Leon County commissioners honor Florida State University with proclamation

The Leon County, Fla., Board of County Commissioners recognized Florida State University’s pre-eminent status within the state of Florida with a proclamation during the board’s regular public meeting July 9.

The proclamation also noted Florida State’s high level of research activity, its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as the $15 million in additional state funding that it will receive annually because of its pre-eminent status.

Gary Ostrander, Florida State’s vice president for Research, accepted the county’s proclamation on behalf of President Eric J. Barron.

“I appreciate the efforts of our county commissioners to call attention to Florida State University’s pre-eminent status and its high standing as a top-tier research institution,”Ostrander said. “The continued support of our local leaders and community members will be crucial as we work to be one of the nation’s top 25 public universities and bring new jobs and economic success to Leon County and its surrounding areas.”

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During the meeting, Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley read the proclamation, which states:

•Whereas, Florida State University is recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as engaged in very high research activity, the highest status accorded to a doctoral-granting university; and

•Whereas, Florida State University is already the top STEM university in the state, ranking first in five of the nine fields of study identified by the National Science Foundation in STEM subjects; and

•Whereas, Florida State University was one of only two of Florida’s many institutions to qualify for status as a pre-eminent research university; and

•Whereas, Florida State University will receive $15 million in additional funding yearly for achieving pre-eminent status; and

•Whereas, Leon County and the surrounding community benefit daily from the products of the research and creative efforts of the faculty, staff and students across all academic disciplines.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Leon County, Florida, that we recognize Florida State University, as well as its community and leadership, and congratulate them for being designated by the Board of Governors as a pre-eminent research university.