Center for Leadership and Social Change

FSU alumnus Ben Crump returns to campus for MLK Week

Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump returned to his alma mater as a featured speaker during Florida State University’s MLK Commemoration Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 17. The established lawyer offered his insights, experience and legal expertise as part of FSU’s 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebration, which provided the campus with opportunities for […]

FSU to host 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebration

Florida State University will host the 2023 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week Jan. 16-20. The celebration—this year crafted around the theme “It Starts with Us: Advocating for Access in Higher Education and Society”—has honored King’s life and work for more than three decades. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to […]

V-rak-ke-ce-tv cultural graduation ceremony honors Fall 2022 graduates

Sentiments of authenticity and belonging were at the forefront of Florida State University’s cultural graduation ceremony, V-rak-ke-ce-tv, which took place Thursday, Dec. 8, in the FSU Student Union. Sabrina Dickey, an associate professor in the College of Nursing, served as the keynote speaker and addressed 49 graduates, along with their friends and family, about the […]

Service Leadership Seminar teaches students to be community leaders

A group of Florida State University incoming freshmen got a lesson in being leaders as they served their new community during Service Leadership Seminar (SLS), a weeklong event coordinated through the Center for Leadership and Social Change at FSU. SLS is an opportunity for freshmen to learn about community service, identity and leadership through participation […]

FSU presents third annual Latinx Cultural Celebration

The Florida State University community is preparing to gather in honor of its Latinx members and their contributions as the campus observes a significant historical milestone. FSU will host its 3rd Annual Latinx Cultural Celebration Friday, Oct. 8. The theme for this year’s celebration is Una Comunidad Diversa, or “a diverse community.” “The theme is […]

FSU, FAMU researchers receive National Academy of Sciences grant to form new Gulf Scholars program

Researchers from Florida State University and Florida A&M University have launched the FAMU-FSU Gulf Scholars Program with a $1 million grant from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to support students who are interested in tackling longstanding social, economic, environmental and justice-related challenges facing the Gulf of Mexico region. The program will provide unique learning and research […]

FSU students recognized virtually through President’s Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year program

For more than 20 years, Florida State University has recognized undergraduate students who exhibit a tremendous commitment to service through its annual President’s Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Program. This year’s 12 nominees have done everything from fostering children to volunteering at COVID-19 testing sites and advocating for speech and hearing-based services. Each school or […]

FSU to host 33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week 

Florida State University will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during its 33rd Annual MLK Week from Monday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 22. The weeklong celebration will feature a range of events, including virtual offerings, inspired by the theme “The Black Women in Our Lives.” The goal of the week is to […]

Service Leadership Seminar inspires new students to be community leaders

Forty-nine incoming freshmen discovered how they can create positive, sustainable change around Florida State University — and the world — by participating in the annual Service Leadership Seminar, the week before the fall semester. Service Leadership Seminar (SLS) is a weeklong event coordinated through the Center for Leadership and Social Change at FSU. It’s an […]

FSU students have a different take on spring break

While college students across the nation are enjoying their spring break lying on the beach or relaxing at home, dozens of Florida State University students are taking a different approach during their short reprieve from class. Groups and individual FSU students are traveling around the country and world while gaining career experience, giving back to […]

FSU student entrepreneur helps empower girls in Ethiopia

Florida State University junior Jessica Bachansingh has dedicated herself to empowering girls globally by teaching them a marketable skill — sewing. Three years ago, Bachansingh founded Gifts for Confidence, a nonprofit organization that gives girls in Ethiopia the chance to learn how to sew infinity scarves. They are sold locally in Ethiopian communities and globally […]

Profiles in Leadership: Osteen inspires the leaders of tomorrow

For more than 13 years, Laura Osteen has been brightening Florida State University’s campus with her warm smile and positive attitude. Osteen — or “Dr. O” as her students fondly refer to her — is the director for the Center for Leadership & Social Change, where she serves as a popular role model and mentor for students […]