Throughout his career, John Barnhill has felt called to do one thing: help people.

Barnhill joined Florida State’s academic admissions team in December 1978 and has supported thousands of students as they made one of the most important decisions of their lives. After 48 years at FSU, a funny thing has started to happen: Some of the students he’s meeting look very familiar.

“I’m serving the children of students that I admitted,” Barnhill said. “That’s special.”

Barnhill’s path toward enrollment management began at Florida Southern College. There, he worked as a resident assistant and gave admissions tours while pursuing a degree in psychology. He then enrolled at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology with plans to become a minister but later changed course.

After two years working in admissions at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia, Barnhill came to FSU, where he earned a Master of Science in history and philosophy of education while working full time in the admissions office and spreading what he calls the “gospel of education.”

As he settled into Florida State, Barnhill came to appreciate the nurturing environment the university creates for students. “It fit with exactly what I wanted to do,” he said, “which is to help people.”

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Florida State University has chosen Gregory Bell as the next dean of The Graduate School. He will begin his appointment July 6.

Bell currently serves as dean of the Graduate School and mathematics professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Before his time as dean, he worked as associate dean and interim dean of the UNCG Graduate School as well as director of graduate studies in UNCG’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Having served as president of the North Carolina Council of Graduate Schools and an executive board member of the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, Bell has contributed to graduate education policy throughout the Southeast.

“Dr. Bell brings deep commitment and experience to graduate education with a record of working across campus to enhance student support, elevate academic excellence and expand graduate enrollment,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “I’m excited to welcome him to FSU and grateful to Assistant Provost Steve McDowell for his leadership as interim dean during this important transition.”

Originally from Panama City, Florida, Bell received three degrees from the University of Florida, including a doctorate in mathematics. He held a postdoc position funded by the National Science Foundation at The Pennsylvania State University.

“Graduate students and post-docs are critical to the success and impact of a modern university,” Bell said. “I’m excited to join FSU to work with its faculty and students to advance research excellence and foster a supportive environment where graduate students thrive.”

At FSU, Bell will help The Graduate School partner with academic units and faculty in supporting graduate education, providing financial support and advancing the professional development of graduate students. The Graduate School operates as part of FSU’s newly established Student Academic Success division.

FSU has 16 graduate programs and specialties ranked in the Top 25 among public universities, with six graduate programs placing No. 1 in Florida, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s edition of Best Graduate Schools. FSU has placed special emphasis on enhancing doctoral education, pledging to invest $10 million toward that goal over five years.

More than 10,500 graduate students are enrolled at FSU, pursuing doctoral degrees, master’s degrees and professional certificates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Florida State University has appointed Joe O’Shea as Vice President for Student Academic Success, a new role responsible for overseeing the university’s award-winning student academic success initiatives. 

President Richard McCullough established the new senior leadership position to advance FSU’s student-centered mission and lead the university’s comprehensive efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body.  

“A distinguished scholar, FSU alumnus and leader in higher education, Joe O’Shea is a true visionary in driving student success initiatives,” McCullough said. “His bold strategies have helped transform FSU into a national leader in supporting students from all backgrounds to thrive academically and graduate on time.” 

O’Shea, who has served as associate provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies for the past five years, will oversee multiple key areas in his new role, including the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and the University Registrar, as well as units focused on both undergraduate and graduate students, including advising, retention, honors programs and veteran services. 

“Joe’s appointment marks a significant milestone for FSU as our fundamental commitment to student academic success continues to be at the heart of the university’s mission,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His vision and proven success in advancing student-centered learning and his dedication that every student has access to the resources, guidance and opportunities needed to excel make him the ideal person to lead FSU’s student success initiatives.” 

O’Shea, who served as FSU’s student body president before earning his bachelor’s degree in 2008, has dedicated his career to advancing his alma mater through initiatives focused on students. A Rhodes and Truman Scholar, O’Shea earned a master’s degree in comparative social policy and a doctorate in education from the University of Oxford before returning to FSU as an administrator in 2011.  

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve FSU in this new role. This is an exciting time for our university to innovate and expand upon our record as a leader in academic achievement and student success. Together, we will deliver a world-class educational experience where every student is empowered to reach their highest potential.”  

— Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve FSU in this new role,” O’Shea said. “This is an exciting time for our university to innovate and expand upon our record as a leader in academic achievement and student success. Together, we will deliver a world-class educational experience where every student is empowered to reach their highest potential.”  

