Florida State University is reaffirming its position as one of the nation’s premier public universities, earning strong rankings from U.S. News & World Report, TIME and Niche.  

FSU placed highly in each of the three publications’ latest rankings, released over the past month.   

“Rankings may change from year to year or vary by publication, but Florida State’s commitment to excellence is constant,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Our university continues to break records year after year and reach new heights in student success, academic quality, and research funding and expenditures. That momentum reflects the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff and students, and it gives us tremendous confidence in Florida State’s future. We are clearly one of America’s top public universities.”  

On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its “Best Colleges 2027” guidebook, ranking Florida State among the nation’s top 25 public universities for the eighth consecutive year. FSU placed No. 24 among public universities. 

In the latest report by U.S. News, Florida State climbed to No. 5 among all public universities nationally for First-Year Experiences, a reflection of its 97% first-year retention rate. FSU also excelled among all public institutions in several new categories, ranking No. 7 for Best Value for In-State Students, No. 7 for Study Abroad and No. 13 for Most Innovative Schools.  

Earlier this fall, Niche ranked Florida State No. 12 among national public universities, using verifiable data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews and ratings from current students, alumni and parents. Niche also ranked FSU No. 46 on its list of 2027 Best Research Universities in America, improving four spots from last year. 

Last month, FSU ranked No. 17 among public universities in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges list, which emphasizes student outcomes and the value of a college education. 

Student success is FSU’s No. 1 goal

The strong rankings reflect the momentum Florida State has built in key measures of student success. Most recently, the university achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 82%, the highest in State University System history and four percentage points above last year’s record. FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects the new rate would place the university in a tie with the University of Michigan at No. 7 among public universities nationally. 

Along with its record four-year graduation rate, FSU maintained its record six-year graduation rate and achieved a new milestone for transfer-student success, setting a record graduation rate for students from the Florida College System. 

Demand for a Florida State education continues to reach new heights. Nearly 97,000 students applied for admission for fall 2026, representing a 233% increase over the past decade. The university welcomed approximately 6,000 freshmen from one of the most competitive applicant pools in its history. The admitted class boasts an average high school GPA of 4.5, average SAT and ACT scores of 1430 and 32, respectively, and 92% graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes. Twenty-five percent are first-generation college students.  

“Students choose Florida State because of the quality of our academic programs and the opportunities available to them here,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “They stay and graduate because of the experience they have once they arrive. We have built a culture that combines academic excellence with strong student support, helping more students achieve their goals and earn their degrees on time.” 

What changed in U.S. News?

This year, U.S. News revised its methodology and removed student debt from its formula. Student affordability remains a top priority for FSU, which ranks among the nation’s best public research universities for graduating students with little or no debt.  

Under the new calculation, FSU’s ranking among national public universities dropped three spots despite gains across all previously measured metrics, including first-year retention rate, six-year graduation rate and the six-year Pell recipient graduation rate.  

“Our responsibility is not to chase rankings but to create one of the nation’s best educational experiences,” McCullough said. “That means continuing to invest in outstanding faculty, innovative academic programs and the resources that help students succeed from enrollment through graduation. If we remain focused on those goals, the results will follow.” 

FSU shines in undergraduate program rankings

FSU ranked No. 36 among all undergraduate business programs at public schools in U.S. News’ 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The Herbert Wertheim College of Business’ Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance ranked No. 3 among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs. 

The Wertheim College’s Real Estate Program moved up three spots to No. 3 among public universities and No. 6 overall, with the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing maintaining its No. 18 spot among public universities. 

 “These high marks reflect the transformative education our students receive from an exceptional faculty who, supported by our dedicated staff, alumni and industry partners, inspire students daily to reach their full potential,” said Michael D. Hartline, dean of the Wertheim College of Business. “Our hope is that all Wertheim College students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead in their chosen fields and to make a meaningful impact in the global marketplace.” 

New this year, U.S. News ranked entrepreneurship programs. The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship’s undergraduate program ranked No. 13 among public universities and No. 39 overall on the publication’s inaugural list.  

