Florida State University graduate student James Eggers, in the Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies program at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College), has been named one of 22 McCain Global Leaders for the 2025 cohort.
The McCain Global Leaders program is a 12-month fellowship named after Senator John McCain that supports emerging leaders dedicated to democracy, human rights and freedom. It provides skills and knowledge to help them tackle global challenges and affect positive change in their communities.
“Being selected as a McCain Global Scholar is a significant achievement and a testament to James’s sustained engagement as a servant leader,” said Keith McCall, assistant director for the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “As a former Fulbright recipient, an active-duty Coast Guard officer and now a McCain Scholar, James exemplifies the integration of academic excellence and globally focused public service.”
Eggers, a dedicated Coast Guard officer, has a rich background in service and education. Before enrolling at FSU, he participated in Teach for America and held a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in 2015. His commitment to service and mentorship is evident in his career and educational pursuits.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as a McCain Global Leader and grateful for the opportunity to join a cohort of rising leaders that value Senator McCain’s legacy of service and integrity,” Eggers said. “The program invests in the development of 20-25 principled leaders annually across the globe. Senator McCain’s example of character-driven leadership reminds me of the responsibility we all share to put principle above partisanship and do our part to make the world a better, safer place.”
Eggers will join a group of various countries and backgrounds, participating in a series of intensive training sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects.
“We are incredibly proud to see James Eggers recognized as a McCain Global Leader,” said Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College. “James’s commitment to making a global impact aligns perfectly with our mission at Anne’s College to cultivate transformative leaders, and we eagerly anticipate the positive change he will undoubtedly bring to the world.”
Applications for the next cohort will open in early 2026. For more information about the McCain Global Leaders program and its mission, visit mccaininstitute.org.
More information about Anne’s College can be found at annescollege.fsu.edu.
For more on FSU’s Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards, visit ogfa.fsu.edu.