This summer, Florida State University will welcome scholars from India’s top research institutions to Tallahassee through a new initiative designed to spark international collaboration, accelerate innovation and expand FSU’s global research partnerships. 

The inaugural Visiting Scholars Partnership Program (VSPP) is designed to strengthen high-impact, research-and innovation-centered partnerships with leading universities around the world. The pilot program, which takes place July 5-31, will bring scholars from four highly ranked international institutions to FSU’s Tallahassee campus for exploratory research collaborations.  

During their stay, each visiting scholar will be paired with FSU faculty aligned with their expertise and desire to build international partnerships. Visiting scholars will explore FSU’s world-class facilities, meet administrators across multiple departments and engage in rich, one-on-one collaboration with their faculty peers several times each week. 

Housed in the Office of the Provost, the initiative receives strategic oversight from the Office for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and is implemented by the Learning Systems Institute (LSI), which conducts research and develops evidence-based interventions to improve individual and organizational performance. 

“Florida State University believes some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when scholars from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to exchange ideas,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.”

— Jim Clark, FSU provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs 

The initiative was spearheaded by Farrukh Alvi, senior associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and the Don Fuqua Eminent Scholar and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering.

“The program is designed to create opportunities for researchers to explore new ideas, identify complementary strengths and develop partnerships around shared areas of interest,” Alvi said. “We hope these collaborations will lead to impactful, lasting research relationships and new opportunities for innovation across disciplines.” 

The VSPP will provide a structured, immersive experience that supports collaborative research, innovation exchange and the development of long-term institutional partnerships. Collaborations will span fields including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, quantum optics, entrepreneurship and advanced materials research. 

“At Florida State University, we recognize that research and higher education are increasingly global in nature,” said Steve McDowell, assistant provost for International Initiatives. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.”

— Steve McDowell, FSU assistant provost for International Initiatives

Vilma Fuentes, director of FSU’s Ukraine Task Force and a visiting associate in research at LSI, will serve as inaugural program director of the VSPP.  

“This program provides an exciting opportunity to connect scholars from some of the best universities in the world with faculty and departments across our great university,” Fuentes said. “We anticipate these exchanges will lead to new research partnerships, expanded academic engagement and future opportunities that benefit both FSU and our international partners.” 

India is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing research and technology institutions, making the partnerships especially valuable for future global collaboration. Participating partner institutions include the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).  

The partner institutions rank among the world’s leading universities for engineering, science and technology research in the QS World University Rankings. The QS World University Rankings is one of the most comprehensive assessments of its kind, offering an independent comparison of top universities worldwide based on academic excellence, employability, research impact and internationalization. 

“At LSI, we believe innovation happens when people with different expertise and perspectives come together to solve complex challenges,” said Rabieh Razzouk, director of LSI. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates an environment where those collaborations can grow, benefiting not only our institutions, but also the broader communities and systems our work is intended to serve.” 

Summer 2026 VSPP pairings include:  

• Wei Guo, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Bhaskar Kanseri, Professor, Quantum Optics Physics, IIT Delhi
• Bill Lickson, Professor, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Pradeep Bhide, Professor, FSU College of Medicine, with Amit Mehndiratta, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi  
• Farrukh Alvi, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Tufan Kumar Guha, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Debopam Das, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Unnikrishnan Nair, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Rajesh Ranjan, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Rajan Kumar, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• William Oates, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Nidish Narayanaa Balaji, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras  
• Tristan Driscoll, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Namrata Gundiah, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, IISc  
• Zhiyong (Richard) Liang, Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering; Tarik Dickens, Professor and Interim Associate Chair, Materials Science and Engineering Department, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; and Raghav Gnanasambandam, Assistant Professor, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, with Prosenjit Das, Assistant Professor, Materials Engineering, IISc

Cultural activities will also be arranged to give participants a deeper understanding of American culture, society and the surrounding environment. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, activities will include locations listed on the America250FL Road Trip Map. 

In addition to advancing scientific understanding and knowledge exchange, these partnerships are expected to lead to joint research proposals, co-authored publications, shared data, complementary use of resources and new interdisciplinary initiatives. Organizers hope the program will serve as a foundation for sustained international collaboration and future faculty and student exchange opportunities at scale. 

Visit the Visiting Scholars Partnership Program website to learn more about VSPP. For more information about LSI, visit lsi.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s education and educational research program ranks No. 25 globally, No. 2 among public universities in the United States and No. 1 in Florida in the 2026-27 Best Global Universities rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida State also ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions in psychiatry and psychology (No. 80), social sciences and public health (No. 89) and arts and humanities (No. 92).

