Three FSU leaders who were the first in their families to attend college — Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, President Richard McCullough and Head Football Coach Mike Norvell — shared their inspiring journeys of resilience and achievement, encouraging current first-generation students to pursue their dreams during Florida State University’s third annual Horizons Unlimited Conference on Tuesday, March 3.
Led by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, the conference brought together first-generation students, alumni and university leaders for a day of personal stories and practical guidance aimed at helping students succeed in college and beyond.
Participants attended sessions on topics such as overcoming adversity, building a professional brand and reflecting on personal journeys, while also connecting with fellow first-generation students, faculty and mentors.
“I believe in you, Florida State University believes in you,” Vartikar said. “But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. So, believe that you belong here and in every room that you want to be in. Your voice matters. Your horizons are unlimited and we can’t wait to see what you become.”
The event reinforced FSU’s commitment to first-generation student success. Nearly a quarter of FSU’s undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college, with many finding support through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE).
The day concluded with a keynote address from Collins, who shared his inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and as a leader in his field and community.
Norvell introduced Collins before a packed audience at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. He emphasized that although the path to success may be unpredictable, it is essential to keep moving forward and seeking opportunities that get students one step closer to where they want to be.
“The road to success, even though you’re going to go a lot of different directions — it’s a willingness to take a step,” he said. “It’s a willingness to go and to put yourself in a position, to grasp information, to grasp knowledge, to grasp the experiences that are going to put you in a position to achieve — to achieve and be the best that you can be.”
Norvell challenged students to keep taking the next step even after graduation and to seek opportunities that place them where they can grow and make a difference.
During his keynote address, Collins shared personal experiences and highlighted the importance of resilience.
“What I’ve learned is this: Resilience is built quietly, and it’s something you live,” he said. “Resilience isn’t built on a stage. Mine was built long before I ever stepped onto this one. It was built in places that didn’t look impressive at the time.”
He noted that the pressures many first-generation students carry — often balancing full-time work, managing financial anxiety and acting as translators for their families — build the very skills that prepare them to lead.
“Resilience gets you in the room, but leadership keeps you there,” Collins said. “People had more experience, more knowledge, more credentials, more confidence. So, I did two things: I prepared relentlessly and I asked questions not to look smart, but to get better.”
Collins also described his path from community college to Florida State University and how those early experiences helped prepare him to start his own company at age 33 while raising a young family.
“The doubts you feel today, those aren’t just qualifiers — they’re preparation,” Collins said. “The pressure you feel — preparation; the responsibility you carry — preparation. One day you’ll sit in rooms where decisions are made. One day you’ll lead teams, build companies, serve communities, shape institutions. And when that moment comes, you will not rise to the level of your ambition. You will rise to the level of your discipline; you will rise to the level of your resilience.”
Collins and McCullough closed the evening by answering questions from students and offering advice drawn from their experiences as first-generation students and leaders.