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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Equiturn Holdings Inc., a global financial advisory and capital‑markets platform, has earned the No. 1 spot on the 2026 Seminole 100 list as the fastest‑growing business owned or led by Florida State University alumni.

Led by FSU alumnus Joshua Orlinsky (B.S. ’13), the company was recognized Saturday, Feb. 21, during the ninth annual Seminole 100 celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

Founded in 2017, Equiturn Holdings guides leaders and organizations through complex mergers and acquisitions, capital markets strategy and private capital solutions. The firm was also the top-ranked company on the 2025 Seminole 100 and continues to expand its footprint in the financial services sector.

“Equiturn’s success reflects the remarkable drive and creativity of Florida State alumni,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Their ability to build, innovate and lead in competitive industries is a powerful example of what our graduates can accomplish. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they are making across Florida and beyond.”

Each year, FSU honors its top 100 alumni entrepreneurs through Seminole 100, where honorees learn their individual rankings and receive their awards while connecting with fellow business leaders.

Seminole 100 companies were ranked by the global financial services firm EY, which verified the information submitted by each company and calculated rankings based on their compound annual growth rate over the past three years.

The celebration featured keynote speaker FSU Trustee Brian Murphy, founder and CEO of ReliaQuest, a global leader in AI‑driven cybersecurity. Under Murphy’s leadership, ReliaQuest has grown from a startup into an enterprise valued at more than $3.4 billion, serving more than 1,000 customers across six international operations centers. Murphy, who earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Florida State in 2000, also serves on the FSU Herbert Wertheim College of Business Board of Governors.

The Seminole 100 honorees represent a wide range of industries, including technology, financial services, law, marketing, construction, health care and retail. Of the 100 businesses recognized, 64 are based in Florida, with companies from 12 additional states represented. This year’s list includes 44 companies making their first appearance on Seminole 100.

Nominations for the 2027 Seminole 100 list are now open at seminole100.fsu.edu.

Rounding out the Seminole 100 Top 10 are:

• Equiturn Holdings Inc.
• Southern Spear Properties
• Glauser Roofing Services
• Game Changing Fuel
• OVID Solutions
• Don’t Tell Comedy
• Arris General Contractors Inc.
• Jets MRO
• DSF Promos
• Cayside Partners

To view the complete list of 2026 Seminole 100 businesses, visit seminole100.fsu.edu.

About the Division of University Advancement

The Division of University Advancement works to enhance Florida State University’s leadership, reputation and private financial support in academics, research, service and athletics. The division oversees the FSU Alumni Association and the FSU Foundation.

Learn more at advancement.fsu.edu.

The Florida State University Alumni Association reserves the right to verify that the nominees meet the criteria and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any nominee for any reason.

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The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and the Florida State University College of Medicine will recognize Rare Disease Day this week with a symposium and panel discussion, featuring experts in genomics and its clinical application.

“We are committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to improve the lives of those affected by rare diseases through groundbreaking research, education and strong partnerships,” said Pradeep Bhide, director of the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, or IPRD. “This gathering provides a vital platform for advancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.”

Dr. Eric Green will deliver the keynote address following comments from FSU President Richard McCullough, College of Medicine Dean Dr. Alma Littles and Florida Rep. Adam Anderson. A physician-scientist, Green spent more than three decades with the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, serving as its director from 2009-2025. He recently joined Illumina as its chief medical officer, where he remains committed to advancing genomics to improve the human condition.

Sarah South, executive scientific director at Quest Diagnostics, will join Green, McCullough and Anderson for a roundtable discussion, which will be moderated by IPRD’s Associate Director for Precision Medicine, David Ledbetter. Poster presentations of ongoing IPRD-funded research and a reception will follow.

Observed annually on the last day in February, Rare Disease Day is a global movement raising awareness for the estimated 300 million people diagnosed with one of more than 6,000 identified rare diseases. Its goal is to ensure equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, health care and social support for those affected.

This marks the third Rare Disease Day event at the College of Medicine since Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the July 2023 State budget appropriation, championed by Anderson, establishing IPRD.

The event, which will be streamed live, will be held:

Friday, Feb. 28

10 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Durell Peaden Auditorium

FSU College of Medicine

John Thrasher Building

1115 W. Call St.

Tallahassee, Florida

###

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Florida State University President Richard McCullough said the university has “powerful momentum” as he delivered his fifth State of the University address Wednesday during a Faculty Senate meeting at the College of Medicine.  

