Aiden Leslie, a senior majoring in political science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University, was drawn to the university for its strong undergraduate research programs and the unique opportunities available to transfer students.

Inspired by the campus’s architectural beauty and walkability, Leslie quickly felt at home and appreciated the support provided throughout the transfer process from St. Petersburg College.

Leslie’s passion for research led to a fellowship with the Tyler Center for Global Studies, where he conducted an independent documentary project in São Paulo, Brazil. The film, “Lane Splitting,” explored the lives of young motorcycle couriers navigating urban challenges and labor rights struggles. Through this work, Leslie combines interests in journalism, filmmaking and advocacy, aiming to tell stories that inspire positive change.

In just two semesters, he has earned recognition on both the President’s and Dean’s lists. After graduation, Leslie plans to travel abroad and attend law school to practice human rights-focused or immigration law.

What made you want to transfer to Florida State University?

I began studying at FSU in the fall of 2024, after transferring from St. Petersburg College. I knew Florida State University was right for me because of the abundance of resources provided for transfer students like me. From the application process to registering for classes or attending orientation, I always knew that I had support. I remember being encapsulated by the red brick buildings on my first visit and the beautiful trees that were found all over campus. The overall walkability of the campus played a huge role in my choice as well. FSU has a great reputation for its undergraduate research programs, which made the decision easy.

The university’s proximity to the capitol has also allowed me to make valuable connections in my field of political science. The opportunities I have been provided to explore different academic disciplines and career fields at FSU are unparalleled and as a transfer student, I felt right at home from the moment I set foot on campus.

What did you explore in your undergraduate research project?

Funded by the Tyler Center for Global Studies as a Tyler Fellow in São Paulo, Brazil, I completed my documentary about young motorcyclists from disadvantaged backgrounds enduring a labor rights struggle. This short documentary “Lane Splitting” delves into the world of motorcycle couriers in São Paulo who navigate the city’s chaotic traffic at high speeds to deliver goods quickly, often risking their lives daily in a system that exploits their labor while offering little protection or recognition.

This opportunity has allowed me to begin my professional career in journalism and filmmaking. Whether it be through journalism, documentary filmmaking, academia or something else, I aim to tell stories that can facilitate positive change in the places where it’s needed most.

How has being a student at FSU helped you in achieving your goals and getting on the right path for your future?

My time here at FSU has been incredibly valuable in terms of learning about the possibilities of academia and research, as well as the importance of being a lifelong learner. I have made connections with my professors that have provided me with countless opportunities, such as traveling internationally to conduct research.

Speaking at the President’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to inspire this generation of young researchers to spark positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

What plans do you have for the future?

I intend to travel the world and share important stories, such as the one told in my documentary. I will continue to make documentary films and content while connecting with people in places most would not think to venture to.

After traveling, I plan to attend law school in the hopes of becoming a lawyer and practicing human-rights-focused law or immigration law. Using my background in law coupled with my experiences connecting with people from different backgrounds all over the world, I want to go into politics and fight for issues that I feel are important. I am committed to making positive change wherever I can.

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With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially withdrawing from OPEC, the global energy market could enter uncharted territory.

To understand the potential seismic shift from cartel-controlled pricing to a competitive price war landscape, Florida State University DeVoe L. Moore Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe is available for interviews on the possible long-term implications for global energy markets. He can be reached via email at holcombe@fsu.edu.

As a leading authority on market processes and public policy, Holcombe can provide critical analysis on why this move could signal the structural weakening of OPEC’s half-century reign if more members decide to defect. Holcombe can discuss:

• Exit motives: The reasons for the UAE to leave OPEC.
• Potential outcomes: The possibility of long-term ripple effects on oil prices and global energy markets if more OPEC members leave.

Holcombe is the author of more than 15 books, including “Political Capitalism,” “Entrepreneurship and Economic Progress,” and “Producing Prosperity: An Inquiry into the Operation of the Market Process.” He is a former member of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors, former president of the Public Choice Society, former president of the Society for the Development of Austrian Economics, and a Senior Fellow with the James Madison Institute.

