professor of mathematics at Brown University
• Tony Feng, associate professor of mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley
• Jeremy Avigad, professor of philosophy and mathematical sciences at Carnegie Mellon University
• Rachel Ward, distinguished professor in computational engineering and sciences at the University of Texas, Austin

“The panel event provides a fantastic opportunity for mathematics experts who have been using and thinking about AI to share their knowledge and experiences,” Huckaba said. “My hope is that it will serve as a catalyst and help the participants better understand both challenges and opportunities facing the field.”

This is the second AI-related panel Bauer will host this semester, with over 700 confirmed registrations across both events. “The crisis of AI-generated mathematics,” was held online Friday, Sept. 11, with discussions focused on a critical examination of AI and its broader implications for science and education. Participants included researchers from 205 distinct higher-education institutions or campuses across 31 countries, further demonstrating the demand for these discussions across the globe.

“One challenge for current undergraduate students is learning how to use AI without letting it become a shortcut that prevents them from developing their own understanding,” Bauer said. “I always encourage my students not to dismiss AI, as it is an essential tool that they will need to learn how to use effectively. At the same time, working through problems and calculations themselves remains necessary for understanding the deeper meaning of the material.”

Visit the “Mathematics at a Turning Point” event website for more information and to register.

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Florida State University is reaffirming its position as one of the nation’s premier public universities, earning strong rankings from U.S. News & World Report, TIME and Niche.  

FSU placed highly in each of the three publications’ latest rankings, released over the past month.   

“Rankings may change from year to year or vary by publication, but Florida State’s commitment to excellence is constant,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Our university continues to break records year after year and reach new heights in student success, academic quality, and research funding and expenditures. That momentum reflects the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff and students, and it gives us tremendous confidence in Florida State’s future. We are clearly one of America’s top public universities.”  

On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its “Best Colleges 2027” guidebook, ranking Florida State among the nation’s top 25 public universities for the eighth consecutive year. FSU placed No. 24 among public universities. 

In the latest report by U.S. News, Florida State climbed to No. 5 among all public universities nationally for First-Year Experiences, a reflection of its 97% first-year retention rate. FSU also excelled among all public institutions in several new categories, ranking No. 7 for Best Value for In-State Students, No. 7 for Study Abroad and No. 13 for Most Innovative Schools.  

Earlier this fall, Niche ranked Florida State No. 12 among national public universities, using verifiable data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews and ratings from current students, alumni and parents. Niche also ranked FSU No. 46 on its list of 2027 Best Research Universities in America, improving four spots from last year. 

Last month, FSU ranked No. 17 among public universities in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges list, which emphasizes student outcomes and the value of a college education. 

Student success is FSU’s No. 1 goal

The strong rankings reflect the momentum Florida State has built in key measures of student success. Most recently, the university achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 82%, the highest in State University System history and four percentage points above last year’s record. FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects the new rate would place the university in a tie with the University of Michigan at No. 7 among public universities nationally. 

Along with its record four-year graduation rate, FSU maintained its record six-year graduation rate and achieved a new milestone for transfer-student success, setting a record graduation rate for students from the Florida College System. 

Demand for a Florida State education continues to reach new heights. Nearly 97,000 students applied for admission for fall 2026, representing a 233% increase over the past decade. The university welcomed approximately 6,000 freshmen from one of the most competitive applicant pools in its history. The admitted class boasts an average high school GPA of 4.5, average SAT and ACT scores of 1430 and 32, respectively, and 92% graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes. Twenty-five percent are first-generation college students.  

“Students choose Florida State because of the quality of our academic programs and the opportunities available to them here,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “They stay and graduate because of the experience they have once they arrive. We have built a culture that combines academic excellence with strong student support, helping more students achieve their goals and earn their degrees on time.” 

What changed in U.S. News?

This year, U.S. News revised its methodology and removed student debt from its formula. Student affordability remains a top priority for FSU, which ranks among the nation’s best public research universities for graduating students with little or no debt.  

Under the new calculation, FSU’s ranking among national public universities dropped three spots despite gains across all previously measured metrics, including first-year retention rate, six-year graduation rate and the six-year Pell recipient graduation rate.  

“Our responsibility is not to chase rankings but to create one of the nation’s best educational experiences,” McCullough said. “That means continuing to invest in outstanding faculty, innovative academic programs and the resources that help students succeed from enrollment through graduation. If we remain focused on those goals, the results will follow.” 

FSU shines in undergraduate program rankings

FSU ranked No. 36 among all undergraduate business programs at public schools in U.S. News’ 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The Herbert Wertheim College of Business’ Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance ranked No. 3 among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs. 

The Wertheim College’s Real Estate Program moved up three spots to No. 3 among public universities and No. 6 overall, with the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing maintaining its No. 18 spot among public universities. 

 “These high marks reflect the transformative education our students receive from an exceptional faculty who, supported by our dedicated staff, alumni and industry partners, inspire students daily to reach their full potential,” said Michael D. Hartline, dean of the Wertheim College of Business. “Our hope is that all Wertheim College students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead in their chosen fields and to make a meaningful impact in the global marketplace.” 

New this year, U.S. News ranked entrepreneurship programs. The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship’s undergraduate program ranked No. 13 among public universities and No. 39 overall on the publication’s inaugural list.  

“The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is honored to be counted among the nation’s very best undergraduate programs,” said Michael Brady, interim dean of the Moran College. “This achievement reflects the extraordinary talent and drive of the faculty, staff and students who continue to strengthen our entrepreneurial community, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of The Jim Moran Foundation and our devoted alumni.” 

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