As part of the burgeoning FSU Health initiative, Florida State University’s Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine (ISSM) and the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC) have jointly hired a new research scientist to bridge the gap between clinicians and researchers.  

Emilie Miley will start as assistant director of orthopedics and sports medicine research at ISSM on Aug. 5. Her role is funded by both TOC and FSU Health, reflecting the integrated efforts to enhance health outcomes in North Florida through innovative research. 

Miley, a National Athletic Trainer’s Association certified athletic trainer, brings more than 10 years of experience in sports medicine and orthopedics research. She most recently served as clinical research coordinator in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine. 

 “I am excited to be a part of this interdisciplinary team of orthopedic physicians and clinical researchers to advance knowledge of patient care,” Miley said. “I am passionate about supporting health care providers in producing the best patient-centered approach possible through the lens of research. This position will allow me to leverage my strengths as a clinician-researcher to drive research initiatives to optimize health care.” 

 The strategic partnership between FSU Health, ISSM, and TOC aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and academic research, ultimately providing a more robust health care system for the residents of North Florida. 

 Miley will lead research projects aimed at improving health care outcomes in orthopedic medicine and sports science, working closely with world-class orthopedic physicians and clinical researchers. 

Prior to her role at the University of Florida, Miley served as an assistant professor of kinesiology and athletic training at Charleston Southern University while providing outreach athletic training services to local high schools throughout her career.  

 She earned her doctorate in athletic training from the University of Idaho and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in athletic training from Indiana State University. She also has a doctorate in education from University of Idaho with a specialization in psychometric analysis of patient-reported outcomes. 

Miley joins a team of researchers and affiliates at the ISSM focused on advancing knowledge in performance nutrition, sports science and athletics research, clinical research, sport psychology and orthopedic sports medicine.  

 The ISSM, established in 2010 alongside TOC as its founding partner, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research. Other collaborative partners include the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; FSU Athletics; the FSU College of Medicine; and Nike. 

 “I’m excited to welcome Dr. Emilie Miley to FSU,” said Michael Ormsbee, director of the ISSM and professor at the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “She brings impressive expertise and dedication to advancing healthcare outcomes in orthopedic care and sports medicine. She will be instrumental in spearheading innovative research projects that align with our mission at ISSM and the missions of TOC and FSU Health.” 

 TOC has a long-standing partnership with FSU that includes hosting more than 120 medical students over the past decade, providing team physicians for all FSU athletic programs for the last 50 years. The collaboration has led to numerous successful research initiatives. 

 “The addition of Emilie Miley affords TOC the ability to rapidly accelerate innovations in orthopedics and make care better than ever for our 270,000 patients,” TOC CEO Michael Boblitz said. “I’m so happy to have Dr. Miley as part of our team.” 

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Florida State University College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dean Damon Andrew recently received the 2024 Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award from the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM). The award is among the most prestigious given by the leading sport management organization.

“I am honored to join the list of the many distinguished individuals who have received the Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award,” Andrew said. “So many past recipients of this award have mentored me along my academic journey, and I am so grateful to be recognized by an organization I so deeply cherish and respect.”

Dr. Jim Weese, former dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University, delivered introductory remarks during the ceremony on June 1 in Minneapolis, in which he cited Andrew’s prodigious scholarly publishing and administrative successes.

“Over the past 22 years, he has served our organization exceptionally well,” Weese said. “He got involved very early in his time with NASSM, serving on ad hoc committees, including the strategic planning committee, the research fellow selection committee, and the governance committee.” In total, Andrew served 10 years on the NASSM executive board, including his time as editor of the Sport Management Education Journal and his elected appointments as member-at large and president of NASSM.

The Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award recognizes a member of NASSM in good standing who has shown high distinction within the organization and at the recipient’s academic institution. Winners are chosen for their service to NASSM and professional contribution to fellow members and contribution to the field of sport management.

Damon Andrew serves as dean and professor of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at his alma mater, Florida State University.

With a history that traces back to 1905, the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is the oldest in Florida and includes the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Department of Health, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Department of Sport Management, School of Teacher Education, and three laboratory schools (Florida State University School, FSU Pembroke Pines Charter School and The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City).

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences serves over 4,500 students via 187 full-time faculty, 73 full-time staff and an operational budget of $80 million.

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The Florida State University Schools (FSUS) Board of Directors and College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dean Damon Andrew have announced the appointment of Dr. Christopher Small as interim executive director of FSUS — FSU’s developmental research school — for the 2024-2025 academic year. Small will start June 3.

Small succeeds Stacy Chambers, who Monday announced she will step down as executive director of FSUS to join the leadership team at Charter Schools USA after overseeing the K-12 charter school affiliated with Florida State University for nine years. 

“I want to thank Dr. Chambers for furthering Florida State University Schools’ mission to advance Florida’s K-12 education through exemplary teaching, research and service,” Andrew said. “I appreciate Dr. Small for his leadership as we plan to conduct a national search for a new executive director next year.” 

