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Florida State University’s First Lady Jai Vartikar joined hundreds of students, alumni and campus leaders Wednesday, April 22 for the inaugural Legacy Tea, an event that honored the university’s roots as a women’s college and recognized the impact of female leaders.

Hosted by the Panhellenic Association in the Student Union Ballrooms, the event was part of the university’s yearlong 175th anniversary celebration.

The program featured remarks from student, faculty and university leaders, including Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht, history Professor and Department Chair Jennifer Koslow, Panhellenic President Emma Clark and this year’s featured speaker FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar.

Vartikar said the event reflects a central truth about Florida State’s history: “When we talk about the legacy of Florida State University, we are talking about the legacy of women.”

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From promoting the impact of cutting-edge research to celebrating student success, podcasts at Florida State University have become a staple for sharing information for the FSU community. They offer an accessible medium for digital storytelling, amplifying the voices of students, staff and faculty. 

FSU colleges and departments host a variety of podcasts pulling stories and experts from across the university. The diverse range of podcasts means that there is something for every listener to tune into, whether they are a student, staff member or alumni. Here are a few examples of the FSU podcasts available:

Nole Edge  

The College of Arts and Sciences produces “Nole Edge,” connecting listeners with the stories of students, faculty, alumni and researchers whose work is changing the way we view the world. 

Host Amy Walden, the college’s assistant director of visual and social media, has explored topics such as what happens in the human brain during sleep and how that protects against Alzheimer’s disease, the ethics of moral injury, FSU’s immersive language houses and more. Now in its fourth season, episodes are available on the college’s YouTube channel. 

“Nole Edge” has created a unique space to share the stories and perspectives of the outstanding researchers, faculty, students and world-renowned lecturers that make Florida State such a special place,” Walden said. “Because the FSU College of Arts and Sciences is home to the natural sciences and humanities, every topic and conversation on the podcast is a new adventure. We strive for our listeners, no matter their area of interest or level of expertise, to walk away from each episode with fresh knowledge.” 

InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast  

“The InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast” with host Mark McNees from the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship highlights student and alumni entrepreneurs and innovators from FSU. 

Guests include the next generation of young business leaders sharing what they’re learning as they build companies from the ground up, FSU faculty with key insights into entrepreneurship, and alumni making their mark. “InNOLEvation Mindset” can be found on the website for FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and is also available on YouTube. 

 “InNOLEvation® Mindset started as a way to give FSU’s entrepreneurs a platform, but it has evolved into something bigger,” McNees said. “We’re now having conversations with energy finance leaders, sustainability innovators and business founders whose work is reshaping entire industries. The podcast gives the Jim Moran College a front-row seat to those conversations, and our listeners, whether they’re students, executives, or policymakers, walk away with insights they can actually use.” 

Coach Talk  

“Coach Talk” was created by Timothy Baghurst, director of the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching. Each episode connects the classroom with the field, featuring guests from the sports industry, including coaches, athletic directors, team owners and more. Episodes of “Coach Talk” can be found streaming online on platforms such as Spotify.   

 “Listeners gain a deeper understanding of coaching practices, decision-making and the realities of working in sports, drawing practical, evidence-based lessons from the show,” Baghurst said. “‘Coach Talk’ offers an inside perspective on the knowledge and experiences that shape sports today.” 

More FSU podcasts 

There is a podcast for every listener, each one exploring another facet of the FSU community. 

The College of Medicine produces “Faculty Forward” to provide insight, strategies and professional advice to medical school and health sciences faculty. Each episode features experts and educators from FSU, focusing on topics for faculty success in the classroom and the clinic. Episodes of “Faculty Forward” can be found on the website for FSU’s College of Medicine.   

“FSU COMMversation” is a student-run podcast highlighting students, professors and alumni from FSU’s School of Communication in the College of Communication and Information. Each episode highlights the accomplishments of its guests, which allows other students, professors, and alumni to stay informed and connected with the communications world. “FSU COMMversation” can be found on all streaming platforms online.   

“Seminole Sports” is hosted by Jeff Culhane, the director of broadcasting for the Seminole Sports Network. Culhane is joined by Seminole coaches and players as he breaks down current news and events in FSU sports. Listeners can tune into “Seminole Sports” from the Seminole Boosters website.  