“The state of the university is strong,” McCullough said. “And we are a university that continues to get better every day. … We are Florida State University, and we are Unconquered.” 

McCullough highlighted record student success, rising national rankings, expanding research activity and major institutional growth. He also thanked faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, parents and community partners for guiding the university through a year marked by both achievements and difficult moments. 

“Because of all of you, we are experiencing unprecedented momentum,” he said. “We’ve hired great faculty and we’ve set records in research expenditures. We’ve built out new spaces for faculty and students that are the envy of other universities.” 

He pointed to the opening of the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building and the completion of Legacy Hall, the new home of the College of Business, and construction of the new FSU Health Research Building as spaces that are attracting top faculty from around the country.  

McCullough applauded FSU faculty for achieving a record $487 million in research expenditures and submitting more than $1.22 billion in proposals this year. 

“Our research programs continue to impress,” he said. “We have grown research expenditures at an impressive rate — from $325 million in 2021 to a record $487 million — up nearly 50 percent.” 

He said that FSU has built research focus areas that align with state and national priorities. The university is advancing quantum science and engineering, making breakthroughs in superconductivity, pioneering environmentally responsible methods for extracting rare earth minerals and making strides in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.  

In health and biomedical innovation, FSU launched ICON-Health, an institute that explores the benefits of food as medicine, and expanded the Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, which is translating discovery into care for some of the most devastating childhood diseases. Both institutes are part of the university’s expanding FSU Health initiative. 

As a part of FSU Health, the university is growing research and health care opportunities in Northwest Florida, including building an academic health center in Panama City Beach and advancing its partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The university’s first Vice President and Chief Clinical Operations Officer, FSU alumnus Jeremy Slaga, will start in the new role in January. 

“For faculty, FSU Health means research opportunity and expansion, new clinical partnerships and a pathway to move discoveries from the lab to the bedside,” McCullough said. 

McCullough highlighted significant momentum in the arts and humanities, including the acquisition of a movie theater for the College of Motion Picture Arts and funding a new Humanities Center.  

While other universities are in the midst of hiring freezes, FSU hired more than 200 new faculty members for the third year in a row. The university now counts 13 members of the National Academies on its faculty, double the number from 2024. 

“We’re trying to take advantage of when others are slowing down,” McCullough said. “We’re in a position to accelerate, and that’s what we’re trying to do.” 

He highlighted the launch of IGNITE Tallahassee, a new incubator supporting high-tech startups, and said the university has doubled the number of start-ups so far this year. 

FSU achieved its highest-ever U.S. News & World Report national ranking at No. 51, climbing three spots from last year, and moved up to No. 21 among public universities.  

Student success metrics continued to set records. The university’s freshman retention rose to 97 percent, an increase of three percentage points over the past four years. 

McCullough called the increase “absolutely monumental, and we could not be more proud.” 

The four-year graduation rate increased to 78 percent, and the transfer student graduation rate reached 80 percent, the highest in State University System history. Applications also hit a new record, with 86,000 students seeking about 6,200 freshman spots. 

“The quality of the students continues to rise, and we continue to hear over and over that we are now the most desirable undergraduate institution in Florida, especially given our excellent academics, our top-ranked student experience and a wonderful family environment,” McCullough said. 

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In an exclusive “Toast and Tour” on Nov. 14, the College of Business and Florida State University showed off Legacy Hall and saluted the people who helped fund and build it. Donors visited the rooms and spaces they named. They also experienced the world-class grandeur of the college’s new $160 million facility. 

The building, more than two decades in the making, will open for classes on Jan. 7, with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 6. 

“There have been so many generous people who have contributed to helping us build this building,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in the facility’s expansive atrium, underneath chandeliers hanging from three stories above. “I can’t thank you enough.” 

McCullough noted the help of not only alumni and friends but also faculty and staff members, students, community partners and the State of Florida. He also emphasized the “profound” impact of the project, which produced 1,700 jobs and $260 million in economic output. 

“And it will make an even greater impact in the future,” he said.  

“Here’s to Legacy Hall. Here’s to our amazing family. Here’s to our donors who made it happen. Here’s to our past, our present and our future.” — College of Business Dean Michael Hartline 

McCullough touted Legacy Hall, the largest academic building in FSU’s history, for its promise to further elevate the college and university – noting, for example, FSU’s No. 11 ranking among public universities and the College of Business’ No. 3 ranking among public schools and No. 10 ranking among all business schools by Niche. 

