For 175 years, generations of students have come to Florida State University and its predecessor institutions for an education and the opportunities that come with it.

Those generations include the first students to pursue public higher education in Florida, young women attending Florida State College for Women when access to higher education was limited, veterans returning from World War II and first-generation students charting a new path for themselves and their families.

Today, FSU is one of the nation’s top public universities, drawing record numbers of highly accomplished students while continuing a long tradition of expanding opportunity.

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Pellumb Reshidi, an assistant economics professor in Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, has been named a Senior Fellow of Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute (AIEI), joining an international cohort of researchers studying how artificial intelligence is transforming firms and the future of work.

As part of the fellowship, Reshidi and collaborators Brian Jabarian of Carnegie Mellon University and Luca Henkel of Erasmus University Rotterdam received a Microsoft research grant to investigate the growing use of AI in hiring and recruitment. Their project focuses on agentic hiring, or the use of artificial intelligence to screen, interview and evaluate job candidates.

The research comes as organizations increasingly adopt AI tools in the workplace. While many companies have embraced the technology, questions remain about its effects on workers, employers and labor markets.

“Adoption has moved faster than the evidence, particularly on what happens when an entire industry takes up these systems rather than a single firm, and how the added competition affects firm and worker welfare,” Reshidi said. “Those effects need careful measurement, and we’re approaching them less as a question of AI substituting for people than as one about where the two together outperform either alone.”

Working with a major recruiting firm, the team has conducted a natural field experiment covering roughly 70,000 interviews, producing a dataset that tracks both recruiters and candidates from application through employment and beyond.

The evidence speaks to the interactions between human recruiters and AI systems, to how screening changes when applicants can choose between a human and an AI interviewer, and to how employers compete when they rely on similar AI screeners.

This is AIEI’s third cohort and the first to turn to firms themselves; the previous two examined how education systems prepare people for an AI-enabled economy.

The cohort’s findings will be collected in an edited volume scheduled for publication in January, with Reshidi’s team contributing a chapter and submitting its research to an open-access academic journal.

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As the new academic year begins, FSU will welcome nearly 6,000 first-year students selected from more than 96,000 applicants, representing all 50 states, all 67 Florida counties, 55 countries and more than 2,700 U.S. high schools. Read more …

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Alumni of FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts have left their mark on some of this summer’s most prominent movies.

Nat Sanders (BFA ’02) served as an editor on “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” David Robert Mitchell (MFA ’02) wrote, directed and produced “The End of Oak Street,” and Alex Ullom (BFA ’20) wrote, directed and edited the independent thriller “It Ends.” Ullom’s classmates Carrie Carusone and Evan Barber (also both BFA ’20) were producers on the film.

“To see our alumni contributing at this level is an incredible point of pride for FSU Film,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “Nat and David have each built remarkable careers, while Alex, Carrie and Evan are part of an exciting new generation of FSU filmmakers. Their success shows our students just how many paths there are to making an impact in this industry.”

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” starring Tom Holland and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, has become one of the year’s biggest box-office successes.

The film continues Sanders’ collaboration with Cretton, which includes “Short Term 12,” “The Glass Castle,” “Just Mercy” and Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Sanders also was part of the FSU Film alumni team behind the Academy Award-winning “Moonlight.” He and fellow FSU graduate Joi McMillon edited the film and earned Academy Award nominations for Best Film Editing. Sanders has worked extensively with “Moonlight” writer-director and fellow FSU alumnus Barry Jenkins, including editing Jenkins’ first feature, “Medicine for Melancholy,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

“It was at the FSU Film School where I discovered my love for editing and also formed the friendships and relationships that made my career possible,” Sanders said. “I’m so grateful for my time at FSU Film.”

Mitchell returned to theaters this summer with “The End of Oak Street,” a science-fiction adventure starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. The film follows the Platt family after a mysterious cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to an unknown place, forcing them to navigate unfamiliar surroundings to survive.

Mitchell made his feature directorial debut with “The Myth of the American Sleepover” and gained international attention with the 2014 horror film “It Follows.” He later wrote and directed “Under the Silver Lake.”

“My time at FSU, and the lifelong friendships I made there have been key factors in my ability to make films,” Mitchell said. “It’s a super important place for me.”

Ullom’s feature directorial debut, “It Ends,” opened in select theaters Aug. 21 after strong critical attention and is set to expand nationwide Friday. The film premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival.

