Profiles in Leadership

Profiles in Leadership: Dr. Alma Littles leading new generation of physicians

Florida State University · FSU's Dr. Alma Littles leading new generation of physicians Dr. Alma Littles’ commitment to service was born in her hometown of Quincy, Florida, long before she came to the Florida State University College of Medicine. She first learned the rewards of helping others from her parents. Their house was a meeting […]

McRorie leads Florida State to unprecedented success

When Sally McRorie talks about how a college education can change someone’s life, it’s not empty rhetoric — it’s based on firsthand experience. Her experience as a first-generation college student inspires McRorie in almost every decision she makes as Florida State University’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “A college education changed my life […]

Profiles in Leadership: Mission-driven Fogarty committed to producing the doctors Florida needs

Long before John P. Fogarty was dean of the Florida State University College of Medicine, he was a U.S. Army division surgeon stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. It was there, serving under the direction of a two-star general, that Fogarty was exposed to a style of leadership that continues to resonate with him today. “The […]

FSU’s Billy Francis helps student-veterans soar to new heights

Retired Air Force fighter jet pilot Billy Francis, who leads Florida State University’s Student Veterans Center with a can-do attitude and benevolent heart, has navigated a winding life journey, sometimes literally at Mach speed. While his zigzag route has sent him and his family all over the world, Francis has brought a steadfast focus to his many missions and always delivered an invaluable gift: helping everyone along that path rise to new heights. This Veterans […]

Profiles in Leadership: Laughlin guides student success on FSU’s path to Top 25

Florida State University is on the rise: record-breaking application numbers, all-time high graduation and retention rates and a U.S. News & World Report ranking of 33rd best public university in the nation. At the root of this incredible success is inspirational leadership from campus administrators like Dean of Undergraduate Studies Karen Laughlin. “This work has […]

Profiles in Leadership: FSU social work dean coaches faculty to greater heights

March is National Social Work Month. The FSU College of Social Work, celebrating its 100th anniversary, holds more experience than any other institution in Florida offering social work education and was the first in the world to offer a Master’s in Social Work through an accredited online program. Below FSU Social Work Dean Jim Clark shares his vision for […]

Profiles in Leadership: Engineering dean sees new opportunities for FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

For J. Murray Gibson, there is an intimate connection between art and science. “Creativity and intuition are key to art and science,” said Gibson, the dean of the Florida A&M-Florida State University College of Engineering. “The most inventive engineers I have met are highly intuitive.” Gibson, who plays the piano in his spare time, believes […]

Profiles in Leadership: Blomberg strives to bring criminology research to life

Thomas Blomberg has made it his mission to have a meaningful and transformative career, that at its core not only informs but actually helps people. As dean of Florida State University’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, he has made it his goal to ensure the college’s research does the same — research that not […]

Profiles in Leadership: Osteen inspires the leaders of tomorrow

For more than 13 years, Laura Osteen has been brightening Florida State University’s campus with her warm smile and positive attitude. Osteen — or “Dr. O” as her students fondly refer to her — is the director for the Center for Leadership & Social Change, where she serves as a popular role model and mentor for students […]

Profiles in Leadership: Marcus reflects on 30 years of research, students and service

When Nancy Marcus arrived at Florida State University in 1987, she didn’t have plans to stay very long. Thirty years later, the oceanographer-turned-administrator has left an indelible mark at FSU — as a pioneer in her field, as a role model for women in STEM and as the dean of the Graduate School for the past […]

Profiles in Leadership: New dean aims to strengthen future of law school

Erin O’Hara O’Connor, the new dean at Florida State University’s College of Law, sprinkles her language with a boxing expression when she talks about her talented and motivated faculty. She says they “punch well above their weight” — an expression of respect, recognizing and praising them as potent overachievers — as they step into the […]

Profiles in Leadership: Driscoll optimistic about future of college, education

Florida State University College of Education Dean Marcy Driscoll smiles as she reflects on her journey with FSU. The petite woman’s passion for education shines even brighter than her signature red hair. Dean Driscoll is a longtime faculty member at FSU; she joined the garnet and gold family in 1980. “A friend who graduated from […]