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A Florida State University master’s student and Presidential Scholar was accepted into a highly competitive national fellowship program for emerging civic leaders.

Ella Garcia, who is working toward her master’s degree in public administration, was accepted into the Coro Fellows Program housed at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The Coro Fellows Program was founded in 1947 in San Francisco to train young World War II veterans in civic leadership skills. It now operates four centers in St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, where it serves to advance civic engagement and accelerate the careers of those in public affairs.

As a Coro Fellow, Garcia will live in St. Louis and participate in a full-time, graduate-level leadership training program that includes seminars, interviews with local leaders, opportunities to learn about regionally specific topics, and placement in organizations across nonprofit, business and government sectors.

“I’m excited because it’s going to be very fulfilling to focus on the aspect of public administration that’s about giving back, not just pursuing my own professional goals, but learning how I can better the communities around me,” Garcia said. “It’s one thing to study administration and government in a theoretical way, but it’s another to apply what I’ve learned hands-on. It’s what I feel like I’m called to do.”

From Mount Dora, Florida, Garcia is a member of FSU’s Presidential Scholars Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and will graduate with her master’s degree this summer with support from FSU’s More in Four program, which helps high achieving students complete a bachelor’s degree in three years and continue immediately into a master’s degree.

Professors and mentors say Garcia’s involvement at FSU has prepared her well for the Coro Fellows Program. That includes her participation in FSU’s Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program, in the Department of Political Science, where she was able to intern for a state representative and a member of U.S. Congress.

“Ella has used her time at FSU to gain extensive hands-on government experience and advanced analytical skills, with the aim of driving informed, community-oriented public service,” said FSU professor Amanda Driscoll, cofounder of APPLE and one of Garcia’s mentors. “The Coro Fellowship will provide her with additional public service experience and practical leadership training to deepen her impact and professional growth. I am confident that she will translate her established civic commitments into effective, real-world solutions, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next.”

Garcia’s interest in policy work extended beyond U.S. government last summer, when she traveled with a group of FSU Honors Program students to the Oxford Consortium of Human Rights workshop at the University of Oxford in England.

“Ella is among the finest students I’ve worked with at Florida State,” said Ross Moret, who led the trip to Oxford and serves as an associate teaching professor in the FSU Honors Program. “She is dedicated, responsible, insightful and caring. She will make an outstanding Coro Fellow.”

As a Presidential Scholar, Garcia said she enjoyed mentorship and a peer community that helped motivate her to reach her goals.

“FSU and the Presidential Scholars Program specifically have been instrumental for me,” she said. “It’s really shaped who I am, as a leader and as a person.”

To learn more about student support for pursuing national fellowships, visit the Office of National Fellowships and the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

Visit the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy website to learn more about the college, department and programs.

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A delegation from Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus recently visited the university’s regional branch campus in the Republic of Panama to strengthen collaborations, expand student opportunities and deepen academic partnerships.

FSU Panama offers four undergraduate degree programs, three of which are housed in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, making the college a central partner in the campus’s academic mission.

The FSU delegation included three representatives from the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy: Amanda Driscoll., the Dr. J. Elizabeth Garraway Professor and director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Political Science; Na’Ama Nagar, program director and teaching professor for the International Affairs program; and Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, director of Undergraduate Studies and assistant teaching professor in the Public Health program and director of the Pepper Certified Peer Health Educator Scholarship.

Vilma Fuentes, a visiting associate in research at the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) and director of FSU’s Ukraine Task Force, was also part of the delegation.

“There is a clear opportunity for our Panama campus to serve as a hub for experiential learning and expanded academic engagement,” Nagar said. “With intentional partnerships and renewed focus, we can position the campus not just as an extension of the university, but as a strategic gateway for global impact.”

FSU has operated a campus in the Republic of Panama since 1957, when it was contracted by the U.S. government to establish an education center in the former Panama Canal Zone. The campus falls under the purview of FSU’s International Programs, which provides quality international learning environments and opportunities for students.