The rankings evaluate more than 2,250 universities in more than 100 countries based on academic research performance and global and regional research reputation. The methodology emphasizes factors such as publications, citations and international collaboration.

“These rankings across crucial professions and disciplines reflect the quality of our faculty and the impact of their scholarship,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “The recognition earned by our education program, along with strong performances in psychology, the social sciences and the humanities, demonstrates the public value proposition of the academic excellence across Florida State University.”

FSU’s performance reflects the university’s continued growth as a leading research institution. The university recorded a record $488 million in research expenditures, a 50 percent increase since 2021, and surpassed $1.2 billion in research funding proposals in 2025.

U.S. News uses data from Clarivate’s Web of Science Core Collection and InCites Benchmarking & Analytics to evaluate universities. The Best Global Universities rankings focus primarily on institutions’ research performance and scholarly impact rather than undergraduate education.

For more information and the complete rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities website.

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As a nationally recognized leader in supporting student veterans, Florida State University is further empowering those who served through a new merit scholarship offered in partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program.

Launching this fall, the Stamps Veteran Scholars Program will honor the service, leadership and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans by providing transformative educational and leadership opportunities. It will be the nation’s first Stamps Scholars Program designed specifically for undergraduate student veterans.

“Stamps Veteran Scholars at FSU will be individuals of exceptional intellectual curiosity, demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to service,” said Billy Francis, director of the FSU Student Veterans Center. “We are looking for students who seek not only to succeed academically, but to contribute meaningfully to our campus community and the world beyond.”

The SVSP at FSU will launch with an inaugural cohort of up to five Stamps Veteran Scholars, each receiving a merit scholarship and enrichment support package. Through a dollar-for-dollar funding match between Florida State University and the Stamps Scholars Program, the SVSP is designed to provide select student veterans with education and networking opportunities that provide a foundation for future growth.

Each veteran scholar will receive a total of up to $26,000 toward the completion of an undergraduate degree. That includes covering any remaining balance of Florida State’s estimated cost of attendance, up to $8,000 per year. It also includes up to $10,000 in enrichment funding that can be applied toward professional and scholarly enhancement opportunities, including study abroad experiences, undergraduate research, leadership programs and national conferences.

Stamps Veteran Scholars will also join a national network of Stamps Scholars and alumni, gaining access to a community of accomplished student leaders, mentorship opportunities and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

“The SVSP will build upon FSU’s foundation of veteran student support by helping to eliminate financial barriers, empowering recipients to fully dedicate themselves to their academic goals, undergraduate research and leadership development as they transition into impactful civilian careers.”

– Billy Francis, FSU Student Veterans Center director

E. Roe Stamps IV is a businessman, private investor and philanthropist who, with his late wife Penny, has supported students through their philanthropic work since 2000. They founded the Stamps Scholars Program in 2006 to help exceptional students achieve their education and life goals. Through partnerships with universities across the country, the program supports high-achieving students through scholarship funding, leadership development and enrichment experiences.

The Stamps Scholars Program currently supports more than 1,330 Scholars, with 39 partner institutions nationwide. Together with alumni, the Stamps community includes more than 4,400 exceptional leaders.

“We are honored to partner with Florida State to recognize and support veterans whose service, leadership and sacrifice have strengthened our country,” Roe Stamps said. “The Stamps Veteran Scholars Program reflects our commitment to helping these exceptional students pursue their educational goals, develop their talents and continue making meaningful contributions in their communities and professions. We look forward to welcoming them into the broader Stamps Scholars community.”

In establishing the SVSP at FSU, the Stamps Scholars Program has recognized FSU’s stature among peer institutions in veteran support, retention, graduation and career-placement metrics. Central to this success is FSU’s commitment to providing students with comprehensive services, dedicated facilities and robust campus relationships. The Student Veterans Center hosts more than 30 annual veteran-centered programs and events to cultivate a deep sense of community and belonging among military-affiliated students.

“The SVSP will build upon FSU’s foundation of veteran student support by helping to eliminate financial barriers, empowering recipients to fully dedicate themselves to their academic goals, undergraduate research and leadership development as they transition into impactful civilian careers,” Francis said.

For more information about the SVSP, visit veterans.fsu.edu/stamps-veteran-scholars-program.