“The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is honored to be counted among the nation’s very best undergraduate programs,” said Michael Brady, interim dean of the Moran College. “This achievement reflects the extraordinary talent and drive of the faculty, staff and students who continue to strengthen our entrepreneurial community, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of The Jim Moran Foundation and our devoted alumni.” 

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Bestselling author and commentator David Brooks told a full house at Florida State University on Thursday that universities are the “chief engines of our national culture,” and that it’s the job of higher education to help students discover new ideas and energize their passions. 

“My view of higher education is that our job is not only to provide information and expand knowledge — that’s of course part of the job — but it’s also to help students find new things to love,” Brooks said. “That’s what my college did for me.”  

Brooks delivered the remarks at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall during an event hosted by FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics. His talk, which kicked off IGC’s Fall 2026 Speaker Series, was followed by a conversation with President Richard McCullough about the challenges and rapid changes facing higher education today.  

The author of books including “The Road to Character” and “How to Know a Person,” Brooks spent 22 years as an opinion columnist for The New York Times before joining The Atlantic as a staff writer earlier this year. He also became Yale’s first presidential senior fellow, a five-year appointment that includes lectures and conversations examining questions about meaning, community and institutions. 

McCullough said the idea to invite Brooks to FSU came after he heard him speak at a gathering of university presidents and was impressed by his perspectives on higher education. 

Brooks weaved anecdotes from history, modern culture and his personal experiences to describe his views on American culture, society and education. He spoke about seeing the gleam in people’s eyes, especially his students, when they are interested, excited or engaged.  

“The gleam is my vision of America,” he said. “We are a country that energizes. We’re not the most civilized culture, we’re not the most cultured culture, but we’re about energy and movement. That is the spirit of our democracy.”  

Brooks said that an emphasis on this gleam, or inner fire, is important in a time when people are pessimistic, divided and often lonely. 

“It’s especially important in the age of AI,” he said. “Before the age of AI, the real scarcity in the world was knowledge and information. In the age of AI, knowledge and information are plentiful.” 

Brooks said that some people will rely on AI to not have to think hard, while others will use AI to think more and become smarter. 

“In my view, what a school’s purpose is in the age of AI is to teach people to want to think hard, to care about subjects so much that they’re going to be willing to think hard and keep their mental skills sharp,” he said. 

Brooks closed on a note of hope for America and for higher education. He said meaningful change will not come from politicians focused on fundraising or elections, but from people within institutions like FSU — students, faculty and others who are connected to a deeper sense of purpose. 

“That’s why I say (that institutions of) higher education are the cathedrals of our national culture and have the responsibility and the opportunity to make some big changes,” he said. 

Ryan Owens, director of the Institute for Governance and Civics, opened the event with remarks about the institute’s mission and recent work, and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark introduced Brooks.  

For more information about IGC’s Fall 2026 Speaker Series, visit igc.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University has been awarded more than $19 million in grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program to launch six new projects and provide resources to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities throughout the state. 

The five-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. The program is designed to help states transform and update healthcare delivery by improving access, quality and outcomes, thereby strengthening rural communities.  

Florida received nearly $210 million this year and, through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), awarded more than $180 million to fund proposals across the state.  

“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state. These projects will expand access to care, strengthen local healthcare resources, and help deliver better outcomes for rural Floridians.” 

The FSU College of Medicine was uniquely positioned to apply for these grants, as its community-based, collaborative structure is focused on developing partnerships with a special emphasis on providing care to underserved patients throughout Florida.  Additionally, the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, part of the FSU College of Nursing and led by Professor Lisa Hightow-Weidman, had a long track record of working with patients in a variety of locations by pioneering digital health tools and systems that could help improve individual health outcomes. 

AHCA made collaboration a key requirement for the grant proposals, noting that partnerships should help expand reach, close gaps and make the most of shared resources. 