“It Ends” follows four recent college graduates who set out on a late-night drive and find themselves trapped on a seemingly endless road. The film has drawn national attention for Ullom, whose debut comes just four years after earning his BFA from FSU.

Ullom credited his experience at FSU with helping make the film possible and connecting him with collaborators who remain part of his life and work.

“It gave me the friends and collaborators that supported me and are now my lifelong friends. I also couldn’t have made the film without the school supporting us,” Ullom said.

The work of Sanders, Mitchell, Ullom, Carusone and Barber adds to a long record of FSU Film alumni working across the motion picture industry as directors, producers, writers, editors, cinematographers and other filmmaking professionals.

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Florida State University hosted its largest ever New Graduate Student Orientation on Aug. 18 at the HCB Building, welcoming more than 500 new students pursuing professional certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Students spent the morning learning about various resources available to them on campus, including information about the libraries, safety protocols, health services and opportunities for teaching, professional and career development.

“Graduate student orientation is a critical part of the graduate student’s journey,” said Greg Bell, the new dean of FSU’s Graduate School. “We connect them with those resources now so that they know that they’re there in the future.”

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After six years of raising their family in California, the next chapter for Prince Harry and Meghan includes returning to the U.K. for an extended period at a non-royal residence. Their six-year estrangement from the Royal Family — and the possibility of reconciliation — reflect dynamics that are relatable to many non-royal families.

Family estrangement is becoming common in American families. Last year, a YouGov poll found that 38% of Americans adults say they are currently estranged from either a sibling, a parent, a child, a grandparent or a grandchild. Included in that poll, which surveyed 4,395 U.S. adult citizens, 16% of respondents said they are currently estranged from a parent.

Florida State University’s Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate teaching professor in human development and family science. She has become a nationally recognized relationship expert who has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, SELF Magazine, HuffPost, Fox News and more.

In 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ estrangement from the Royal Family began due to several factors, including lack of palace support and constraints within the family that led to their decision to leave for the United States. According to Jeter, family dynamics where there is disagreement are relatable to families outside the spotlight.

“What’s especially familiar is the in-law dynamic,” Jeter said. “When a family doesn’t fully welcome a new partner, the person in the middle feels torn — to protect their spouse and translate actions on both sides. Often, that person feels like they can never win and keep both sides content, so they give up. This is where estrangement follows; it’s a way of reducing the immediate conflict within them and their family.”

Within the same YouGov Poll, individuals estranged from a child (70%) or grandchild (66%) were more likely to say they would consider reconciling with their family member. For Prince Harry, he remains estranged from his brother, William — The Prince of Wales. The Sussexes are expected to remain private citizens while in the U.K. However, there is a possibility of healing the family rift with his father, King Charles III.

The pathway to reconciliation, according to Jeter, often begins with humility and acceptance.

“Most reconciliation that I’ve seen starts with someone recognizing that wanting to be ‘right’ isn’t working,” Jeter said. “There is humility in recognizing that they could have done some things wrong or hurtful, even unintentionally. They don’t completely give up their views, but they accept that the other person can see things differently and it doesn’t have to be a threat to the relationship.”

Media interested in understanding family estrangement and reconciliation through the lens of the Royal Family may reach out to Nari Jeter via email at nari.jeter@fsu.edu.

Nari Jeter, licensed marriage and family therapist, Florida State University

Family estrangements involving notable figures can be quite different from everyday situations because they play out in front of the public. But in a situation like the Royal Family, what are some relatable concepts?

“It’s a common story that one person decides to step away from the family they come from to protect the family they made. That’s a pattern I see in my office every week. This kind of estrangement typically doesn’t come from one single blow-up, but from many moments where someone doesn’t feel seen, heard, or respected when it comes to their new family boundaries. This is especially true when that family member feels pressure to choose between being loyal to themselves (and their new family) or the family they come from.”

“Contrary to popular belief, estrangement isn’t about an absence of love. Many people who are cut off from their families feel grief, sadness and longing long after estrangement happened. Estrangement happens when love doesn’t feel safe, protected and respected.”

The pathway to reconciliation can be a long process. When you see families reconcile, what are some of the things that often lead to that final step?

“Another step usually comes with an apology or acknowledgement without justification or excuses. This is where emotional validation goes a long way. “I’m sorry I hurt you” or “I can tell I really disappointed you” isn’t an agreement on how they saw it, but it’s recognizing impact. People feel seen and heard when we accept their feelings. Most estranged family members aren’t looking for grand acts in reconciliation. One good apology or acknowledgement can really push the door open to reconnection.”