Christopher Small, who earned his doctoral degree at FSU in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2012, is the director of the online Educational Leadership/Administration programs and assistant teaching professor in the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and serve FSUS during this time of transition,” Small said. “Working in collaboration with the board, faculty, staff, students, parents and community partners will remain at the core of my leadership. I am committed to ensuring high achievement and increased educational opportunities for all learners through our lab school framework and do not doubt that FSUS will continue to elevate to new heights.” 

Small’s previous work experience includes time as a dean of students at Jefferson Elementary School, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at Nims Middle School, and school principal at Springwood Elementary School and Raa Middle School. His successes included increasing school grades, greatly reducing the number of discipline referrals, and building college-prep traditions. 

FSUS will conduct a national search for a new executive director in 2025.  

For more information about Florida State University Schools, visit https://www.fsus.school/. 

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Florida State University master’s student Joshua Burns chose to pursue a graduate degree in higher education because of the impact faculty and staff had on him as a first-generation, lower-income student from a rural background.

He has a passion for serving underrepresented student populations in higher education.

Why did you decide to attend FSU?

When I was looking at options for graduate school, I instantly connected with the academic and research environment that FSU had to offer. Through the visiting days process, I obtained a graduate assistantship in the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement. This assistantship exposed and continues to show me how students can find many opportunities that align with any academic discipline or explore how interdisciplinary research exists among several projects and labs. In addition, the University’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences higher education program made me feel like I was part of a genuine community, so I know FSU was the right fit for me.  

How has being part of a joint Scholars Program between Florida A&M University and Florida State University influenced your perspective on educational research and social justice?

My experience in the FAMU-FSU Partners United for Research Pathways Oriented to Social Justice in Education (PURPOSE) Scholars program during 2023 was one of the most academically enriching experiences as a college student. In a year, I grew my research skills, but more importantly, realized the importance of humanity in the research process. Being part of a cohort of FAMU and FSU undergraduate and graduate students, we had important conversations about educational research’s role in expanding access for all student populations and advancing social justice. Ultimately, we presented our research at the PURPOSE poster presentation conference in December. The sense of accomplishment I gained from this presentation was unmatched, as faculty, staff and students from both institutions were in attendance.   

Can you share more about what inspired your research?

I have been involved with two formal research projects while at FSU. First, I am the lead researcher on my research project “Caring More for Our First-Year, First-Generation, and Low-Income Students: Perceptions of Barriers and Transitional Success.” As a first-generation and low-income (FGLI) student myself, this project’s purpose is to listen to the voices, experiences and perceptions of other FGLI students at FSU, while using rich data from interviews to inform administrators, staff and faculty on how they can provide better support systems and services to these students.   

I am also one of the research assistants on the Helios-Acceleration research project with Toby Park-Gaghan, professor of Education Policy, Christine Mokher, professor of Higher Education and Cameron Beatty, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. This project’s purpose is to gain a better understanding of the academic and social experiences of advanced students. 

Can you describe your experience volunteering with the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) and how it aligns with your passion for supporting high school students?

During the summer of 2023, I volunteered and engaged in community service with the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA). As someone passionate about supporting high school students in their post-secondary preparation and leadership development, this was a great opportunity to meet those passions while getting further connected to the Tallahassee and Leon County communities. More specifically, I worked with a smaller group of students from TFLA, who served as peer leaders. With them, I facilitated a weekly leadership book discussion. 

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These Spring 2024 Florida State University graduates have worked hard to reach this moment, and all have unique stories about their time at FSU. From research to community involvement, their experiences have shaped who they are and prepared them for what’s next.

Conor Andrich

Sarasota native Conor Andrich completed his Master of Arts in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies (MCHS) in the Department of Art History. During his two years at FSU, Andrich pursued his interests in vernacular art — a genre of visual art made by self-taught artists — and community-centric heritage.  

“I decided to attend FSU because the MCHS program presented what I saw to be the perfect balance between the conceptual/theoretical elements of art history and the practical elements of museum work,” he said. “I have really broadened my horizons both intellectually and professionally through this program.” 

While attending classes at FSU, Andrich worked with the Carrabelle History Museum, a small museum with a local focus on the panhandle town of Carrabelle, helping them catalog their collection and create oral histories with community members. He also interned at Everglades National Park in the South Florida Collections Management Center.

“I am proud of the work I have done with the Carrabelle History Museum, which tells the story of Carrabelle through objects that are sourced from the community,” Andrich said. “The Carrabelle History Museum is a labor of love and the truest reflection of its community, and I believe that is what museum work, at its heart, should be about.” 

After graduation, Andrich will work at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Hollywood, Florida, where he will assist in the cataloging, conservation and curation of a 200,000-object collection of Florida Indigenous art, artifacts and material culture. 