Throughout the visit, the group met with key stakeholders, students, alumni and academic partners to explore ways to promote collaboration between FSU Panama and the Tallahassee campus, particularly through internships, study abroad programs and alumni engagement. The visit also included meetings with Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations, as well as a tour of the City of Knowledge facilities where FSU Panama is located. These organizations are all located near the FSU Panama campus, offering students access to hands‑on professional experience while completing their coursework.

As part of their engagement on campus, the delegation delivered a presentation to about 30 students, faculty and staff, highlighting programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and opportunities for collaboration between campuses.

Beyond the campus presentation, the delegation also participated in a meeting with Ambassador Kevin Cabrera, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, which focused on Embassy priorities and explored opportunities to connect FSU Panama with Embassy initiatives and internship pathways.

“We see impressive opportunities for enhanced scholarly exchange,” Driscoll said. “FSU Panama provides an ideal setting for international scholarly conferences and colloquia. As a multinational and multilingual crossroads of the Americas, the Republic of Panama presents minimal logistical or linguistic barriers for international participants and offers easier access for scholars traveling from Central and South America than most locations in the continental United States.”

The delegation also toured Panama City and the Panama Canal, providing context for the country’s strategic and economic significance. “FSU Panama has the potential to be a key partner for the Public Health Program,” Ramirez said. “After meeting with representatives from the UN-World Food Program and the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization, our students will be able to learn how to meet international public health needs while studying at FSU Panama. In addition, I look forward to identifying opportunities for students to work with the CDC Caribbean and Central American Regional Office.”

For more information about FSU Panama, visit panama.fsu.edu. To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, visit cosspp.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.

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Two students in Florida State University’s Forensics Program were recently named worldwide champions after competing at the International Forensics Association tournament, which took place March 8-12 in Athens, Greece.

FSU students Harleigh Demchak, a junior studying economics, and Zoey Rotenberry, a senior studying political science, won first place at the 36th Annual International Forensics Association Speech and Debate Tournament and Conference under the guidance of Avery Henry, program director and teaching faculty II in the College of Communication and Information. 

“This win fills me with pride because it is evidence of the hard work and dedication the team has put in this season,” Henry said. “In addition, it affords FSU the ability to market ourselves as international debate champions. We are the best in the world at NPDA (National Parliamentary Debate Association) style debate.” 

Forensics, a term taken from Aristotle’s classification of the types of rhetoric, is a type of judicial rhetoric with the aim of persuading a judge. Modern competitive forensics builds on this Aristotelian art by usingevidence, logic and persuasive speech to win a judge’s ballot. 

The FSU Forensics Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to develop their communication skills through participation in one of two nationally competitive traveling squads: the speech or debate team. Students travel several weekends each semester to intercollegiate speech or debate tournaments where they can compete against fellow students and receive feedback from members of the academic community.   

“Being part of the FSU Forensics Team has solidified my decision to pursue a career in law,” Demchak said. “Participating in critical debates and engaging with complex concepts has deepened my appreciation for argumentation and research. “Overall, the experience has strengthened both my passion for the activity and my long-term academic and professional goals.” 

Throughout this season, members of the Forensics Program traveled to cities such as Portland, Las Vegas, Dallas and Nashville, in addition to competing internationally in Greece. This year the program will compete in a total of 14 domestic and international competitions. These experiences allow students to engage with peers from across the world while gaining cultural exposure. 

“Competitive forensics gives students the opportunity to travel all over, compete against some of the brightest minds, and gain cultural experiences that are not available when you are just learning in the classroom,” Henry said. 

The International Forensics Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and expanding speech and debate on a global scale. It supports students and programs by creating opportunities for international competition, collaboration and cultural exchange. Every year the International Forensics Association hosts a tournament in alternating geographic locations. In addition to competing, students are given opportunities to engage in educational and cultural activities in the host country.  