“Community partnerships are essential to building a healthier Florida,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine and president of the Florida Medical Association. “We know how important it is to bring healthcare directly into the communities that need it most. I saw that firsthand as a family physician in rural Gadsden County in Florida’s Panhandle, and in my work across the state, I continue to see gaps in care that we can help close. Rural Floridians deserve access to high-quality, compassionate care. Meaningful progress will take collaboration, innovation and a sustained commitment to the people we serve.”  

“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state.” 

FSU’s grant proposals focus on key rural health challenges, including food insecurity, behavioral health, preventive care, workforce development and telehealth. To guide planning and funding, AHCA identified Florida’s rural counties, as defined by state law, and grouped them into four regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. The FSU College of Medicine, in collaboration with the FSU College of Nursing and IDHI, developed proposals for the Northwest and Southwest regions, where it already has established programs and partnerships.  

The Northwest Region is a central hub for FSU Health, with a new FSU Health Hospital under construction in Panama City Beach and the FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building scheduled to open this fall on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus. In Southwest Florida, the college operates its Immokalee Health Education Site and sponsors residency and fellowship programs at several hospitals. 

The two projects in Northwest Florida receiving funds will tackle food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care. Four new projects to launch in Southwest Florida will focus on workforce development, behavioral health, telehealth, food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care.  

“These projects reflect exactly why FSU Health was created: to bring together research, clinical expertise and community partnerships to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing Floridians,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By focusing on rural communities, we can help turn discovery and innovation into practical solutions that expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen the health of people across the state.” 

Heather Flynn, professor and chair of the FSU College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, played a key role in shepherding the grant process along and assembling teams of researchers, healthcare providers and community organizations to develop solid plans that will have a direct impact on the health and lives of Floridians. No stranger to collaborative work, Flynn is also director of the FSU Center for Behavioral Health Integration.  

“One of the main things I learned through this process is that there are a lot of extremely dedicated, high-quality clinicians, staff and administrators in the rural areas that are doing everything they can to help the patients and families in their communities with a system that is not connected and one that needs a lot of improvement and innovation,” Flynn said. “You’ve got all of these different healthcare centers, sites, organizations — all doing the best they can with the resources they have — to provide access and quality care to patients and families — and they know they don’t have what they need to do that adequately. So, it’s very frustrating.  

“I learned people are very eager to partner,” Flynn added. “Of course, there are always business considerations that may pose some barriers to those partnerships, but what I learned is people are willing to look past that and work together to fill those gaps in rural areas.” 

Flynn said the work must move quickly: Sept. 30 is the federal deadline for demonstrating significant progress in launching the projects. 

“We could not make this happen without the support of the university as well as the faculty and staff who are working diligently to ensure we meet this deadline and begin to make a positive impact on the health of people across the state,” she said.  

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Florida State University President Richard McCullough has appointed Susan Glenn interim vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation.  

Glenn begins the interim role immediately, succeeding Marla Vickers, who stepped down earlier this summer after serving as vice president since 2022.

“Susan Glenn brings deep advancement experience, steady leadership and a strong understanding of Florida State’s fundraising priorities to this interim role,” said President Richard McCullough. “She has already made a meaningful impact through her work with our colleges, schools and units, and I am confident she will provide thoughtful leadership during this transition. I also want to thank Marla Vickers for her service to Florida State and her contributions to our advancement efforts over the past several years.”  

Glenn, an advancement leader with more than 30 years of experience, has served as associate vice president of Advancement for Colleges, Schools and Units since December 2023.  

As interim vice president, Glenn will lead the university’s advancement and alumni engagement efforts. She will oversee fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement and communications initiatives that support Florida State’s academic, research and student success priorities while providing executive leadership to the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Glenn has spent her career focused on higher education, academic health and health systems fundraising. She currently oversees major gift teams and operations across 23 colleges, schools and units and partners closely with academic leaders and deans to set and exceed annual fundraising goals. She also has played a key role in developing campaign goals and priorities for FSU’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign. 

Before joining FSU, Glenn held advancement leadership roles at the University of Central Florida, Rock Valley College, Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, Duke University School of Nursing and other not-for-profit organizations. 