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Florida State University Libraries Special Collections & Archives has acquired a collection of rare legal documents donated by independent Emmett Till researchers Kevin Murphy and Colleen FitzPatrick. The collection expands public access to historical records tied to one of the most significant civil rights cases in American history.

The acquisition consists of copies of records from the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant were tried for the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Till’s murder and the subsequent trial became pivotal events in the Civil Rights Movement. The collection strengthens FSU’s extensive holdings in regional and Southern history.

“Preserving primary sources from pivotal moments in our nation’s history is at the very core of our mission. By making these rare courthouse records accessible digitally, FSU Libraries provides scholars and the public with resources to examine the legal landscape of the civil rights era and ensure these histories are never forgotten.”

— Katie McCormick, associate dean for Special Collections & Archives

Among the donated records are Circuit Court case files for each charge against Milam and Bryant, including records related to witnesses called to trial. The documents provide new resources for scholars studying the 1955 murder case.

“Preserving primary sources from pivotal moments in our nation’s history is at the very core of our mission,” said Katie McCormick, associate dean for Special Collections & Archives. “By making these rare courthouse records accessible digitally, FSU Libraries provides scholars and the public with resources to examine the legal landscape of the civil rights era and ensure these histories are never forgotten.”

Recovering the records from the Mississippi courthouse required extensive preparation, including the use of K95 masks, protective gloves and portable lighting.

In the courthouse basement, researchers found the Emmett Till documents in varying states of preservation. Some remained in relatively good condition within leather-bound volumes, while others showed significant deterioration from decades of exposure to moisture, mold and rodents.

“We experienced emotions that ran the gamut from exhilaration in finding them to such deep sadness that the records, in the state that we found them, served as a metaphor for the burying of truth and justice in one of the worst moments in American history,” Murphy said. “The entire experience was profoundly moving; to rub our fingers over the actual signatures of Mose Wright, Willie Reed, Mandy Bradley, et al in the State Witness Fee Book, brought us right back to those days of 1955.”

FitzPatrick and Murphy credited Tallahatchie County Circuit Court Clerk Daphane Neal and her assistant, Angie Clark, with helping facilitate their work in the Sumner Courthouse archives. The research team spent four days examining and digitizing records during visits in June and August 2025.

“Finding these records was both a technical challenge and a profound historical responsibility,” FitzPatrick said. “By digitizing this collection, we are preserving the tangible proof of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, making sure these voices are never silenced by time.”

FSU College of Communication and Information Professor Davis Houck, the Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies whose research helped establish FSU’s Emmett Till Archives, said the records “add to our understanding of decision making in how the case was both prosecuted and defended. From the voir dire process to prospective witnesses, their discovery of these extremely rare documents helps round out our understanding of this grave miscarriage of justice.”

The digitized collection is available to the public through the FSU Libraries digital repository. Visit the Emmett Till Trial Collection webpage to view the latest findings of this historic case.

For more information, visit the FSU Special Collections and Archives website or contact the department staff via email at lib-specialcollections@fsu.edu or by phone at 850-644-3271.

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Florida State University has appointed Jonathan Fozard as vice president for Information Technology Services (ITS).

Since joining Florida State University in 2020, Fozard has played a key role in advancing the university’s technology strategy. He brings more than 26 years of experience leading technology, cybersecurity and digital modernization initiatives in higher education and the public sector.

“Jonathan understands how technology can advance every part of our mission, from student success and academic excellence to groundbreaking research and public service,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “The creation of this new position recognizes Jonathan’s exceptional leadership and reflects the growing importance of technology in advancing every aspect of Florida State’s mission. Since arriving at FSU, he has helped position us for the future while strengthening the systems and infrastructure our faculty, staff and students rely on every day.”

In his new role, Fozard will continue to oversee a broad technology portfolio that includes more than 1,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $275 million. Together, these operations provide secure and reliable technology for more than 46,000 students, numerous statewide agencies, and global study centers worldwide.

At FSU, Fozard led the development of RISE 2030 technology strategy, aligning technology investments with the university’s academic and research priorities. Under his leadership, Florida State University has aligned technology positions, expanded the use of artificial intelligence tools, strengthened cybersecurity, enhanced technology support for research, and grown student internship opportunities that help prepare the next generation of technology leaders.

“Jonathan has been an exceptional partner in advancing the university’s academic and research mission,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “He understands the critical role technology plays in supporting teaching, expanding digital learning opportunities, enabling research and creating a better experience for students. His leadership has helped Florida State move forward in important ways, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Fozard also serves on Florida’s Government Technology Modernization Council after being appointed by the Florida Senate to a four-year term. The council advises state leaders on identity management, cybersecurity standards and the responsible deployment of AI.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve Florida State University in this role,” Fozard said. “Technology touches every aspect of the university’s mission, and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students, and partners to continue building innovative, secure, and reliable systems that support learning, research, service, and the critical work we help enable across Florida and around the world.”