While in Athens, the team explored iconic landmarks and immersed themselves in Greece’s rich educational and intellectual history. In addition to competing, they toured sites such as the Acropolis, the Agoraand Pnyx Hill, which are widely recognized as the origins of speech and debate in the Western world. 

“The actual debate tournament and topics revolved around Greek history or Greek policy, so being able to go and absorb the culture and learn more about the history of Greece was pivotal to our success for debate rounds,” Rotenberry said. “Being able to immerse myself in the modern and ancient world of Greece was a formative and surreal experience that I will be forever grateful for.” 

Between competitions, members engage in rigorous preparation, meeting twice a week to refine valuable skills in critical thinking, public speaking and persuasive communication. Students spend months researching and debating complex global issues including nuclear policy, artificial intelligence and environmental exploration, developing a deep understanding of a range of contemporary topics. 

“Being a part of the FSU debate team has forever changed my academic goals, depth of knowledge, and even changed me as a person,” Rotenberry said. “Before joining the FSU debate team, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.  After joining the debate team and debating policy, I finally found direction in a career and academic sense.” 

In addition to the team’s recent success in Athens, the FSU Forensics Program earned top honors at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Championship this year, bringing home both the first place Limited Entry Sweepstakes and first place Overall Debate Sweepstakes trophies.  

“Students in competitive forensics have to gain a fluency to understanding topic areas, collecting research to be used as evidence, and then publicly test their arguments against some of the smartest students from schools all across the nation or in some cases the world,” Henry said. 

The Forensics Program’s competitive season runs from September through mid-April. The program maintains an open-door policy, welcoming students of all degrees and experience levels to get involved. Those interested in joining can reach out to team director Avery Henry or attend a team meeting, held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in UCC 4415.  

To learn more about the College of Communication and Information, visit their website at cci.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s global footprint, visit the FSU Global website.  

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Florida State University welcomed the former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs for a lecture last week, where he spoke to students, staff and faculty about the shifting global order and opportunities to shape future paradigms.  

Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. delivered the lecture “Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century: How You Can Shape the Emerging Global Order” March 26 in the Globe Auditorium as part of the Center for Global Engagement’s Engage Your World Speaker Series and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Ruth K. and Shepard Broad International Lecture Series. 

“I wanted to speak to all of you, especially as students, about the kind of world that you’re going to be sailing into and the kind of impact you can have in that world,” Shannon said. 

Shannon’s diplomatic career spans nearly 35 years, from 1984 until his retirement in February 2018. Before his term as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, he held positions including U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.  

The Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the third-ranking position at the State Department, reports to the Secretary of State and is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations at the Department of State, including managing international crises and U.S. foreign policy. Shannon served in this role from 2016 until his retirement in 2018. While in this role, Shannon helped manage the 2017 presidential transition and led bilateral and multilateral foreign policymaking and implementation. 

Having served in multiple presidential administrations and embassies, Shannon offered insight into what he calls a “transformative” global era and challenged audience members to consider their place within it.  

“The nature of this moment means that we are capable of changing the world around us,” he said. “We’re capable of rethinking our national political purpose, but also how we project ourselves into the world.” 

Shannon argued that while states are central to the global order, societies and cultures will play an increasing role in defining the future.  

“A country like the United States, which is really one of the few global countries in the world, not just cosmopolitan, but global, is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this kind of environment and uniquely positioned to be able to communicate beyond our frontiers,” he said. “Not just government to government, but society to society and people to people.”  

Shannon also cited technology as the medium for driving global engagements, maintaining that the ability to evolve with these changes will determine state success. 

“With the kinds of dramatic technological advances we’re going to see today, lack of access or inequality is going to become a defining feature of almost all political dialogue and engagement,” he said. “The successful politicians and the successful countries are going to be those that empower societies, empower individuals, and that open access to the kinds of changes that we’re going to see in the world.” 

He emphasized that future generations have a responsibility to both answer and shape the world’s shifting demands.  