“Connect with VP Amy Hecht” dives into new topics about programs and opportunities at FSU. Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht highlights a new guest in each episode and discusses frequently asked questions from students, parents and future Seminoles. Listeners can find episodes of “Connect with VP Amy Hecht” on FSU’s website for the Division of Student Affairs.

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Seven Florida State University students are spending their spring semester living and learning in the heart of Washington, D.C., as the first participants in the university’s new FSU DC Study Away Program.

The group — Rachel Armstrong, Gabriella Burke, Ryan Nutzman, Isabella Perez, Mickey Wagoner, Jonah Watson and Mia Zamora — will gain hands-on experience through internships at congressional offices and other organizations while residing in FSU-managed housing just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

In 2025, Florida State University purchased two townhomes in a residential neighborhood to provide FSU students with a supportive living environment as they pursue internships at agencies, advocacy and association groups, corporations and government sites. The university’s innovative housing solution allows students to make the most of their internships and network opportunities in D.C. as they continue their academic coursework. The housing includes a house manager who offers on-site support, monitors the units and communicates student needs to the FSU Housing Office.

“This initiative is yet another great milestone for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “The FSU network in Washington is strong, home to more than 7,500 alumni. By providing our students with housing options, they have even more support as they gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.”

The FSU DC Study Away Program is a collaboration among FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, the Career Center and University Housing. Students can apply to participate during the fall, spring or summer semesters. If accepted to the program, they have easy access to the Capitol, both major political party’s headquarters, and House and Senate office buildings.

“We’re truly excited to offer this opportunity to our students, providing them safe, affordable housing to bolster their educational and professional journeys,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Even though they’ll be farther from campus, they will remain deeply connected to Seminole spirit and community.”

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Florida State University welcomed more than 90 student affairs professionals from all 12 State University System (SUS) institutions on June 12–13 for the SUS Hazing Prevention Summit. It was FSU’s first time hosting the event.

The summit focused on using organizational change models to prevent hazing and create safer campus environments. Attendees explored strategies, shared best practices and collaborated on cross-campus solutions.

“It is such an honor and privilege to host the other SUS institutions at Florida State University,” said Amy Hecht, FSU vice president for Student Affairs. “With the passing of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this summit is vitally important. Through collaborative dialogue, we can collectively challenge the status quo and ask how we might cultivate environments where a proactive approach is needed to address and prevent hazing on our campuses.”

FSU partnered with the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD), an academic center at Ohio State University, to develop the content for the summit. HECAOD provides training, tools and assistance to higher education professionals nationwide who work to address collegiate substance misuse.

“Through collaborative dialogue, we can collectively challenge the status quo and ask how we might cultivate environments where a proactive approach is needed to address and prevent hazing on our campuses.”

– FSU Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht

Attendees represented many areas of campus, including fraternity and sorority life, campus recreation, student engagement, student conduct and health promotion services. The institute-style summit, facilitated by FSU Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Freddy Juarez and HECAOD Outreach and Engagement Manager Logan Davis, focused on student profiles, upstream prevention strategies and how to evaluate their current structures on campus to combat hazing.

“The summit gave our colleagues across the SUS an opportunity to spend intentional time developing a plan to address the complexities of hazing prevention,” Juarez said. “This time was enhanced by the collective ingenuity found within the professionals of the SUS. Together, we can create safer communities that work to cultivate student success.”

Through small groups, participants left with shared content and tangible ideas on how to combat campus hazing.

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Amy Hecht, Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs, has been recognized with the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Read more …

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Amy Hecht, Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs, has been recognized with the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

This prestigious national award is named after Scott Goodnight, NASPA’s founding chair of the Board of Directors from 1919 to 1920 and the former dean of men at the University of Wisconsin. The accolade is presented to a “Dean” or the lead student affairs officer on campus who has demonstrated sustained professional achievement in student affairs work, innovative response in meeting the varied and emerging needs of students, effectiveness in developing staff, and leadership in community and college or university affairs. The award recipient must also have earned the support of and stature among students, faculty and fellow administrators on campus, and made significant contributions to the field through publications or involvement in professional associations.