“I am eager to contribute to the preservation of Indigenous history and knowledge, as well as to a greater public understanding of the fact that Indigenous cultures remain vital today, especially in Florida,” he said. 

Narjes Dridi

International student Narjes Dridi earned her Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences this semester. Born and raised in Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, Dridi wanted to pursue a doctorate in the U.S. because of its reputation in scientific research.  

She learned about Florida State from her chemistry professor at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis in Tunisia, where she earned her master’s degree. His daughter had started her doctoral studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU and touted the program’s interdisciplinary nature.  

After a two-year application process and five years of research, Dridi made the dream of completing her Ph.D. a reality.

“I met so many people, including my best friend who’s a visiting scholar, got two pet cats, traveled to different states, tried new cuisines and learned about different cultures and, most of all, I feel proud of myself for finally getting my Ph.D.,” she said. 

Dridi’s research focuses on the clinical application of nanomaterials. Her primary project makes polymer coatings and inorganic materials biocompatible for clinical applications like drug delivery and cancer detection.  

“Using my research to detect cancer enzymes is my favorite application so far,” Dridi said. “If any cancer enzyme is detected in the sampled blood, the solution’s color would change, indicating its presence, which could allow the user to get treated in the earlier stages of the disease. It’s almost like an at-home pregnancy test: easy to read and saves time, energy and money.” 

Nanomaterials are toxic and not yet safe for medicinal use, but Dridi’s goal is to become an entrepreneur and use her research to develop functional nanotechnology materials to benefit society and the environment.  

Following graduation, Dridi will remain in the U.S. to continue learning about the business and technology industry as the next step in her journey of making “nanotechnology truly useful for everyone.”

Julie Kuper and Tessa Spaulding

Julie Kuper, a first-generation college student from Naples, Florida, graduated with a doctorate in criminology. What could make it more meaningful? Her sister, Tessa Spaulding, is graduating, too, with a bachelor’s in editing, writing and media. 

“This is a really special moment for us,” Kuper said. “I am beyond excited to just enjoy and drink that in. Our family gets to gather here, all in one place, just to celebrate and dream up what the future might hold.” 

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Ibrahim Gillani appreciates the “tight knit” community. 

His younger brother, Shahmeer Mustafa Gillani, beholds the “very beautiful” campus. 

And their mother, Amber Noor Mustafa, embraces the “very welcoming” hospitality. 

All three speak from the perspective of a current student at Florida State University.  

“How impressive is that?” said Lawrence Joseph “LJ” Mahon, a senior lecturer in the Department of Finance in FSU’s College of Business. “When I was young, most students saw college as a way to get away from home and live the college experience. And here we have a mother and her two sons at FSU.” 

The three arrived at FSU one at a time by way of Pakistan, their homeland. 

Ibrahim, a student of Mahon’s, graduates Friday, May 3 with a Master of Science degree in finance, while Shahmeer pursues a bachelor’s in computer science and Amber, their mother, works toward a Ph.D. in international and multicultural education through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. 

They personify FSU’s global reach and illustrate the university’s celebrated family atmosphere.  

“We are proud to be at FSU,” Amber said. 

Amber began a five-year Fulbright program at FSU in August 2020, one year after Ibrahim began pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in economics at New York University. Amber did her first semester online in Pakistan, then moved to Tallahassee with her husband, Noor Mustafa Gillani, in January 2021.  

Amber calls her husband the family’s “scaffolding.” 

“He left his work in Pakistan and made all of this possible,” she said. 

Shahmeer came with his parents to Tallahassee but soon returned to the family’s hometown of Lahore, considered Pakistan’s cultural capital, to finish high school. He graduated in summer 2023 and applied to numerous U.S. universities, with a preference for acceptance to FSU so that he could join his mother and father in Tallahassee. He got his wish and started at FSU in fall 2023. 

Meanwhile, Ibrahim completed his bachelor’s degree at NYU in May 2023. He considered starting work as a strategy consultant but decided to apply to FSU’s Master of Science in finance program, which would reunite him with his family and give him time to prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst level 1 exam as he worked toward a prestigious job in finance. 

He liked the professional-development emphasis of FSU’s program, which would allow him to help manage the college’s Student Investment Fund, a student-run vehicle now valued at more than $6 million. He also considered FSU’s Top 25 ranking among public schools and especially its value compared with the cost of tuition at many other schools. 

He has since discovered even more to like about it. 

“Even though it’s a big school, there’s a tight-knit community here,” Ibrahim said. “I’ve noticed that the faculty members, even the ones with the highest credentials, are very caring toward their students. They look out for us, and they’re there for us when we need help. That is a big difference at FSU.” 

He has brought a big difference to FSU: a moustache that turns heads, amazes professors and inspires comparisons to William Howard Taft, Rollie Fingers and the guy on the Pringles can.