Throughout her career, she has led major, annual and planned giving programs, developed fundraising strategies and partnered with deans, faculty and institutional leaders to advance campaign priorities. 

Glenn earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Northern Illinois University. 

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PHOTOS: Friday, May 1 | Saturday, May 2

Florida State University celebrated its Spring 2026 graduating class Friday and Saturday, awarding more than 8,900 degrees and honoring alumna Sara Blakely with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. 

FSU President Richard McCullough presided over the ceremonies at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, where about 7,190 graduates participated in person and heard messages of resilience, leadership and service. 

The ceremonies featured three speakers whose careers span business, military service and government: entrepreneur Blakely, Lt. Gen. Sean M. Farrell and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez. 

The ceremonies began Friday morning with doctoral hoodings, recognizing the university’s newest Ph.D. and doctoral graduates. 

“As the new torchbearers of our great university, I urge you all to embrace your esteemed role as highly respected scholars and leaders,” McCullough told the doctoral graduates. “You are actively shaping the future of industries, academia, the arts and scholarly achievements in society. As you embark on new academic and professional pursuits, I encourage you to continue to embody the three values of Florida State: Vires, Artes and Mores, or strength, skill and character.” 

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark continued: “All of us charged with the care of this great university urge you, graduates, to take on this stewardship with pride, joy, gravitas and celebration.”  

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Florida State University awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to alumna and Spanx founder Sara Blakely during spring commencement Friday, recognizing a career built on instinct, persistence and a willingness to do things differently. 

When Blakely took the stage, she didn’t dwell on success. She talked about failure, self-doubt and the decision that shaped everything that came next. 

“The most critical thing that I did — the thing that everyone here can do — is I made one big investment early on,” she told the graduates. “I invested in me.” 

Blakely returned to campus 33 years after graduating from Florida State, where she said her dreams began, even if her path after college didn’t go as planned. 

She had hoped to become a lawyer. She failed the LSAT twice. She went to a job fair and was rejected by 20 companies. She hoped to be Goofy at Disney World and didn’t meet the height requirement. 

Eventually, she found herself selling fax machines door to door for seven years. 

“It was brutal,” she said, recalling days of rejection while her peers moved into careers as lawyers, doctors and corporate executives. 

At one point, she pulled her car to the side of the road and said out loud: “I’m in the wrong movie.” 

Two years later, she started a company called Spanx. 

What began as a simple fix — cutting the feet off a pair of pantyhose to improve the way clothing fit — grew into a global brand that reshaped the shapewear industry. Blakely built the company without outside investors, eventually selling a majority stake in 2021 after turning it into a billion-dollar business. 

She has continued working on another venture called Sneex, a footwear company she launched to combine the comfort of a sneaker with the look and style of a heel. 

FSU President Richard McCullough conferred Blakely’s degree during Friday evening’s ceremony at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the first honorary degree awarded during his presidency. 

In introducing her, he described Blakely as someone defined by curiosity and perseverance and a cultural force whose success began with a simple belief: There must be a better way. 

After the hooding, McCullough turned back to the audience and said, “It is now my honor to introduce, for the first time, Dr. Sara Blakely.” 

Blakely told graduates that the curiosity and persistence behind her success is available to anyone willing to do the work on themselves. 

“You can be a spectator in your life or a participant,” she said. “You can be a passenger of your thoughts or the driver of your thoughts. I chose to be the driver.” 

That idea, she said, traces back to her teenage years, when her father gave her cassette tapes by author Wayne Dyer that focused on mindset, visualization and not fearing failure. She listened to them so often she memorized them, even if it made her unpopular on car rides with friends. 

Years later, after building Spanx and landing on the cover of Forbes for being the youngest female self-made billionaire, those same friends sent her a message: “Should have listened.” 

Blakely’s speech mixed humor with hard-earned lessons. She told stories about scrambling to fulfill her first major order without the right manufacturing pieces, navigating embarrassing moments on international television and writing her own patent because she couldn’t afford an attorney. 

“I had no experience, but I had belief,” she said. 