Fozard was named the 2026 Florida Large Enterprise ORBIE CIO Award winner for his leadership and workforce development. Before joining FSU, he held senior technology, finance and operations positions at George Washington University, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

He serves on the national Higher Education CIO Advisory Boards for Microsoft and Dell and chairs the Finance Committee for Florida LambdaRail. He holds a Master of Business Administration and completed doctoral coursework in higher education administration and policy studies at Oklahoma State University.

For more information about FSU Information Technology Services, visit https://its.fsu.edu/about-its/leadership/jonathan-fozard.

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Florida State University has named nationally recognized scholar and academic leader Kirk A. Foster as the next dean of the College of Social Work.

Foster currently serves as dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington and will begin his role at Florida State on Aug. 17.

With more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, teaching and research, Foster has built a career focused on strengthening communities, advancing evidence-based practice and preparing students for careers in public service and behavioral health.

“Dr. Foster is an accomplished leader with a strong record of academic excellence, translational research, student success and community engagement,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Florida State University, who previously served seven years as dean of the FSU College of Social Work. “He understands the important role social workers play in supporting individuals, families and communities, and the crucial workforce contributions that the College makes to the State of Florida. He brings the experience and vision needed to lead the college into its next chapter.”

“He understands the important role social workers play in supporting individuals, families and communities, and the crucial workforce contributions that the College makes to the State of Florida. He brings the experience and vision needed to lead the college into its next chapter.” 

— Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs

Before joining UT Arlington in 2024, Foster served as director of the School of Social Work at East Carolina University and previously held leadership roles at the University of South Carolina. 

Foster also enjoys a strong national reputation within his profession. He serves as president of the Society for Social Work and Research, the field’s leading scholarly organization, and has held numerous leadership roles advancing research and evidence-based practice in social work.

Foster’s work has focused on behavioral health, community partnerships and strengthening public trust in institutions. His research has examined topics including economic mobility, neighborhood change and relationships between communities and law enforcement. He is the co-author of “Chasing the American Dream: Understanding What Shapes Our Fortunes,” which received the Society for Social Work and Research’s award for Best Scholarly Book in 2016.

“I am honored and excited to join the FSU College of Social Work. I look forward to working with staff, students, faculty, alumni and community partners throughout the state to write the first chapter of the College’s next 100 years of impact and transformation.”

— Kirk Foster, new dean of the College of Social Work

The FSU College of Social Work prepares students for careers in clinical practice, mental health services, child welfare, veterans services and community leadership. The college is nationally recognized for its online graduate programs and research focused on improving health and well-being across Florida communities.

“I am honored and excited to join the FSU College of Social Work,” Foster said. “I look forward to working with staff, students, faculty, alumni and community partners throughout the state to write the first chapter of the College’s next 100 years of impact and transformation.

Foster earned a Ph.D. and Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He succeeds Dean David Springer, who is returning to the University of Texas at Austin as a Centennial Professor in Leadership for Community, Professional, and Corporate Excellence and University Distinguished Teaching Professor.

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Steven High, executive director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has announced he will retire after 15 years leading the Sarasota museum complex governed by Florida State University.

High has served as executive director since 2011, overseeing a period of significant growth in collections, educational programming, attendance, fundraising and campus expansion at The Ringling, which serves as Florida’s State Art Museum under the stewardship of Florida State University. He will remain in the position until his successor is identified.

High said serving as executive director of The Ringling has been the highlight of his career and credited the museum’s growth to the work of its staff, foundation board, university leadership and community supporters.

“Together, we strengthened The Ringling’s financial foundation, expanded its reach and preserved its remarkable collections and historic campus for future generations,” High said. “I am deeply grateful to Florida State University, our supporters and the Sarasota community for their partnership and trust.”

During High’s tenure, The Ringling more than doubled its collections, enhanced exhibition programming and educational offerings while overseeing major additions and restorations across the museum’s campus. High oversaw the opening of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, and the Turrell Skyspace Joseph’s Coat as well as several major restoration and preservation initiatives. He also expanded educational outreach, accessibility initiatives and multidisciplinary programming, including the Art of Performance series.

