Florida State University faculty are rethinking how students learn. At the university’s third annual Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching, educators across campus gathered and highlighted innovative approaches across a range of disciplines that unite research and creativity to craft learning experiences that help students develop the skills they need in their fields. From virtual reality simulations and AI-driven coursework to hands-on activities and authentic connection, faculty are using cutting-edge strategies to keep students engaged and learning. 

The event, hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) in collaboration with FSU Libraries, highlighted new approaches to student-centered teaching and learning. 

The 2026 showcase featured 31 poster presentations and 18 roundtable discussions, focusing on student success and new ways to enhance both classroom and online learning. 

“I recognize from my own experience as a researcher just how many hours it takes to put together such high-quality work” said FSU Provost Jim Clark. “It is exciting to think that our students are benefiting so much from the type of intelligence you are bringing to this work. This commitment is truly what makes Florida State University a very special place and why we are a top 25 institution.”

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Florida State University recognized graduate student achievement and leadership at the Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence, sponsored by The Graduate School and the Congress of Graduate Students, on April 6 at the FSU Alumni Center.

The celebration honored graduate students who have earned external fellowships and grants and those who have excelled in teaching, mentorship, leadership, participation in public discourse, and research and creative activity. Faculty mentors were also recognized for their work with graduate students.

“Florida State has attracted some of the top graduate students from Florida, from around the United States and from around the world,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “Graduate students are central to undertaking FSU’s important missions of education, research and creative inquiry, and service.”

So far during the 2025-2026 academic year, FSU graduate students have won 135 national fellowships and grants, higher than last year’s near record of 131. That number is expected to grow and includes recognition and funding from the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Fulbright Program, the Florida Legislative and Gubernatorial Fellows programs and the McCain Global Leaders Program.

“Graduate funding opportunities are competitive by nature, and so it is a testament to the strength of FSU’s graduate programs and, most importantly, our graduate students, to have this number of externally funded students in a year,” said Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

The event kicked off Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, a national observance FSU celebrates with a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection.

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Florida State University recently welcomed faculty and teaching assistants across campus to the second annual Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching. Hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) in collaboration with FSU Libraries, the event celebrated the innovative and evidence-informed teaching practices that continue to make FSU a leader in student-centered education.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2025 showcase highlighted the efforts of FSU’s teaching community, bringing renewed attention to building student success and enhancing students’ learning experiences both in classrooms and online.

“The showcase is an important opportunity to share, and to honor, the amazing work FSU faculty are doing in their teaching,” said Leslie Richardson, director of the CAT. “I really admire their scholarly approach, where they gather evidence of how their methods work, get feedback and make adjustments — and I think the generous spirit of teaching here is just as important. Faculty are sharing their strategies talking about what works, what they want to change, what they really want to achieve, so that all of us can learn together and create the best possible learning experiences for our students. It’s very inspiring.”

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Florida State University’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) and University Libraries hosted the inaugural Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching Friday, April 5. The event provided faculty with an opportunity to share their expertise and innovations with the larger campus community.

The FSU-based mini-conference was open to all faculty members at FSU or the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and offered opportunities to learn more about innovative teaching practices through roundtable discussions and poster sessions.

“The showcase is an opportunity for faculty to share the exciting work they’re doing in their classes to provide great learning experiences for our students,” said Leslie Richardson, director of CAT. “They use research-informed strategies, and the work they ask students to do provides evidence of learning and the effectiveness of their teaching methods.”

Faculty presenters came from various disciplines and departments, including computer science, mathematics, engineering, education, communication and public health.

Brittany Kraft, a faculty member in the Department of Biological Science, presented her research on the efficacy of “cheat sheets” as an exam-studying practice.

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