“That is the best mustache in the competition and possibly the best mustache I have ever seen,” Darren Brooks, assistant dean and MBA director in the College of Business, said in March during the FSU/SouthState Bank Small Business Case Competition. He referred to the whiskers of Ibrahim, who participated on a team that took first place in the event. 

Ibrahim noted that moustaches are culturally big in Pakistan, where they’re sometimes just plain big. He’s had his since 2022, and he plans to keep it, at least for now. 

“It’s been useful in the job-searching process,” he said. “When you do an interview or you’re at a networking event, they remember you. They remember your face.” 

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April is Autism Acceptance Month, an opportunity to raise public awareness and support for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Florida State University experts work to promote interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of autism and bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical/educational practice.

Faculty from the College of Medicine and the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are available to speak to media reporting on autism.

Veronica Fleury
Associate Professor, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
vpfleury@fsu.edu

Fleury researches how to optimize learning opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Her work explores how core behavioral characteristics of ASD promote or inhibit students’ ability to participate in learning activities and how to identify instructional strategies to address academic and social-communication difficulties for young children with ASD. She also researches how to promote the adoption of evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD in school and community settings.

“The number of children identified with ASD has increased markedly over recent decades — one in 36, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control survey. Consistent with these figures, the number of students identified with ASD being served in school special education programs has risen. Now, more than ever, we need effective, sustainable and socially valid strategies to help this population succeed in various educational settings. My research focuses on optimizing learning opportunities for individuals with ASD by developing and validating instructional strategies to address early academic difficulties, with an emphasis on early literacy; investigating factors that influence consumers’ understanding and acceptance of ASD interventions; and systematically identifying areas of strength and gaps in our knowledge to inform future research.”

Amy Wetherby
Distinguished Research Professor, College of Medicine, and director of FSU Autism Institute
amy.wetherby@med.fsu.edu; (850) 644-4367

Wetherby develops and implements screening tools for ASD and communication delays in large population-based samples of children 9-24 months of age. She is a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has more than 40 years of clinical experience. She also served on the DSM-5 Neurodevelopmental Workgroup of the American Psychiatric Association, which revised the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders.

“We know that early detection of autism is crucial for improving treatment for children. By identifying autism early, intervention can take advantage of the plasticity of the brain in the first three years of life. With early diagnosis and intervention, children with autism are more likely able to be included in regular classrooms from preschool to kindergarten and beyond. Tools developed by the team at the FSU Autism Institute, such as Autism Navigator and Baby Navigator, help to speed up diagnosis during this critical period.”

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Florida State University’s graduate programs rank among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools” released April 9. 

Graduate programs in education, law and nursing continue to shine in the rankings, led by Education’s rise to No. 14 among all public and private universities. 

“Florida State University’s outstanding graduate programs contribute to our prominence as one of the best universities in the country,” said President Richard McCullough. “Our faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research, teaching and service that make a positive impact on our state, nation and world. These rankings are a testament to their hard work, dedication and innovation across a wide range of disciplines.” 

Notably, FSU’s graduate program in Education and the College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities. 

“Outstanding graduate programs are driving FSU’s success as a top research institution,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “These rankings reflect the significant investments FSU is making into graduate education to attract high-quality students and support them in their scholarly and creative activities.”  

Interest in FSU’s graduate programs continues to gain momentum. The number of prospective students who applied for Fall 2024 is already the third largest in university history, and applications are still being accepted. 

“FSU’s colleges and programs continue to gain increasing recognition and these latest rankings are further evidence of this exciting upward trajectory eclipsing our previous numbers,” said Mark Riley, dean of The Graduate School. “There is a very special collective coherence in all our graduate endeavors with our faculty, students, students and deans, working together to produce significant outcomes, and these efforts are being noticed both nationally and internationally.” 

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ graduate program in Education rose seven spots to No. 14 overall and No. 6 among publics. In addition, four education specialties placed in the Top 25 among public universities — Special Education (No. 14), Elementary Teacher Education (No. 18), Education Administration (No. 18), and Curriculum and Instruction (No. 22). 

“I am overjoyed at the rankings earned by the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences,” said Damon Andrew, the college’s dean. “Not only are we the top-ranked college among education colleges in Florida, but we also solidified our standing among elite institutions across the nation. My hearty congratulations go to the faculty, staff and students who made this outstanding result possible.” 

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice continued its upward trajectory, moving seven spots to No. 26 overall and five places to No. 17 among public colleges. The DNP program, which has risen 51 places in three years, ranks No. 1 among public and private institutions in Florida. 

“We’re immensely proud of our DNP program’s national ranking climb,” said Jing Wang, dean of the College of Nursing. “The bold rise of 51 spots in three years reflects the diligent efforts of our world-class faculty who hold prestigious national honors and fellowships, the groundbreaking research our scientists embark on to solve the most complex issues in health care, and the innovative curriculum we offer as we educate the next generation of nurse practitioners leading in primary care, mental health, acute care, lifestyle medicine and health systems change. Congratulations to all our faculty, staff and students on a job well done, as we continue to make Florida State University shine on the national and global stage in our new journey on FSU Health.” 