The Ringling also experienced substantial institutional growth during High’s leadership, increasing its annual operating budget from $12 million to $28 million and growing its endowment from $27 million to $67 million. The museum completed a $100 million comprehensive campaign in 2019 and expanded its campus through a series of major projects and initiatives.

“Steven High strengthened The Ringling’s role as both a world-class museum and an important part of Florida State University’s academic mission,” said FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “He expanded opportunities for student learning, research and community engagement while helping preserve and enhance one of Florida’s great cultural institutions. FSU has invested in The Ringling’s growth and success, and Steven’s leadership helped ensure those investments created lasting impact for the museum, its visitors and our students.”

Ringling Museum of Art Foundation Board Chair Meg Hausberg said High’s leadership helped elevate the museum’s national and international reputation while deepening its ties to the university and the Sarasota-Manatee community.

“Steven High has led The Ringling with extraordinary care, intellect and purpose,” Hausberg said. “His leadership elevated the museum’s profile while also strengthening its role as a cultural and educational resource for the state of Florida.”

The Ringling is one of the largest university-based museum complexes in the United States, encompassing 66 bayfront acres and nearly 500,000 square feet of facilities in Sarasota. The campus includes the Museum of Art, Tibbals Learning Center, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan mansion, Historic Asolo Theater, and extensive research, conservation and education spaces. The institution welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually.

Florida State University has overseen The Ringling since 2000, when the state transferred responsibility for the museum’s stewardship and operations to the university. Today, The Ringling serves as both a cultural destination and an academic resource supporting teaching, research and museum studies opportunities for FSU students and faculty. In January 2026, FSU and The Ringling marked 25 years of shared stewardship.

A nationally respected museum leader and scholar, High’s early career began with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Following graduate work at Williams College, he held leadership and academic roles at institutions including the Portland (Maine) School of Art and Virginia Commonwealth University and led the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno and Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia.

Across a career spanning nearly five decades, he has curated numerous exhibitions and published dozens of scholarly catalogues. High also served in leadership roles for national and local organizations, including the American Alliance of Museums and the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.

Florida State University and the Ringling Museum of Art Foundation have hired Isaacson, Miller, a national search firm, to assist in identifying High’s successor.

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The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at Florida State University has been selected to collaborate with IREX and other partners on the Early Grade Education Activity in Jordan. LSI will join the project to advance Jordanian-led teacher education initiatives.

Under the direction of IREX, a global nonprofit organization focused on education and development, LSI will foster a collaborative relationship between Florida State University and Jordanian universities to support initiatives that address low literacy and numeracy rates while promoting whole-child development. LSI will support Jordanian universities through curriculum review and co-development, faculty professional development and research and quality assurance frameworks.

“IREX is proud to partner with the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University to support the groundbreaking Early Grade Education Activity, ASAS, across Jordan. This collaboration reflects the value of drawing on the experience and expertise of U.S. universities to strengthen higher education institutions internationally and better prepare educators to meet the needs of students and communities. At the same time, collaboration on AI in education is essential to responsibly realizing the opportunities AI can bring and to supporting long-term student success,” said Aleksander Dardeli, President and CEO of IREX.

Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski, Associate Director for Research at LSI and Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy in the Anne Spencer Daves College College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and Sana Tibi, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at FSU, will serve as principal investigators. Anne’s College faculty and LSI staff will provide support.

“The FSU team is excited to start work on this project, which is grounded in partnership and mutual learning,” said Zuilkowski. “We look forward to collaborating with Jordanian universities to support their efforts to advance teacher education, while also deepening our own understanding of effective, contextually responsive approaches to primary grades teacher preparation.”

IREX and its partners are working with Jordan’s Ministry of Education and universities across the country to sustainably improve early grade education.

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Florida State University has announced it will offer a new admissions plan to prospective undergraduate students applying for the summer and fall 2027 entering class.

FSU’s Office of Admissions will introduce a binding Early Decision option for domestic first-year applicants, expanding opportunities for students who have identified the university as their unequivocal first choice. Applications open Aug. 1.

After a record year of nearly 100,000 applications and a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years, Early Decision will allow more students to receive an admissions decision earlier in their senior year of high school.

“Each year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,” said Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions. “Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

The significant rise in applications coincides with recent record-breaking student success at FSU. The school recorded a 97% first-year retention rate last fall, which placed it at No. 4 in the nation among public universities, and a record 78% four-year graduation rate, placing it at No. 9.

Within the state of Florida, FSU ranked No. 1 among public universities for student satisfaction and best value by The Princeton Review, No. 1 for best first-year experiences by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 1 among honors programs by College Transitions.