“Vice President Hecht is truly deserving of this honor,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “She is a national leader among student affairs professionals, and she is dedicated to the success of Florida State University students, the development of her staff and the advancement of the field. We are so proud of her accomplishments.”

Last fall, Hecht was also recognized by NASPA with the Pillar of the Profession Award. The Pillar of the Profession award honors leaders who demonstrate distinction in the higher education field, have served in leadership roles in NASPA either regionally or nationally, and are recognized by colleagues for their significant contributions to the field of higher education.

Hecht began serving as the VP for Student Affairs at FSU in 2017, where she has focused on student success and empowering and supporting all students to achieve their full potential. During her tenure as VP, FSU has received multiple recognitions for student engagement and success. Most recently, FSU ranked No. 1 in Florida for Best Student Life by Niche.com based on the university’s positive, fun and friendly student culture and vibrant campus community.

Before joining FSU, she served in several Student Affairs leadership roles, including VP at the College of New Jersey, Assistant VP at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Associate Dean at Temple University in Philadelphia, and Assistant Director of Student Activities at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

A proud FSU alumna, Hecht earned her bachelor’s degree from the FSU College of Communication and Information and completed her master’s degree and doctorate in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

She has served on numerous NASPA boards and committees and has helped with several of the organization’s initiatives. Hecht’s NASPA service includes institute director and faculty member for the New Vice Presidents Institute, chair of the AVP Steering Committee, co-chair for the Student Leadership Program Knowledge Community and board member for the James E. Scott Academy and the Public Policy Advisory Board.

Hecht will be honored with the Scott Goodnight Award and the Pillar of the Profession Award at an awards celebration at the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference on March 12 in Seattle.

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Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht has been recognized with the Pillar of the Profession Award for her outstanding work by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, or NASPA, the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

Each year, NASPA recognizes individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in the field of higher education and student affairs. To earn the Pillar of the Profession Award, honorees must demonstrate distinction in the higher education field, have served in leadership roles in NASPA either regionally or nationally, be recognized by colleagues and contribute significantly to the field of higher education. This award shines a light on leaders who have created a lasting impact on their institution, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service.

“What an honor to be recognized by NASPA for this prestigious award for my work in student affairs,” Hecht said. “NASPA has been my professional home since I entered the field over 20 years ago. It has enabled me to grow and connect and has provided so many inspirational leaders for me to learn from.”

Hecht has served on numerous NASPA boards and committees and has helped with several of the organization’s initiatives. Her service includes serving as the institute director and faculty member for the New Vice Presidents Institute, chair of the AVP Steering Committee, co-chair for the Student Leadership Program Knowledge Community and board member for the James E. Scott Academy and the Public Policy Advisory Board.

A professional in the field of student affairs since 2001, Hecht has extensive experience leading and managing in higher education. Prior to joining FSU as vice president for The Division of Student Affairs, she served in several leadership roles including vice president for student affairs at the College of New Jersey; assistant vice president for student affairs at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.; the associate dean of students and assistant dean of students at Temple University in Philadelphia; and assistant director of student activities at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa.

Hecht earned her bachelor’s degree at Florida State University in mass communications and completed her master’s degree and doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Pennsylvania. She has published a book on the role of assistant/associate vice presidents in student affairs and book chapters and articles focused on organizational learning, change and executive transitions. Her research interests include organizational culture, organizational learning and the effective use of business practices within the field of higher education.

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Each semester, Florida State University presents “Welcome FSU,” a series of events and programs that serve as the official welcome for all Florida State students.

This summer, “Welcome FSU” will begin Thursday, June 22, and offer an array of activities through Friday, June 30.

“Welcome FSU” helps students learn about campus resources, ways to get involved and connected and how to make FSU and Tallahassee home. The scheduled events and programs focus on social, well-being, cultural and academic activities for students at FSU.

“We are excited to offer a variety of events and on-campus opportunities to welcome our students to Florida State,” said Amy Hecht, Vice President for Student Affairs. “We want our new Noles to feel a sense of community and belonging immediately. We know that the FSU experience is one of the reasons why our students are so successful, and we look forward to seeing students at ‘Welcome FSU’ events at the start of the semester.”