Before serving as dean of Undergraduate Studies, he held several positions in Academic Affairs, including Assistant Provost and the Director of Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement. He will continue to serve as dean while a national search is conducted for his successor.  

O’Shea has overseen the creation of numerous programs bolstering FSU’s student support ecosystem, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Engage 100, the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, and the Center for Academic Guidance. 

He has also led the growth of key academic programs for undergraduate students, such as the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement, Transfer Student Services, the Honors Program, and Student Athlete Academic Services.  

In part because of O’Shea’s leadership, as well as the effective teamwork across many university leaders, FSU has shattered records across nearly every metric of student performance and outcomes. FSU’s four-year graduation rate of 76% and its 96% first-year retention rate both rank among the top 10 for public universities. The university also recently set records for its six-year graduation rate at 86% and its transfer student graduation rate at 78.4%, which is the highest in Florida and among the best in the nation.  

Most importantly, graduation rates at FSU show virtually no gaps across students’ socioeconomic backgrounds. Pell Grant recipients, for example, graduate at an 83% rate after six years, the highest ever at FSU and on par with the overall student population. 

“Every day, I am inspired by our students,” O’Shea said. “Our university attracts some of the brightest, most talented minds from around the world, and I look forward to helping them thrive at FSU and beyond.” 

O’Shea also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, as co-editor of the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success and as co-director of the Collaborative Lab for the Advancement of Student Success (CLASS). He is an expert in student success and postsecondary education and the author of multiple books and articles, including his forthcoming co-authored publication through Harvard Education Press, The Education They Deserve: A Leader’s Guide to Supporting College Teaching. 

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An international group that supports work-integrated education has announced multiple awards honoring Florida State University’s success in preparing students for the workforce, including an inaugural award that recognizes a member of the faculty.

The Cooperative Education & Internship Association (CEIA) will honor FSU with three awards:

• Best Practices Award – Experience Recognition Program
• Engagement Fellowship – Career Center Senior Assistant Director and InternFSU Program Manager Li Pon
• Charles Kettering Award, which recognizes an outstanding internship employer – E. & J. Gallo Winery recognizing the contributions of Amanda Bussey, an FSU alumna, former sales recruiting manager for her leadership in supporting experiential learning opportunities within the company

  

The CEIA is a leader in work-integrated learning that provides opportunities for professional development while advocating for best practices in co-ops, internships and other forms of experiential education. The awards will be presented at CEIA’s annual conference April 6-8 in Tucson, Arizona.

“It’s a privilege to acknowledge Florida State University’s enduring legacy and profound impact on the field of cooperative education and internships,” CEIA President Andrew Harper said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand FSU’s unwavering dedication to fostering high-quality work-integrated learning. Their longstanding commitment to CEIA, through board service, expert guidance and innovative presentations, has elevated work-integrated learning standards nationwide.”

CEIA’s first-ever Faculty Champion Award will recognize Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea for his contributions to the promotion and advocacy of work-integrated learning by a member of the faculty.

“We’re honored that CEIA recognizes FSU’s commitment to enriching the student academic journey through experiential learning,” O’Shea said. “Our work at FSU wouldn’t have been possible without outstanding students, faculty and staff at the university who believe in the power of experiential education and in making engagement a possibility for every student, from every background.”

Work-integrated learning complements academic studies with practical, real-world experiences outside of the classroom such as internships, undergraduate research, community service engagement and global studies.

FSU’s commitment to work-integrated learning includes the “formative experience” graduation requirement, implemented in Summer 2019 and continuing today, which ensures that all students get a chance to learn and engage outside the classroom.

Students find opportunities to complete the requirement throughout the university, within their colleges and beyond through programs such as the Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience, the Legislative Internship Program, classroom field experience, the sport management practicum, internships through various academic units and programs such as InternFSU and InternFSU: TLH, and production work for ESPN through Seminole Productions.

As a legislative intern, international affairs and political science double major, Sofia Casas has gotten to work directly under a Florida state senator and her legislative aide in tracking pending legislation, coordinating schedules and handling constituent services.

“This position has given me the opportunity to engage firsthand with the legislative process and apply what I have learned in my political science coursework at FSU,” said Casas, who is from Miami. “Through my experience in this internship, I have discovered I have a genuine passion for local policy and am looking forward to pursuing a career in Miami-Dade politics after graduating.”

FSU Career Center program director now president-elect of CEIA 

In addition to recognizing FSU at the upcoming awards ceremony, CEIA has named Tracey Dowling, FSU’s program director of experiential learning within the Career Center, the next president of the association.