She also warned graduates about the challenge of distraction in a fast-moving world and urged them to protect time to think, reflect and grow. 

“You can distract yourself or you can discover yourself,” she said. 

At one point, Blakely held up a worn red backpack, the same one she carried as a student at Florida State and later to early business meetings. Today, it serves as a symbol for her Red Backpack Foundation, which supports women and girls around the world. 

“It’s a reminder that everything you need is already right there on your back,” she said. 

Blakely’s recognition marks the 133rd honorary degree conferred by the university.

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Lt. Gen. Sean Farrell and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez
will also address graduates 

Florida State University will award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to alumna and entrepreneur Sara Blakely during spring commencement ceremonies May 1-2, celebrating her impact as an inventor, philanthropist and founder of Spanx and Sneex.

Blakely, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida State University in 1993, will serve as commencement speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, and for the 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, ceremony for the Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, College of Applied Studies, College of Medicine, College of Motion Picture Arts, College of Fine Arts, College of Communication & Information, and College of Social Work.

Joining Blakely as spring commencement speakers are Lt. Gen. Sean M. Farrell, deputy commanding general of U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, and the Honorable Daniel Perez, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida State University will award 8,923 degrees this spring, including 6,732 bachelor’s degrees, 1,523 master’s and specialist degrees, 261 doctoral degrees, 140 Juris Doctor degrees, 140 Juris Master’s degrees and nine LL.M. degrees. About 7,190 graduates are expected to participate.

President Richard McCullough will preside over the ceremonies, which will take place at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St.

Blakely is widely recognized as a category-creating inventor who revolutionized the shapewear industry after cutting the feet off her own pantyhose to create a smoother look under white pants. She launched Spanx in 2000 with $5,000 and built it into a global brand synonymous with innovative, comfortable apparel. In 2021, she sold a majority stake in Spanx while remaining executive chairwoman and part owner.

Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Blakely will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May.

In 2024, she launched Sneex, a footwear brand featuring a design that combines the comfort of a sneaker with the style of a heel.

A longtime advocate for women’s empowerment, Blakely has donated millions through the Red Backpack Foundation, signed The Giving Pledge, and funded scholarships and invention education programs for thousands of girls.

Blakely will receive FSU’s 133rd honorary degree, awarded to individuals whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on society.

Lt. Gen. Farrell will speak at the 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, ceremony for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. He will also address graduates at the 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, ceremony for the Herbert Wertheim College of Business.

In his role as deputy commanding general for U.S. Special Operations Command, Farrell ensures the readiness of joint special operations forces and, as directed, conducts operations worldwide. An FSU alumnus commissioned through ROTC, he is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flight hours in aircraft including the AC-130H Spectre, AC-130W Stinger, AC-130U Spooky and C-130E Hercules. He has commanded at the wing, group and squadron levels and previously served as deputy commanding general of Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. His career includes assignments at the Pentagon, Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters and senior leadership roles overseeing force structure, resources and strategic assessments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from FSU and graduate degrees in applied behavioral science and national resource strategy.

Perez will speak at the 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, ceremony for the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and College of Music.

An attorney and FSU alumnus, Perez is Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. As a first generation Cuban-American, Perez learned hard work, optimism and the importance of public service and leadership at a young age. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State in 2009 and his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans. First elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2017, he represents District 116 in Miami-Dade County. During his legislative career, Perez has chaired the Rules Committee, Judiciary Committee, Pandemic & Public Emergencies Committee and Public Integrity & Elections Committee.

Other ceremonies 

The doctoral hooding ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, May 1, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. 

The College of Law will hold its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, with a reception to follow on the Green at the College of Law. 

FSU Panama City will host its spring commencement ceremony at 5 p.m. (CST) Sunday, May 3, at the Atlantis Center in Lynn Haven, welcoming all Panama City campus graduates, as well as those who completed degrees in the previous summer and fall semesters. Former state Sen. Doug Broxson, who serves on the Florida Board of Governors, will deliver the commencement address.

For more information, see commencement.fsu.edu.