“Lastly, it’s common to see a significant life event cracking the door open: family sickness, a wedding, a birth, a death. Time and separation won’t heal estrangement, but an event that brings shared purpose or meaning to the family can motivate families to try. It’s important to not jump back into old roles and routines. Family members need to clearly communicate what wasn’t working before and talk about new expectations and boundaries. Small, sustainable, successful changes are the target. Short visits and weekly phone chats are a good starting point to rebuilding trust and connection. Reconciliation takes effort on both sides. It requires grace and humility, and the ability to see past our own hurts to the landscape of someone else’s life.”

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Florida State University students, faculty and staff are getting an in-depth lesson on artificial intelligence and its applications in research, courtesy of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, part of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

The 2026 AI Bootcamp series kicked off Aug. 6 on campus and runs through Oct. 9. 

The free educational series, organized by Cottrell Family Professor of Chemistry Oliver Steinbock and Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Wen Zhu, features guest lecturers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and guided debates. The bootcamp programming covers a comprehensive range of topics throughout the fall, from agentic AI and data analysis with large language models, to mental health considerations and career planning in the AI landscape.  

The series, which takes place in the Kroto Auditorium at FSU’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory, has drawn in faculty, staff and graduate and undergraduate students from departments across campus who are interested in diving deeper into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, in the research laboratory, the classroom and beyond. 

Featured speakers for the series include experts from FSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Interdisciplinary Data Science Master’s Degree Program, Department of Scientific Computing, Department of Computer Science, FSU Libraries, Information Technology Services and the School of Information in the College of Communication and Information. Visiting speakers include guests and returning FSU alumni from Emory University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Florida, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Google X and AI-driven platform Synfini. 

To view the complete AI Bootcamp program or register for the series, visit the bootcamp website.

For more information on events at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, visit chem.fsu.edu. 

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The Florida State University College of Law welcomed its most academically accomplished entering class to date. The Class of 2029 arrives as FSU College of Law celebrates its 60th anniversary and sets a new law school record with a median LSAT score of 169. The 116-member class also enters with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.93.

“The academic strength of this incoming class reflects the remarkable momentum we are seeing at FSU Law,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “These students had many options when choosing where to pursue their legal education, and we are thrilled they chose Florida State. We look forward to seeing what they contribute to our classrooms, our community and, ultimately, the legal profession.”

FSU Law received 3,265 applications, a 20% increase from the previous year, with only 13.7% of applicants admitted, making this one of the most selective entering classes in FSU Law history.

The record-setting class arrives as FSU Law continues to earn national recognition for its academic programs, student experience and value. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, FSU Law ranked No. 34 overall and No. 14 among public law schools. The Princeton Review also recognized FSU Law as the No. 1 Best Value Law School, No. 4 for Best Student Quality of Life and No. 6 for Best Professors.

“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2029,” said Jessica Dworkin, dean of admissions at FSU Law. “Their academic credentials are exceptional, but that tells only part of their story. They bring experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the world, along with a genuine enthusiasm for becoming part of the FSU Law community. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and see the many ways they will contribute during their time here.”

“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2029. Their academic credentials are exceptional, but that tells only part of their story. They bring experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the world, along with a genuine enthusiasm for becoming part of the FSU Law community. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and see the many ways they will contribute during their time here.”

– Jessica Dworkin, dean of admissions at FSU Law

The class represents 28 U.S. states and 11 international countries, with 28% of students from outside Florida. Eighty-eight percent are first-generation law school students. As travelers and global learners, they have collectively studied in or visited 91 countries.

Members of the Class of 2029 attended 37 different undergraduate institutions and pursued 35 different majors, including business administration, economics and legal studies. The cohort spans ages 20 to 39, encompassing recent graduates, mid-career professionals, parents, a veteran, former educators, software engineer, realtor, hairstylist, government employees, and even a professional dancer and choreographer.

Outside the classroom, members of the class bring an equally wide range of interests and experiences. Among their hobbies are jujitsu, skiing, volleyball, yoga, fencing, cheerleading, golf and participating in the FSU Circus, to name a few.

The Class of 2029 began orientation Aug. 17. Classes start Aug. 24.

For more information about FSU College of Law Admissions, visit the FSU Law admissions website.

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Florida State men’s golf rising senior Jack Whaley returns to Tallahassee after he was crowned the 126th U.S. Amateur Champion on Sunday, Aug. 16, after defeating Jay Leng Jr. 4&3 at the Merion Golf Club.

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