Dowling has been instrumental in building programs such as InternFSU, which provides on-campus internships; InternFSU: TLH, which partners with companies in Tallahassee to hire student interns; FSUshadow, which connects students with one-day job shadowing opportunities; and the Part-Time Job & Internship Fair, a semesterly event that connects students with on- and off-campus jobs.

“It has been a dream come true to collaborate across campus for the last decade to reduce FSU student barriers to engagement in experiential learning,” Dowling said. “Seeing programs come to fruition — with support from academic affairs and partnerships across student affairs — and hearing students talking about them excitedly fuels motivation and innovation.”

An experienced career services professional and FSU alumna, Dowling has previously implemented services and programs at Emory University, the University of Georgia and the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program. She has served on the board of directors for CEIA since 2016.

“FSU’s success inspires us all to continue pushing boundaries and creating meaningful opportunities for students across the country,” CEIA President Andrew Harper said.

To learn more about FSU’s Career Center and some of the university’s work-integrated learning opportunities, visit career.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s Division of Undergraduate Studies, visit undergrad.fsu.edu.

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Record numbers of Florida State University undergraduate students are earning their degrees in four years or less thanks in part to significant investments by university leadership to enhance the academic experience. 

FSU’s four-year graduation rate reached a new high of 76%, up from 75% last year, while the university’s retention rate maintained a stellar 96%, matching last year’s record. Using the most recent publicly available data, FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects these numbers will secure FSU in the Top 10 among all public universities nationally in both categories. 

“These record-breaking graduation and retention rates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff,” said President Richard McCullough. “We are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience that supports our students’ success from day one.” 

The six-year graduation rate also climbed to 86%, up from last year’s record of 85%, which is projected to rank FSU in the Top 20 among public universities.  

Notably, FSU’s three-year graduation rate for transfer students shot up to 78.3% from last year’s 74.4%, which led all State University System institutions. The university’s six-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients is 83%. 

FSU has achieved these results through strategic investments in student success initiatives. Key among them are enhancements to academic advising and the introduction of supportive programs designed to guide students through their educational journey. 

“Our investments in comprehensive advising and student support programs are paying off in remarkable ways,” McCullough said. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.” 

“Our investments in comprehensive advising and student support programs are paying off in remarkable ways. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.”                                                                                                                                                                                                  — President Richard McCullough

FSU is continuously expanding its student success teams, including Advising First, Academic Guides and Transfer Student Services, who actively engage with students and offer personalized support, including targeted financial assistance. This includes the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, where student success teams help former students who left FSU without finishing their degree to re-enroll and graduate. Since May 2017, over 3,600 students have been supported in achieving degree completion through this initiative. 

FSU’s recent investments to expand the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, or CARE, also have been integral to improving graduation rates. Through CARE, the university provides additional support for first-generation students and others who have historically encountered extra financial barriers to education, such as Federal Pell Grant recipients. The CARE Summer Bridge program continues to grow with a record number 389 students participating in the six-week program this summer, while more than 700 additional students are supported by CARE through Quest Scholars and the Illuminate Program.  

Engage 100 supports and engages students during their first year at FSU. The initiative offers a peer community and resources to aid in students’ transition and success. Enrollment in Engage 100 is mandatory for nearly all first-year students and there are now opportunities for new transfer students.    

The Learning Assistant Program is another way FSU is maximizing student success. The LA Program enables active-learning strategies in critical courses, particularly in STEM, with embedded peer learning assistants (LAs). FSU’s LA program is among the largest of its kind in the nation.  

“I am extremely proud of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives, and I deeply appreciate our donors whose generous contributions make many of these programs possible,” said Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea. “Their support empowers our students to develop as leaders who graduate ready to take on the world.” 

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Florida State University achieved record retention and four-year graduation rates this year, boasting two significant accomplishments in student success as it welcomes one of its most academically advanced freshman classes. 

The retention rate, which measures how many first-year students stay enrolled from one fall semester to the next fall, reached 96% for the first time in FSU history, and the four-year graduation rate landed at a new high of 75%, according to data that will be part of the State University System’s 2024 Accountability Plan. 

“This is exciting news that underscores FSU’s commitment to student success,” said President Richard McCullough. “Faculty, staff and administrators from every corner of campus are focused on seeing our students graduate on time with a degree that will help them pursue a meaningful career and contribute to their communities.” 

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