With introductions to more than 650 student organizations, seven student government agencies, 54 fraternities and sororities and over 40 intramural sports, “Welcome FSU” offers students a chance to connect with resources and communities across campus to support them throughout their academic experience.

“Welcome FSU” supports the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round Hello FSU! campaign that aims to keep students engaged with campus resources and in the know about fun things to discover and do on campus. Hello FSU! works with the Division of Undergraduate Studies and other campus partners to highlight key campus events, programs, activities and services for undergraduate students by offering:

• The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.
• How to FSU – Connects students with online guides and how-to resources to navigate various campus processes.
• Success Tips – Identifying resources and providing life management tips to help students succeed in and out of the classroom.
• Spotlight Stories – Special feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.
• ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides an extra reminder for key events or important actions.

To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the FSU Calendar.

For more “Welcome FSU” information and the full schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

Thursday, June 22

Rec Fest at Leach

5-7 p.m., Leach Center

Explore campus after move-in and join the Leach Center for special games and giveaways.

Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25

Find Your Classroom Tours

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., HCB Atrium

Brief, guided tours around campus can help students find the buildings where their summer classes will be held.

Monday, June 26

First Day Photos

9 a.m.-1 p.m., Landis Green

Join New Student & Family Programs on Landis Green and commemorate the first day of classes with a photo.

Tuesday, June 27

Summer Involvement Fair

4-6 p.m., Union Ballrooms

Meet student organization leaders and members at a tabling fair to learn how to get involved at FSU.

Wednesday, June 28

Summer Block Party

5-7 p.m., Union Green

Students can enjoy carnival games, inflatables and food while interacting with the FSU community.

Thursday, June 29

Summer Sports Fest

4-6 p.m., Main Campus Fields

Stop by the Main Campus Fields for pick-up games and learn more about FSU’s summer intramural leagues.

Friday, June 30

Union Fridays: Local Artist Concert

6-8 p.m., Club Downunder

Stop by Club Downunder for performances by local bands.

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Florida State University is one of the nation’s best colleges for students seeking a top-notch education with excellent career preparation and at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review.  

FSU ranks No. 21 for “Best Value” among public schools in the education-services company’s Best Value Colleges for 2023. 

“Students and their families know that Florida State University provides a world-class education at an affordable price,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are pleased to be recognized for our excellent return on investment and ensuring our students earn their degrees with little financial burden.” 

The Princeton Review produced the 2023 list based on data from its surveys of administrators at more than 650 colleges in 2022-2023. Topics covered everything from academics, cost and financial aid to graduation rates and student debt.  

The company factored in data from its surveys of students attending the schools as well as data from PayScale.com’s surveys of alumni of the schools about their starting and mid-career salaries and job satisfaction.   

The Princeton Review also included FSU in the Top 20 among public schools in four additional categories: No. 15 on Best Schools for Internships and Best Schools for Making an Impact and No. 16 on Best Schools for Financial Aid and Best Alumni Networks. 

“Florida State strives to excel in all aspects of the student experience, and these rankings reflect our commitment to giving students the opportunity to succeed throughout college and after graduation,” Clark said. 

As evidenced by FSU’s ranking on the Best Schools for Internships list, connecting students with opportunities for experiential learning is a critical part of the university’s mission. FSU became the largest university in the nation to require experiential learning for undergraduates four years ago. The Career Center provides students with free individual career advising and counseling and offers programs like InternFSU and FSUshadow that help give hands-on experiences.  

“Internships are transformative opportunities for students to gain real-world skills, make valuable connections, and discover their true potential in their desired career field,” said Leslie Mille, interim director of The Career Center. “The Career Center works continuously to expand relationships with national, regional and local employers to increase internship opportunities for all students across the university.” 

Universities included on the Best Schools for Making an Impact list were selected based on student ratings and responses to survey questions covering community service opportunities at their school, student government, sustainability efforts and on-campus student engagement.  

“We are honored to be recognized by our students as a Best School for Making an Impact,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “The Division of Student Affairs prides itself on empowering students to make a positive difference, and the evidence is clear. Supporting and challenging the talented students at FSU is why we entered this field. I couldn’t be prouder to see this recognition for our unparalleled student experience.” 

For more information, visit https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-value-colleges/lists. 

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