For 175 years, generations of students have come to Florida State University and its predecessor institutions for an education and the opportunities that come with it.

Those generations include the first students to pursue public higher education in Florida, young women attending Florida State College for Women when access to higher education was limited, veterans returning from World War II and first-generation students charting a new path for themselves and their families.

Today, FSU is one of the nation’s top public universities, drawing record numbers of highly accomplished students while continuing a long tradition of expanding opportunity.

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Three FSU leaders who were the first in their families to attend college — Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, President Richard McCullough and Head Football Coach Mike Norvell — shared their inspiring journeys of resilience and achievement, encouraging current first-generation students to pursue their dreams during Florida State University’s third annual Horizons Unlimited Conference on Tuesday, March 3.

Led by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, the conference brought together first-generation students, alumni and university leaders for a day of personal stories and practical guidance aimed at helping students succeed in college and beyond.

Participants attended sessions on topics such as overcoming adversity, building a professional brand and reflecting on personal journeys, while also connecting with fellow first-generation students, faculty and mentors.

“I believe in you, Florida State University believes in you,” Vartikar said. “But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. So, believe that you belong here and in every room that you want to be in. Your voice matters. Your horizons are unlimited and we can’t wait to see what you become.”

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Florida State University will celebrate and highlight first-generation student success with the third annual Horizons Unlimited Conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The full-day conference for Florida State University students, led by First Lady Jai Vartikar, will share insights, resources, and strategies for success in college and beyond. Conference participants will connect with fellow first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and university leaders. Conference sessions will take place 11 a.m – 5 p.m. in the Turnbull Conference Center and the Keynote Address 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

“Come and be empowered,” Vartikar said. “Your journey matters, your dreams can be achieved, and your horizons are truly unlimited.”

Registration is required and space is limited. Please register for each session and the keynote with the individual links below by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Student Resource Expo

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center

Explore the Student Resource Exposition, where various campus organizations and community members will be showcased. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the resources available to support academic success, personal growth, and career development. Engage with representatives, gather valuable information, and make connections that will enhance your university experience.

Networking Lunch – Table Talk

11:30 a.m. – noon
First Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 108

Join fellow students and university professionals for an interactive networking lunch designed to spark meaningful conversation and connection. Through guided table discussions, participants will expand their campus and professional networks in a supportive setting focused on future success. Participants will enjoy a Chick-fil-A lunch and foster relationships and build a network for success. Register for the event here.

Success through Adversity: Strategies through Athletics

12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Leadership and success often mean encountering adversity and finding opportunities to make the most out of any situation. Learn from student-athletes and coaches as they share their experiences and lessons learned through the lens of elite athletic competition. Register for the event here.

Building Your Professional Brand

1:45 – 3 p.m.
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Join Dr. Jason Harle, communications expert and career coach, for an engaging session on developing a strong and authentic professional brand. Participants will explore career readiness strategies, strengthen critical thinking around the job search process, and identify the essential interpersonal skills that position them for success. He will be joined by Assistant Vice President for Career Services Rob Lidell and current FSU senior Ja’nasia Mangum for an interactive discussion. Register for the event here.

What’s Holding You Back? Rewrite your story, take ownership, and move forward

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Join Dr. Laymon Hicks — FSU alumnus and former Student Body President — for a powerful and authentic session about turning setbacks into strength and purpose. Drawing on his own journey from adversity to academic and leadership success, this session will challenge students to rewrite their internal narratives, take ownership of their choices, and step confidently into their future. Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies for resilience, self-belief, and leadership in both academic and personal arenas. Register for the event here.

Horizons Unlimited Keynote Address

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Westcott Building

Media members planning to cover the keynote must RSVP to Jenny Ralph no later than 5 p.m. Monday, March 2, at jralph@fsu.edu.

The 2026 Horizons Unlimited Conference for First Generation Students Keynote Address features Florida State University Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins. He will share his inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and as a leader in his field and community.

Florida State University First Lady Jai Vartikar will open the event with current students Margeda Eugene, Justin Mohabir, and Duce Robinson. Coach Norvell will share his story and introduce Chairman Collins to deliver the keynote address. President McCullough will then lead a fireside chat with Chairman Collins before opening up a questions and answer session to the audience. Register for the event here.

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Florida State University concluded its second annual Horizons Unlimited Conference for first-generation students with a keynote conversation between President Richard McCullough and FSU Trustee Maximo Alvarez.

Speaking Monday in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, McCullough and Alvarez shared personal stories, emphasized the importance of education and reflected on the paths that shaped their lives.

“This conference holds special meaning for me because, like you, I was a first-generation college student,” McCullough said. “I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with blazing that trail. And trust me, the hard work you’re putting in now will open doors you can’t even imagine.”

The daylong event reinforced FSU’s commitment to first-generation student success. Nearly a quarter of FSU’s undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college, with many finding support through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE).

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