“This building is a symbol of Florida State’s continued rise to preeminence,” McCullough said. “It’s a cutting-edge building, and we’re going to do cutting-edge things here.” 

More than 500 attendees also heard from FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins and College of Business Dean Michael Hartline. In addition, they heard from the College of Business choir, dubbed the BizTones, which sang FSU’s “Hymn to the Garnet and the Gold” from the first-floor balcony. 

Attendees included current and former members of the Board of Trustees and College of Business Board of Governors, representatives of architect Goody Glancy and construction manager Culpepper Construction Company, and members of the college’s Student Leadership Council, who showed donors to the rooms and spaces they sponsored. 

“What an honor to be here celebrating this milestone event that has been years in the works,” Bethany Schenk, a 2024 College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, said after the event. 

Schenk is a namesake of the Bethany and Ron Schenk Meeting Room in the Student Engagement Suite. She also provided the initial artwork that graces Legacy Hall.  

“It has been magical watching boards, donors, the faculty, the community, Culpepper, all the people involved, come together,” she added. “It’s an unbelievable thing to be a part of.” 

Collins, a 2021 inductee into the College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame, highlighted the “unbelievable pride” that fellow business alumni must feel when they “walk in these doors.” 

“My heart is full for Florida State,” said Collins, a benefactor of Legacy Hall’s Peter and Jennifer Collins Colonnade. “My heart is full for the College of Business.” 

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Florida State University President Richard McCullough was among an outstanding class of inductees and new members of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL) who were honored during the organization’s annual conference on Nov. 7 in Orlando.  

Six FSU researchers — Igor Alabugin, Richard Liang, Angelina Sutin, Christopher Patrick, Joseph Schlenoff and Robert Schurko — are a part of the ASEMFL’s 2025 inductees. 

This year, Florida-based members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) were also invited to join the ASEMFL. McCullough, who was elected an NAI Fellow in 2013, was among the newly recognized members along with Murray Gibson, Eric Holmes, Hui “Helen” Li and Bruce Locke. 

“It’s an honor to be inducted into the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida,” McCullough said. “I’m deeply gratified by this recognition of my work and humbled to be included among outstanding FSU researchers who have made significant contributions to their fields and continue to drive discovery and innovation.” 

Founded in 2018, the academy studies issues in science, engineering and medicine of interest to the people of Florida and provides unbiased, expert advice related to these issues. 

McCullough, who was recently inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, was recognized for his discovery and development of a type of polymer known as regioregular polythiophenes and other breakthrough organic electronic materials and for founding companies that have advanced the commercialization of printable electronics and reactive metal inks. 

The six 2025 FSU inductees are: 

Angelina Sutin, professor of behavioral sciences and social medicine in the FSU College of Medicine who studies the psychological and social factors that contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She has brought in more than $11 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health and is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the Gerontological Society of America. 

Christopher Patrick, a Distinguished Research Professor and the director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology. His research focuses on psychopathy, antisocial behavior, substance abuse and personality. He is the author of more than 380 published works and editor of the Handbook of Psychopathy. He has served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Society for Scientific Study of Psychopathy and has received lifetime contribution awards from both organizations. 

Igor Alabugin, a member of the FSU faculty since 2000 and a Distinguished Research Professor whose work bridges synthetic and theoretical organic chemistry. His research group integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to discover new reactions, reveal hidden stereoelectronic effects and design unusual molecules with applications for molecular electronics. In 2023, Alabugin received the Southern Chemist Award from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering contributions to organic chemistry. 

Joseph Schlenoff, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He specializes in polymer and materials science research, with a focus in polyelectrolytes. He served as chair of the FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from 2007 to 2011, and he was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2023. 

Richard Liang, the Sprint Eminent Scholar Chair Professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the associate dean for research. He also serves as the director of the FSU High-Performance Materials Institute. His research experience and expertise are in the areas of advanced composites, multifunctional nanomaterials and thin carbon nanotube materials, including synthesis, chemical functionalization, processing-structure-property relationships and multiscale characterization and manufacturing process modeling. He has published more than 175 journal articles and holds 40 U.S. patents for his work. He was named to the National Academy of Inventors in 2021. 

Robert Schurko, a leading authority in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Since 2020, he has served as director of the NMR/MRI User Program at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the world’s only open-access facility of its kind. In this role, he guides the scientific direction of the program, oversees a multidisciplinary team of more than 25 staff scientists and engineers and supports over 300 users annually from around the globe. 

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