“It doesn’t matter where you are. You could be a hermit living in a cave with a goat, and the world is going to come and find you, and it’s going to ask you to participate in this larger effort,” he said. “You are going to be called upon. People are going to want to know what you think. People are going to want to know how things should be resolved. And this is an opportunity that is rarely given.” 

After the lecture, Shannon sat down with Mark Schlakman, the senior program director for the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, to answer questions about current affairs and the United States’ interests. 

“I want you to understand that there is a significant shift taking place in how the president and his party are thinking about the U.S. position in the world, and what it is we need to be focused on, and how we need to be protecting it,” Shannon said. 

Shannon’s lecture served as both a lesson and a roadmap to students as they prepare to navigate an interconnected world.  

“This is not a time to be fearful,” he said. “This is not a time to be doubtful. This is a time to understand that we are in a moment of change and that this change is going to be profound. It’s not only going to be profound for our nation. It’s going to be profound for how we relate to the world and therefore, how the world progresses.” 

For more information about the Center for Global Engagement, visit their website at cge.fsu.edu. To learn more about the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, visit their website at cahr.fsu.edu. For more information about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, visit their website at cosspp.fsu.edu.  

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Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is set to launch the M.S. in Data and Society, a new one-year graduate program through the Department of Sociology, beginning Fall 2026. 

Applications are now open, with a deadline of July 1. 

The program prepares students to collect, analyze and interpret data in ways that account for the social, ethical and policy dimensions of an increasingly data-driven world. 

“The M.S. in Data and Society is a vital addition to our college, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based decision-making and applied excellence,” said Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “By blending sophisticated computational tools with a deep understanding of social and ethical contexts, we are empowering our students to not only navigate a data-driven world but to lead it with integrity and insight. This program ensures our graduates are uniquely prepared to solve complex challenges across the public and private sectors.” 

The 34-credit-hour curriculum blends quantitative and qualitative research methods with hands-on training in computational tools and geographic information systems, drawing on expertise across sociology, economics, urban and regional planning, political science and geography. 

Students complete independent research and a capstone experience, and the program is designed to finish in three terms: fall, spring and summer. 

The program is housed in FSU’s Department of Sociology, which ranks 32nd among public universities nationally and third among programs in the Southeastern region, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

Graduates will be prepared for careers in research, government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. 

No GRE is required. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume and three letters of recommendation. Out-of-state students from states participating in the Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market may be eligible for in-state tuition. 

For more information or to apply, visit bit.ly/MS-data-society or contact kmcclellan@fsu.edu with questions. 

Learn more about graduate programs in FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at cosspp.fsu.edu. 

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Florida is missing an estimated 55,000 single-family homes and more than 66,000 rental units, according to a first-of-its-kind housing supply model from the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University. Produced and distributed in partnership with fellow think tanks Reason Foundation and the Florida Policy Project, the model sheds light on Florida’s growing housing crisis and provides specific recommendations for reform in each of Florida’s 67 counties.

The model tracks surplus and shortage trends across the state, offering policymakers, residents and stakeholders a data-driven tool to better understand and address housing affordability challenges.

The model finds that some of the most acute shortages occur in Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa — markets that now rank among the least affordable in the nation.

Persistent barriers driving the crisis

The analysis highlights multiple systemic barriers that prevent Florida’s housing supply from keeping pace with demand.  Those include:

• Permitting delays: Development projects often stall for months or even years, pushing up costs for builders and buyers alike.
• Restrictive zoning: Rules that favor low-density, single-family development limit options for townhomes, smaller homes and apartments.
• Limited use of flexible housing options: Solutions like accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and residential duplex units (RDUs) remain underutilized, even though they could be thoughtfully integrated into neighborhoods while maintaining local character.
• Political gridlock: Local debates frequently turn housing projects into flashpoints, adding layers of complexity, uncertainty and expense.

A tool for action

Alongside the research, the organizations have released an interactive housing shortage map, now available on each of the organization’s websites. The map allows users to:

• Explore local housing trends across single-family and rental markets.
• Track whether their community has been in surplus, deficit or balance over time.
• Identify opportunities for smarter planning and policy solutions.