The College of Law climbed six places to No. 23 among public institutions and eight spots overall to No. 48 overall. Seven specialty programs ranked in the Top 25 among public institutions: Environmental Law (No. 7); Tax Law (No. 12); Contracts/Commercial Law (No. 16); Constitutional Law (No. 18); International Law (No. 18); Criminal Law (No. 19) and Business/Corporate Law (No. 21).  

“We are delighted to be ranked among the nation’s top-tier law schools and to have many of our substantive programs ranked among the Top 50,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the College of Law. “The fact that seven of our programs are ranked in the Top 50 — including environmental law at No. 17 and tax law at No. 28 — reflects the strength of our nationally recognized faculty and the impressive breadth of our curriculum.” 

UPDATED
April 15, 2024

Speech-language pathology, social work and public affairs graduate programs rank No. 1 in Florida 

Florida State University graduate programs in speech-language pathology, social work and public affairs are the best in Florida and among the top in the nation, according to the latest rankings published in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools.”  

The three programs join the university’s graduate program in education and the College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice as those ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities. 

The speech-language pathology graduate program in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, housed within the College of Communication and Information, ranked No. 14 among all public and private institutions and No. 10 among publics. 

“The school’s position as the top-ranked speech-language pathology program in Florida, and its rank of No. 14 nationwide, are well deserved,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “They reflect the rigorous curriculum, exceptional teaching, excellent clinical services, impactful translational research and high levels of federal funding undertaken by the faculty and staff at the school.” 

The College of Social Work’s graduate programs rose six spots to No. 36 overall and checked in at No. 22 among public universities.

“The ascent of the College of Social Work in academic rankings is a testament to the steadfast dedication of our faculty and staff, along with the exemplary achievements of our students and alumni in the field,” said David Springer, dean of the College of Social Work. “Our progress is propelled forward by the unwavering backing from our FSU leadership, notably Provost Clark and President McCullough, who recognize the profound importance of social work education and research, and our impact on communities.” 

Graduate programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy also received recognition. The public affairs program ranked No. 47 in the country and No. 33 among publics, while the relatively new public health program placed No. 88 overall and No. 59 among publics.

“I am proud to see two of our graduate programs recognized among the best in the nation,” said Tim Chapin, dean College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “Even given a transition to a new generation of outstanding young faculty, our public affairs program remains Florida’s best. The public health program is also now ranked, which is a remarkable achievement given the massive growth of the university’s fastest growing undergraduate major in this discipline.”  

The U.S. News rankings of the speech-language pathology, social work and public affairs disciplines are based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions. 

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Christopher Lee Small, a professor in the Florida State University Educational Leadership and Administration program in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, has received FSU’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award.

Small, a proud alumnus of FSU who completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (ELPS) in 2012, earned a $1,000 stipend for the annual award that honors a faculty member, administrator or staff member for outstanding service in keeping with the principles and ideals of King.

“Dr. Small lives Dr. King’s principles and ideals of freedom, equality, justice, liberty, individuality and respect, in both his professional and personal lives,” said Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski, associate director for research at FSU’s Learning Systems Institute. “He has a deep commitment to increasing justice in the education system and his leadership of the FSU Educational Leadership and Administration program has been transformational.”

Zuilkowski noted that in the three years since Small joined the department, they have more than doubled the percentage of school principal candidates of color enrolled in ELPS’ licensure programs.

As a former elementary and middle school leader, Small led successful school turnarounds at several schools in Leon and Jefferson Counties, improving student learning outcomes and climate while reducing student discipline referrals. His doctoral dissertation study consisted of a mixed-methods analysis of academic achievement and student engagement of Black males participating in single-gender and co-educational language arts classes using culturally relevant pedagogy.

From the month he arrived at FSU as a faculty member in 2020, he sought out opportunities for faculty and staff in the ELPS department to engage with local schools and families in need. One colleague shared that the department has adopted families for the holiday season, supplied coats for school children, filled backpacks with school supplies, hosted a middle school art display and raised funds for middle-school children to go on their school trips.

“Under his leadership, we have become more engaged members of our community and my colleagues and I deeply appreciate how he leads us to be better versions of ourselves,” Zuilkowski said.

Small’s commitment to King’s ideals extends beyond campus and throughout the community. He has served as an active member on the Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Students Committee for the past four years and is an active volunteer for Leon County Schools, serving in various roles from judging student speech competitions to supervising lunch periods. Small also volunteers at a local food pantry and provides academic support to youth attending summer camps run by a local nonprofit.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award was established in 1986. All faculty and staff are eligible for the award, which is presented by the Division of Student Affairs Office of Student Agencies & Institutes and the Human Resources Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance and Engagement.