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The Florida Board of Governors approved a three-year contract extension for Florida State University President Richard McCullough Thursday, expressing support and confidence in his leadership. 

In February, FSU’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend McCullough’s contract. With the BOG’s approval, McCullough’s contractual term as president will be extended from its current end date of August 31, 2026, to August 31, 2029.  

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to have (McCullough) as our president and how proud our board is to have him as our president,” FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins told the Board of Governors. “He brings excellence and humility every day to Florida State University.” 

McCullough, FSU’s 16th president, has served in the role since August 2021.  

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m humbled to be the leader of Florida State University,” McCullough said. “We have a lot of momentum. We’re doing things at a very high level, and we won’t rest until we improve every single day.” 

Under McCullough’s leadership, Florida State achieved its highest-ever national ranking, rising to No. 51 among all universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. FSU also ranks No. 21 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, No. 11 in Niche’s 2026 America’s Top Public Universities, and No. 2 for student experience by The Princeton Review. 

FSU has also set records in student retention and graduation rates, increased research expenditures, and launched transformative initiatives such as FSU Health and major efforts in aerospace, quantum science, and entrepreneurship. 

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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’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve a three-year contract extension for President Richard McCullough, reaffirming the board’s confidence in his visionary leadership.  

Since becoming president in 2021, McCullough has guided the university through an era of remarkable progress, strengthening FSU’s position as a leader in higher education. 

“Our board could not have a better partner in moving Florida State University forward than President McCullough,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins. “His vision and determination have led to historic achievements in student success, research and advancement. The board is confident that under his continued leadership, FSU will reach even greater heights.” 

The extension is pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors. 

“It has been my greatest honor to serve as Florida State University’s 16th president, and the opportunity to continue this work for another three years is both humbling and exciting,” McCullough said. “With this board’s guidance and stewardship, we are immensely proud of what the FSU family has accomplished together over the past five years. And I want to be clear — we’re just getting started.” 

Under McCullough’s leadership, Florida State achieved its highest-ever national ranking, rising to No. 51 among all universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. FSU also ranks No. 21 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, No. 11 in Niche’s 2026 America’s Top Public Universities, and No. 2 for student experience by The Princeton Review. 

Student success and accessibility are hallmarks of McCullough’s tenure: the freshman retention rate climbed to a record 97 percent, four-year graduation hit 78 percent, and the transfer student graduation rate rose to 80 — the best in State University System history. FSU also maintains one of the lowest median federal student loan debt levels among public R1 universities, underscoring its commitment to affordability. 

FSU has become one of the nation’s most sought-after universities, with nearly 95,000 applications submitted for about 6,000 spots in next fall’s freshman class — a testament to its reputation for world-class academics and an unparalleled student experience. 

Over the past five years, the university expanded its Honors and Presidential Scholars programs and strengthened its CARE program for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students. Nearly a quarter of FSU students are the first in their families to attend college, highlighting the university’s commitment to opportunity and economic mobility. 

Research momentum is at an all-time high under McCullough, with expenditures surging from $325 million in 2021 to $488 million, a 50 percent increase. Faculty submitted $1.22 billion in grant proposals last year, and the university launched major initiatives in aerospace, quantum science, advanced manufacturing and rare earth mineral extraction.  

Through FSU Health, launched in 2022 with a $125 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the university is serving the community and driving breakthroughs in genomics and precision medicine, including pediatric rare disease research and the implementation of statewide genetic screening initiatives.  

In January, FSU opened the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence, the largest academic building on campus and the new home of the Herbert Wertheim College of Business, made possible in part by a monumental $65 million philanthropic gift from Dr. Herbert Wertheim. This transformative gift includes a $50 million endowment — the largest in university history — supporting faculty development, student scholarships, and innovative academic programs. 

Under McCullough, FSU opened the state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building, and started construction on the FSU Health Research Center, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. These projects are fueling innovation and supporting Florida’s economic goals, creating jobs, drawing top talent, and reinforcing FSU’s role as a statewide and national catalyst for progress. 

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