“Currently, housing shortage and surplus trends is the key draw for users of the website,” said Crystal Taylor, director of research for the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University. “When home or rental prices are high, one of the first actionable steps local governments can do is to make sure there is enough housing inventory available. If there is a shortage, they can look at their local policies toward construction because fierce competition for limited home options drives up prices.”

Adrian Moore, Vice President of the Reason Foundation, believes the housing supply model gives users a better sense of the issues they might face.

“This model equips Floridians with a clear, data-backed understanding of their local housing challenges,” said Moore.

The housing data provides a substantial policymaking impact that benefits both legislative members and Florida residents.

“Our goal is to empower residents and elected officials to work toward solutions that expand supply, reduce costs and preserve community character,” Florida Policy Project Founder and former state senator Jeff Brandes added. “We believe this tool will provide decision makers and Florida citizens real, live data so they will make the tough decisions to propel Florida as the leader in housing affordability.”

About the partners

• The DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University conducts interdisciplinary research on state and local regulatory issues, with a focus on policies that shape communities and economies.
• Reason Foundation is a nonprofit think tank advancing free minds and free markets through research and policy solutions.
• Florida Policy Project develops practical policy recommendations to address Florida’s most pressing challenges, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and innovation.

For more information and to explore the interactive map, visit the Florida Housing Data Project website.

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The DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University has launched a redesigned digital transparency platform, FloridaOpenGov.com, that gives the public clearer access to Florida state and local government data. The updated site allows users to explore information on Florida’s K–12 education system, state and local payroll, and other public spending categories through interactive visuals and searchable datasets.

Florida Open Gov was developed by the Institute’s Data Analytics Group (DAG), a faculty-mentored and student-led team within FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. The redesign modernizes the layout and functionality of the platform to make complex data easier to interpret for policymakers, journalists, educators and citizens. All datasets are sourced directly from the Florida Department of Education and other state agencies to ensure accuracy and reliability.

“One of our goals moving forward with the revamp of the website is to build capacity for Florida teachers, parents and students to be able to tell compelling stories with the data in order to inform policy decisions within and across districts and schools,” said Crystal Taylor, director of research for the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University.

The update reflects years of work by faculty mentors and successive student analytics teams to expand the scope of the platform, refine usability and improve visual clarity.

“New visualizations include District Grades Over Time, Free Lunch Rates vs. Grades, District Grades vs. Salary, District Enrollment Map, Graduation Rate By Special Category Map, and more,” said Alexis Staveski, Data Analytics Group Manager.

Key features include:

• Searchable datasets on education, payroll and spending.
• Interactive tableau charts and maps for easy comparison.
• Featured blogs depicting how data can inform policy.

“As part of our research internship, we believe that data and storytelling go hand in hand,” Taylor said. “Our data analytics interns not only pick up data cleaning and visualization skills, we also set expectations from the start that they have to be able to explain ‘What does this data mean for Floridians?’”

Visitors can explore the redesigned platform at floridaopengov.com.

About the DeVoe L. Moore Institute

The DeVoe L. Moore Institute is a public policy institute in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University. The Institute studies how government policies, regulations and programs affect the economy and individuals, and its faculty-mentored and student-led Data Analytics Group works to improve government transparency by acquiring, cleaning and visualizing public data.

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Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon Jr., former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, will speak at Florida State University at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, on “Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century: How You Can Shape the Emerging Global Order.” 

During his lecture, Shannon will explore the forces driving global transformation, the fluid nature of today’s world, the enduring influence of the U.S. in shaping global order and how emerging generations will define the future. This event is co-sponsored by the FSU College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Ruth K. and Shepard Broad International Lecture Series and the Center for Global Engagement’s Engage Your World Speaker Series.  

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in The Globe Auditorium, 110 S. Woodward Ave. A reception will take place beforehand at 4 p.m. in the lobby of The Globe. 