For more information about this award, visit mlk.fsu.edu/awards.

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In the pressure cooker that is March Madness, some teams collapse and others thrive.

Players and coaches who compete every year for that one shining moment strive to understand what makes that important difference.

The first round of the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments begin later this month. Florida State University faculty are available to comment on coaching, sports psychology, analytics and marketing.

COACHING

Timothy Baghurst, professor and director, Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
(501) 613-8913; tbaghurst@fsu.edu

Baghurst’s research focuses on coaching education and development, with specific interests in coaching ethics, coach/athlete health and well-being and variables that affect elite performance. He has worked with sports organizations affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and International Olympic Committee.

“Although seedings suggest who should win March Madness each year, it rarely happens. March Madness creates a unique environment for coaches and athletes in which a team might create momentum and overcome what might be considered disadvantages on paper. The mental pressure of a one-and-done format for college basketball’s biggest prize affects players and coaches. How well they cope with the intensity of such a format plays a big role in who might be going home early and who might be a Cinderella. Understanding the multifaceted nature of competition is paramount to appreciating why some teams thrive and some fold.”

Megan M. Buning, teaching faculty, Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching (FSU COACH), College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
m.buning@fsu.edu

Buning is an expert on athletic coaching, athlete experiences and mental performance for coaches, athletes and game officials. She is a certified mental performance consultant and is listed on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry.

“Mental resilience is crucial in sports. Through my research at FSU COACH and practical application as a consultant for athletes and teams, I have seen firsthand how the ability to focus, regroup after mistakes and regulate emotions affects mental performance and outcomes. These mental skills can be developed and even specialized according to sport, giving players and coaches a critical advantage in high-stakes games such as the NCAA tournament.”

ANALYTICS

N. David Pifer, assistant professor, Department of Sport Management, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
david.pifer@fsu.edu

Pifer researches sports analytics, the use of data and statistical methods to help sport organizations and individuals make better decisions. He is primarily concerned with variables related to on-field/on-court team, player and coach performance, and how analytics can help these parties enhance their decision-making by overcoming errant traditions, biases and heuristics.

“Athletes and coaches make hundreds of decisions every game. They can use sports analytics to examine those outcomes on a wide scale, helping them to improve their decision-making processes and performance. Persistent biases in analyzing crucial game decisions keep teams from achieving their potential. Data and predictive models give us insight that allows teams to break away from old conventions and find new ways to separate themselves from their competition.”

Lance Kerwin, teaching faculty, Department of Business Analytics, Information Systems and Supply Chain, College of Business
lkerwin@business.fsu.edu, (850) 322-3001

Kerwin is an expert in business analytics, systems design, business intelligence and telecommunications. He was recognized for his teaching excellence in 2020 with a College of Business Undergraduate Teaching Award for Specialized Faculty. He also serves as an adviser to the Sports Analytic Club at FSU.

“March Madness is a special time for dreamers and those who want to be inspired. When thinking of analytics and picking a bracket, ask how you want to define success as a fan. I personally think success is defined as having fun, so don’t take your picks too seriously, but apply common sense. For some, success is promoting a favorite team and looking brilliant if they advance. Others want to analyze data and make smart decisions. The bottom line — develop your approach and methodology so that you can speak to how you came to your decisions, make your picks and root like your life depends on it.”

MARKETING AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR

Colleen M. Harmeling, Dr. Persis E. Rockwood Associate Professor of Marketing, Rockwood School of Marketing, College of Business
charmeling@fsu.edu

Harmeling is an expert in marketing and consumer behavior, with specific focus on human brands (influencers and endorsers) as well as morality and how it shapes consumption, health decision-making and marketing strategy.

“For marketers, March Madness represents an effective vehicle for imbuing brands with desirable human qualities through endorsements and brand-player collaborations. This comes with greater responsibility to the players as their private lives become part of brand stories and subject to greater scrutiny. ‘Player performance’ now includes actions beyond what unfolds on the court.

For consumers, March Madness represents human accomplishment tested through extreme competition with unpredictable outcomes — prime conditions for gambling. While gambling laws vary by state, brackets are a ubiquitous and iconic element of the fan experience. Moral judgments are inevitable as fans debate the appropriateness of these behaviors, the allowable size of wagers and the impact of these decision on their broader lives.”

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Florida State University President Richard McCullough recognized international and domestic participants of the Fulbright Program during a reception on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.

Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the most widely recognized international academic exchange programs. It aims to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The U.S. government currently partners with more than 160 countries worldwide.

FSU has participated in the Fulbright Program since 1951 and has been among the nation’s top producers of both faculty and student awards in recent years. Last year, nine current and former FSU students earned scholarships through the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program to conduct research in places like Greece, Bulgaria, Spain and Taiwan. In addition, six FSU faculty members traveled to teach and conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program within the past year in locations like Japan, Austria, the Philippines and Kosovo.