“I am grateful for all that our faculty, staff and students have done to make FSU such a special place and one of the most sought-after universities in the country,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “Early Decision builds on that momentum by giving students who already know FSU is right for them another admissions option.”

“Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express [their top-choice] preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

– Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions

Early Decision is a binding plan, requiring that applicants not apply Early Decision to other institutions. FSU will require a written agreement signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and the student’s high school counselor.

Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU’s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. Both Early Decision and Early Action will share an Oct. 15 application deadline, with decisions released on Dec. 17.

Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15, 2027.

Students applying early will remain eligible for need-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. FSU’s Office of Admissions says students considering Early Decision should use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and financial aid eligibility. Financial aid information will be shared shortly after admission decisions are released to support informed family decision making, provided students complete the FAFSA by Dec. 1.

Early Decision will not be available to those applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program.

Regular Decision and rolling deadlines will continue to be available for students who prefer greater flexibility. A full list of the 2027-2028 application plans, dates and deadlines can be found on the FSU First-Year Dates & Deadlines page.

All applicants, regardless of application plan, will continue to be evaluated through FSU’s holistic review process. The Office of Admissions considers all aspects of an applicant’s record, and no single criterion guarantees admission.

Visit the FSU First-Year Decisions page for eligibility guidelines, timelines and frequently asked questions.

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Last month, Florida State University’s Ukraine Task Force (UTF) welcomed the president of one of the oldest and most respected universities in Ukraine to discuss areas of collaboration and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. 

Serhiy Kvit, president of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), was on FSU’s Tallahassee campus Nov. 16-22 to deliver several lectures and meet with administrators to discuss possible areas of cooperation. Kvit also met with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James Clark to sign an MOU between FSU and NaUKMA to expand global connections and outreach.  

“It’s a really important part of Florida State University’s efforts to reach out to the world and be part of our global community in the education sector,” said Steve McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives and interim dean of The Graduate School. “Florida State University is investing, and has invested for a long time, in being a global university.” 

Established in 1991 but with roots to 1615, NaUKMA is one of the few universities in Ukraine that offers bilingual instruction in English and Ukrainian and internationally recognized diplomas. Through collaboration with FSU, the two universities are merging global goals and furthering these international endeavors. 

Housed in FSU’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI), the UTF was established in 2022 as part of the university’s broader internationalization strategy and aims to forge partnerships between FSU and Ukrainian scholars and educate the FSU community about Ukraine. 

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Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark has appointed Louisa Blenman as executive director of International Programs. 

Blenman, who has served as interim director since May 2024, will officially start in the role on Dec. 5. 

“FSU’s International Programs open doors to the world for our students, and Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director marks an exciting new chapter,” said FSU Provost James Clark. “Her vision and experience will help us deepen global partnerships and create transformative opportunities that prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing world.” 

Blenman will build upon 30 years of experience and expertise in international education. She has worked for FSU International Programs since 2004 and served as associate director since 2018. She also currently serves on the boards of charities and foundations associated with each FSU international study center and the FSU International Programs Association direct support organization. 

“Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director reflects her years of leadership and expertise at FSU and in the field of study abroad,” said Steve McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives. “Her vision will ensure FSU continues to offer world-class global opportunities for our students.” 

FSU is a national leader in international education, ranking 10th among public universities (No. 12 overall) for the total number of students studying abroad in 2023-2024, with 2,702 students participating in global programs. FSU also ranks first among public universities (and No. 4 overall) for the number of students participating in long-term study abroad programs, leading the field in extended international education experiences. 

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of FSU’s innovative First Year Abroad program, with a record 314 students enrolled this fall — a testament to the university’s commitment to expanding transformative global opportunities for its students. 

“I appreciate Provost Clark’s confidence in me to lead the International Programs team as we build on our successful history and pursue new opportunities abroad,” Blenman said. “It is an honor to have so many talented colleagues, both domestically and internationally, who work tirelessly to provide transformative experiences for our students. I look forward to continuing to support the university’s strategic efforts and aspirations.”  

 Before International Programs, Blenman spent a decade working in study abroad in London after completing a prestigious internship at the Fulbright Commission. 

Blenman is a two-time graduate of FSU. She earned a Master’s in Higher Education from the College of Education (now the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences) in 1994 and an MBA from the College of Business in 2012. 

She succeeds Jim Pitts, who retired in 2024 after a 56-year career at Florida State. 

To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. 

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