The Under Secretary for Political Affairs reports to the Secretary of State and is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations at the Department of State, including managing international crises and U.S. foreign policy.  

Shannon received his master’s and doctorate in politics from Oxford University after graduating with honors from the College of William and Mary in 1980, where he studied government and philosophy.  

Shannon’s diplomatic career spans nearly 35 years, from 1984 until his retirement in February 2018. Before his term as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, he held positions including U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.  

Attendees can park in either the Traditions Parking Garage or the Pensacola Parking Garage without an FSU permit after 4:30 p.m.  

For more information, visit calendar.fsu.edu. 

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Eddie Fordham is a public policy student at Florida State University who symbolizes what it means to make a comeback. Fordham, a formerly incarcerated student, continues to push the boundaries of academic success and research to fuel himself and his passions through academic excellence and community leadership.

Fordham is enrolled in the Honors in the Major program to pursue his undergraduate thesis “Degrees of Opportunity: Understanding Degree Completion Among Justice-Impacted College Students.” His research was awarded an IDEA Grant. He completes his research while being mentored by public policy associate teaching professor Alexandra Cockerham.

Fordham was also selected as an FSU PURPOSE Fellow, conducting research pathways oriented to social justice in education under the mentorship of assistant professor Annie Wofford, in the Higher Education program.

Fordham will be continuing his education with FSU’s Combined Pathways Program for his master’s degree in public administration. One day, he hopes to become a professor and apply his research to support returning citizens and other justice-impacted students’ success.

Outside of academics, Fordham is a founding member of the Justice-Impacted Student Organization (JISO), on the board of directors for Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition (A Fight to End Recidivism), a member of the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence Lived-Experience Council, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

In 2025 through Phi Kappa Phi, Fordham became one of three Pioneer Award winners at FSU.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

Criminal conviction should not be a barrier to higher education. As a formerly incarcerated student, I arrived at Florida State University with lived experience and a deep desire to turn hardship into purpose. In many ways, through its commitment to service, research and social impact, I believe it was actually FSU that chose me.

FSU not only welcomed my background, it empowered me and gave me the tools and support to transform my personal journey into leadership and academic inquiry. Here, I found not just a campus, but a community that shares my mission to expand educational access for justice-impacted individuals. FSU became the place where my story could grow into something larger than myself.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

One of my proudest academic accomplishments was being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. As a Cooke Scholar at FSU, I am committed to leadership and contribution, and FSU has furthered my love for research, selecting me as an Honors in the Major student to complete my undergraduate thesis and research project.

This work explores the barriers and real-life challenges that students like me face when returning to college after justice system involvement and offers evidence-based pathways to support their success. I will be gathering stories, surveying peers and studying the systems that either help or hinder our success — the data matters, but so do the people behind it and the IDEA grant and PURPOSE Fellowship I was awarded from FSU will help me build further on this project.

I also served in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) as a research assistant to Professor Alexandra Cockerham and her study on North Carolina’s Teen Court system. I was recently accepted into FSU’s Combined Pathways Program to begin earning credit toward my master’s degree in public administration while finishing my undergraduate degree.

Every step of this unconquered journey reflects my commitment to scholarship that serves people and drives system-level change.

How do you serve the FSU community?

As a founding member of the Justice-Impacted Student Organization (JISO) — the first of its kind at FSU — I am passionate about creating a space of belonging, empowerment and advocacy for students impacted by the justice system. Through JISO, we are planning to build peer support networks, host campus events, and connect with national reform leaders to help shape student-led solutions for educational success.

Beyond campus, I serve on the board of directors for Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition (A Fight to End Recidivism), where we support justice-impacted individuals across the Tallahassee region through education, advocacy and reentry support. I am also a passionate advocate before the Florida Legislature on reforms that unlock higher education in prison for others. Being named an FSU PURPOSE Fellow and inducted to Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies reflects the broader impact of my work both in and out of the classroom.

How do you impact the community?