On campus, 15 foreign students and scholars from places like Uruguay, Indonesia and Serbia are currently studying or conducting research at FSU through the Foreign Fulbright Program. Eleven students are here through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program while one is at FSU through the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program. Three researchers are here through the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.

During his remarks, McCullough emphasized the importance of the Fulbright program as a positive way to enhance U.S diplomacy abroad by nurturing global engagement and a rich multi-cultural environment.

“This achievement is a wonderful reflection of Florida State University’s commitment to internationalization,” McCullough said.

Frank Gunderson, a professor of musicology in FSU’s College of Music, received the most prestigious appointment in the Fulbright Scholars Programs a few years ago — the Fulbright Distinguished Chair Award. This appointment brought him to Tanzania in 2021, where he spent 10 months studying the history of dance music in the East African nation.

Gunderson reflected on what peers refer to as their “Fulbright moment,” and defined it as an “experience that somehow encapsulates the essence of the Fulbright Scholar working in an international environment and can refer to insight shared, or wisdom gained from that experience.”

Amber Noor Mustafa, a doctoral student in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, also spoke at the reception. Born and raised in Pakistan, Mustafa arrived at FSU three years ago through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program to pursue a doctorate in international and multicultural education.

During her remarks, Mustafa credited FSU for creating a conducive environment where she could develop personally and professionally.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how FSU welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “The support and facilitation by the entire system here helped me utilize my true potential. There is respect for the system of merit here, which nurtures its students’ true abilities and skills.”

With her encouragement, Mustafa’s two sons are currently attending FSU — one is a graduate student, and the other is an undergraduate student.

“I lost my heart to FSU,” she said.

To learn more about the Fulbright Program at FSU, visit global.fsu.edu/fulbright-awardees.

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In 1969, the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at Florida State University was founded to improve learning and human performance globally. More than 50 years later, LSI at FSU remains at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that bridge theory and practice in education.

LSI at FSU focuses its efforts on how individuals and organizations perform complex tasks and how to help them achieve their performance goals. Since its inception, faculty and staff at LSI have touched the lives of millions across the globe, transforming the way people learn.

“By helping to develop and improve learning systems, LSI’s work is improving the lives of millions of people,” said LSI Director Rabieh Razzouk. “Teaching is crucial for the development of countries and of people, and our faculty and staff are experts at working to help innovate learning systems wherever they are.”

A successful multiyear, multimillion-dollar effort to transform Korean education in the 1970s laid the foundation for LSI’s international work over the past five decades. Since that project, LSI has worked with 47 countries and surpassed $750 million in contract and grant funding.

In 2023, the institute continued to lead the way in learning and human performance, specifically in Malawi, Egypt, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Rwanda and Zambia.

Malawi – Strengthening Teacher Education and Practice, National Reading Program Implementation and Expansion

To increase access to and strengthen the education system in Malawi, LSI is leading a five-year, $15.6 million project sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Strengthening Teacher Education and Practice (STEP) Activity aims to improve teacher training and professional development resources for teachers. LSI faculty is working with 16 Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) across the country to improve teacher education programs and develop new training materials related to literacy and numeracy education.

Malawi is a country in southeastern Africa with a population of almost 20 million people. Since introducing free primary education in 1994, Malawi has made significant progress toward education reform. High enrollment rates and increasing demands on the system, however, have led to an inadequate supply of infrastructure, teachers, and teaching materials—resulting in poor student performance, particularly in literacy, according to USAID.

The STEP project team has delivered intensive professional development training to 130 teacher educators from all public and private TTCs in Malawi. These same participants are engaged in 21 different Participatory Action Research projects at TTCs across Malawi.

LSI also just completed work on the National Reading Program Implementation and Expansion Activity in Malawi, which provided technical support to federal stakeholders to increase English and Chichewa literacy. Chichewa is the most widely spoken language in Malawi. The project team improved the capacity of about 100 teachers, teacher educators and curriculum writers in literacy education, curriculum development, and monitoring and evaluation.

Egypt – Teacher Excellence Initiative

USAID identifies Egypt as the Middle East’s largest school system, with more than 25 million students. Although it has impressive enrollment rates and gender parity at all levels, the quality, efficiency and market relevance of education in Egypt are low.

To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education in Egypt launched its groundbreaking Education 2.0 program to transform the country’s education system with an emphasis on skills-based learning and an expansion of digital learning.

To support this program, LSI is collaborating with the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences on the Teacher Excellence Initiative. This unique international collaboration focuses on improving the quality and relevance of teacher preparation in Egyptian public universities, ensuring that teachers possess the necessary skills to support student learning in K-12 schools across the country.

“The FSU team’s dedication to enhancing teacher education in Egypt through research and collaboration demonstrates a pioneering spirit that sets an inspiring example for others in the field,” said Flavia Ramos-Mattouss, an LSI research faculty member who’s serving as the principal investigator on the project. “This effort exemplifies the power of partnership and knowledge-sharing on an international scale.”

LSI at FSU will review, revise and enhance the capacity of faculty at 15 Egyptian public universities. Researchers will also focus on updating undergraduate and graduate degree programs for elementary school teachers and establishing partnerships between the U.S. and five Egyptian universities.

Philippines – ABC+: Advancing Basic Education

Improving education outcomes for all children and youth remains a core challenge for the basic education system in the Philippines, an archipelago country in Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands. At the root of the problem are the poor reading and math skills of many Filipino students, particularly in the early grades, according to USAID.

LSI worked with the Department of Education in the Philippines on the ABC+: Advancing Basic Education project to address factors contributing to low learning outcomes in the Bicol and Western Visayas regions. Funded by USAID, LSI developed and strengthened the capacity of Bicol University and West Visayas State University to implement the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Elementary Education curricula.

After receiving a contract extension earlier this year, LSI will continue to develop and strengthen the capacity of Bicol University, West Visayas State University and the Department of Education (DepED) of the Philippine government, with a focus on early literacy.

“We are excited about this contract extension because it allows us to work with the faculty and the DepEd officials to strengthen their research skills while generating evidence that responds to the unique needs of the Philippines education system,” said Ana Marty, LSI research faculty member and principal investigator on the project.

Uzbekistan – Education for Excellence Program

The educational system in Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s most populous country, is entrenched in antiquated academic models, according to USAID. Nationwide, instruction focuses on memorization rather than enabling students to apply what they learn. The school day is short, and the allocated time for academic subjects is very low and compounded by a curriculum not based on national standards.

LSI recently completed the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program, which benefitted 40,000 teachers and 6 million students by distributing English textbooks for all grade levels nationwide. Funded by USAID and implemented by the Research Triangle Institute International, LSI at FSU developed an educational digital platform to house all curriculum standards and materials, making them accessible to all 300,000 teachers in Uzbekistan.

Researchers also provided training, facilitation and guidance on developing the new curriculum standards for math, Uzbek Language Arts, information and communication technology and English as a foreign language.

“The work LSI contributed to the Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program was a perfect illustration of how our staff develops innovative solutions for learning and then successfully implements those in a real-world setting,” said Razzouk, who served as the principal investigator on the project.

Rwanda – Tunoze Gusoma Schools and Systems

A small country with the highest population density in Africa, Rwanda has achieved notable success in the education sector. It boasts the highest net enrollment rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 98.8 percent of children enrolled in primary school. The remaining challenges identified by USAID include increasing literacy and numeracy levels, reducing the school drop-out rate and increasing the overall quality of basic education delivery.

In conjunction with several partners, LSI is working to ensure that the literacy instruction of Kinyarwanda, an official language in Rwanda, in pre-primary and lower primary schools is high quality, and effective.

In Kigali, Rwanda, members of the LSI international team supported the Tunoze Gusoma – Schools and Systems project. The project implemented training for a previously developed module on teaching literacy skills in the Kinyarwanda language and delivered it to instructors across Rwanda.

This project has provided intensive professional development on literacy education to 46 teacher educators from TTCs across Rwanda. Nearly 2,300 curricular books and materials were delivered to 16 TTCs for use in literacy-related activities.

Zambia – Transforming Teacher Education Activity

Funded by USAID, LSI’s Transforming Teacher Education Program (TTE) recently entered its fourth year of working to improve the training of primary grade teachers in Zambia, a country in Africa adjacent to Malawi.

According to USAID, the education system in Zambia is challenged by inadequate resources, poor quality of education delivery, and low secondary progression rates.

Throughout the TTE program, LSI has provided educators in Zambia with the skills to deliver effective instruction to 9,000 students studying to become primary-grade teachers. In 2023, new instructional modules for language and literacy for use in pre-service teacher training programs in colleges of education were finalized, and lecturers from 12 colleges and universities were trained on the new materials. An enhanced approach to the student teaching practicum was rolled out in all government colleges of education.

“This project is exciting as FSU has a lead role in improving primary teacher education at a national level,” said Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski, an LSI associate professor and the project’s principal investigator.

This work will ensure that teachers enter the classroom prepared to teach children how to read and to provide safe learning environments.

LSI also oversees the Community College Administrator Program (CCAP), a U.S. State Department initiative intended to enhance international understanding of U.S. community colleges and U.S. community college systems. About 250 individuals from more than 200 institutions in 15 countries have participated in the CCAP. This spring a group from South Africa will visit Tallahassee.

In Florida, LSI developed CPALMS, a unique platform designed to support K-12 education that serves as Florida’s official source for standards information and course descriptions. During the last year, CPALMS had more than 70 million resources delivered to Florida’s educators and students.

For more information about LSI at FSU, visit lsi.fsu.edu.

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