My work has helped ensure that justice-impacted students are seen, supported and valued at FSU. Through JISO, we have created a space where students who have experienced incarceration, directly or through family, can find belonging and community. That visibility alone can be life-changing, which is why the recognition from FSU’s Student Government is so meaningful. Last fall, the 77th Student Senate passed “The Eddie Fordham Act,” which removed a longstanding felony-conviction barrier and gives justice-impacted students a represented voice in SGA.

In the broader community, my work with the Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition and the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence has helped build reentry pathways grounded in education, dignity and long-term success. I have advocated before the Legislature, connected community partners, and shared my story to help shift public perception.

Everything I do, whether it is mentoring, research or serving others, aims to turn personal resilience into public impact. I want people in Tallahassee and beyond to see FSU as a place where transformation is not only possible, but powerfully real.

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Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) and Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) program are offering a new degree and majors for students interested in strengthening community safety and security.

Beginning in fall 2026, FSU students will have two new majors — the Emergency Management major and the Intelligence Studies major — available to them as part of the new Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies (EMIS) bachelor’s degree program.

The development of the degree program began more than four years ago and has undergone extensive review and revision by college and university officials, leadership and committees. The curriculum reflects EMHS faculty and staff’s extensive experience in the field and ensures graduates are best positioned for success serving their communities.

“The development of this degree program builds upon the proven success of our certificate offerings, which are well regarded within the field, while addressing a growing demand among students seeking to contribute to the safety and security of their communities,” said David Merrick, director of FSU’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program and Center for Disaster Risk Policy. “The state of Florida is recognized for having one of the nation’s most comprehensive emergency management and homeland security programs, consistently demonstrating leadership in innovation and research. This degree exemplifies FSU’s commitment to developing leaders dedicated to addressing critical issues at the local, state and Federal levels.”

The launch of the degree program was made possible thanks to the collaboration of all EMHS faculty and staff as well as leadership from COSSPP and the university as a whole.

“These new majors demonstrate FSU’s and the college’s commitment to applied learning, public service and academic excellence, while preparing students with the analytical, technical and leadership skills needed to succeed in emergency management, homeland security and intelligence careers.”

– COSSPP Dean Timothy Chapin

The new Bachelor of Science degrees will help prepare students for careers in emergency and disaster management, including roles in the government or private sector, along with state and federal intelligence community positions, and various public safety and public sector jobs. EMHS has leveraged existing faculty and staff to create the new degree program, while enhancing EMHS’s ongoing commitment to practical, experiential learning and community service.

The major in Emergency Management (EM) prepares students to become leaders in emergency management and homeland security. Students in this major will learn key principles of EM policy and planning, primarily through an analysis of real-world scenarios and problems. Students will also study the technical skills and tools required to manage the collection of disaster intelligence for effective response and recovery.

Graduates of the EM major are equipped to design resilient systems, support vulnerable populations and lead effective emergency operations in government, nonprofit and private sectors. Upon graduation, students are qualified for careers in the public and private fields of EM both domestically and internationally.

The major in Intelligence Studies (IS) prepares students to become leaders in the fields of homeland security and intelligence. Students in IS will focus on all aspects of the intelligence process. The program covers processing raw information from various sources into a finished intelligence product through a variety of techniques, all while examining information through a critical and unbiased lens. This track instructs students in the formulation of national security and intelligence policy by focusing on intelligence collection and reporting, as well as emphasizing the importance of intelligence partnerships, cooperation and collaboration. Upon graduation, students will have an education that translates into the practical experiences that employers in the intelligence field value.

“The addition of the new Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies bachelor’s degree is a direct response to the evolving challenges our communities, state and nation face,” said Timothy Chapin, dean of COSSPP. “These new majors demonstrate FSU’s and the college’s commitment to applied learning, public service and academic excellence, while preparing students with the analytical, technical and leadership skills needed to succeed in emergency management, homeland security and intelligence careers.”

For more information, visit em.fsu.edu.

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