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

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

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

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

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

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

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Florida State University has reached a new milestone in student success, with a record 82% of its students graduating in four years, the highest four-year graduation rate ever achieved in the State University System of Florida. 

The new four-year graduation rate represents a four-percentage-point jump from last year’s record of 78%. Using the most recent publicly available data, FSU’s Office of Institutional Research projects the new rate would tie the University of Michigan at No. 7 among public universities nationally. 

FSU also maintained its record six-year graduation rate and set a new record for the graduation rate of students who transfer to the university from the Florida College System. 

“An 82% four-year graduation rate is an extraordinary achievement and a new record for FSU and the State University System of Florida,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “We have been very intentional about investing in student success, from advising and academic support to scholarships and other resources that help students stay on track. I could not be prouder of our students or the faculty and staff whose commitment to them has made FSU one of the very best public universities in the country.” 

“An 82% four-year graduation rate is an extraordinary achievement and a new record for FSU and the State University System of Florida. We have been very intentional about investing in student success, from advising and academic support to scholarships and other resources that help students stay on track. I could not be prouder of our students or the faculty and staff whose commitment to them has made FSU one of the very best public universities in the country.” 

– FSU President Richard McCullough

FSU’s four-year graduation rate has climbed nine percentage points in five years, from 73% in 2021 to a record 82% today. 

Graduating students on time has become a hallmark of FSU’s focus on student success. Finishing a degree in four years allows students to enter the workforce or pursue graduate education sooner while avoiding the additional costs associated with extra semesters in college. 

FSU maintained its six-year graduation rate of 86%, which continues to be a university record. 

Transfer students are setting records as well. FSU’s three-year graduation rate for students who transfer with an associate in arts degree from a Florida College System institution reached a record of nearly 85%, the highest in the State University System of Florida. 

The new transfer rate builds on a record 80% rate last year and reflects FSU’s growing emphasis on helping transfer students make a smooth transition to the university and stay on track toward graduation. 

“I’m deeply grateful to all the faculty and staff across FSU who work to provide a world-class education to our students,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “This remarkable new record reflects our university-wide commitment to academic excellence and holistic student support, shown through our investments in advising, teaching, scholarships and programming that help students reach their full potential.”

FSU’s student success strategy relies on a culture of data engagement, where faculty and staff leverage advanced analytics to track student progress continuously across campus and identify early signs that a student may be at risk of falling behind. That information helps university leaders target investments that can help students stay on track to graduate in four years. 

Nearly a decade ago, FSU established the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, which has improved graduation efficiency and helps students overcome barriers to graduation through its completion campaign. In 2022, this effort earned the Outstanding Advising Program Award from the National Academic Advising Association. 

McCullough created the Office of the Vice President for Student Academic Success in 2025 to bring together and strengthen efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body. 

The latest graduation numbers add to a series of record-setting student success measures at Florida State. The university has achieved a 97% first-year retention rate, placing it among the top four public universities nationally. 

The results also come as demand for an FSU education reaches an all-time high. Florida State received nearly 97,000 applications for its fall 2026 freshman class, the largest applicant pool in university history. 

FSU’s record graduation rates, high student retention and record demand reflect the university’s continued gains in student success and its growing standing among the nation’s leading public universities. 

“Our goal is not simply to bring outstanding students to Florida State,” McCullough said. “It is to give them an outstanding education and help them graduate ready to lead, serve and succeed. Our graduation rate says something powerful about the experience we are providing, and we’re not done yet.” 

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Florida State University hosted its largest ever New Graduate Student Orientation on Aug. 18 at the HCB Building, welcoming more than 500 new students pursuing professional certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Students spent the morning learning about various resources available to them on campus, including information about the libraries, safety protocols, health services and opportunities for teaching, professional and career development.

“Graduate student orientation is a critical part of the graduate student’s journey,” said Greg Bell, the new dean of FSU’s Graduate School. “We connect them with those resources now so that they know that they’re there in the future.”

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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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Eighteen Florida State University students will be studying abroad this summer and school year through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Gilman Scholarship provides undergraduate students with high financial need the opportunity to study or intern in a foreign country. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the scholarship gives students the chance to become global citizens and active participants in their international community while gaining critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Chelsea James, a junior majoring in social science education with a minor in child development, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU London Study Centre through FSU International Programs. The Broad Curriculum Program includes FSU courses that satisfy requirements for graduation, CoreFSU and some majors or minors while living abroad.

After graduation next year, she plans to pursue a career in school leadership and hopes to expand student opportunities and transform the education landscape.

“I am excited to go to London because it will allow me to experience a diverse global culture firsthand while gaining new perspectives that will shape my growth as a future educator and leader,” James said.

Lana Abboud, a sophomore majoring in international affairs with a minor in economics, will participate in the Intensive French program in Paris through FSU International Programs. Students are placed in a language course based on their level of understanding and are taught entirely in French by native French-speaking faculty.

“This experience will strengthen my ability to engage across cultures and operate in international settings, while building the communication skills essential for diplomacy and global policy work,” Abboud said.

After graduation next fall, Abboud hopes to attend law school or pursue a career as a U.S. diplomat. She is interested in the intersection of international law and foreign policy and how they drive global corporations.

Niki Navarro Gutierrez, a junior majoring in digital media production and minoring in Italian and film, will attend the University of Foreigners of Perugia in Umbria, Italy, through FSU Global Exchanges.

“I am extremely interested in the appreciation that Italy, and Europe as a whole, has for film and the resources that are put into it,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez has a passion for creating documentaries or fiction films that tell a story about the culture they portray. She says she will benefit from traveling abroad and learning from diverse communities.

“Ultimately, I hope to return from Perugia not only with greater fluency in Italian, but also with the personal insight and professional skills to pursue documentary filmmaking on an international scale,” Gutierrez said.

Giselle Martinez, a junior majoring in biological science, will participate in FSU’s Biology in London program with FSU International Programs. Martinez will take two courses: Walking in Van Leeuwenhoek’s Shoes: Rediscovering Cell Biology, where students recreate classical experiments that shaped understanding of the cell, and Investigating Questions in Animal Behavior, which examines how development, genetics, and physiology shape behaviors like communication, aggression and sociality.

After graduation next year, Martinez plans to continue studying medicine as a women’s health researcher focusing on endometriosis and other women’s health concerns.

“I want to contribute to the under-researched and underrepresented areas of medicine in which many women find themselves struggling,” Martinez said.

Zorianna Starks, a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in social welfare, will study abroad in London and Amsterdam this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange’s (CIEE) Comparative Public Health Systems program.

She plans to explore how cultural, social and economic factors influence the delivery of care and access to mental and public health.

“This experience will allow me to expand my perspective on mental health and public health systems while learning how different cultures address challenges in care and accessibility,” Starks said.

Starks also received funding through the Global Scholars Program, run by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement to support her study abroad experience.

“As someone pursuing a career in psychology and social work, it is important for me to understand diverse populations so I can better support and advocate for individuals from all backgrounds,” Starks said.

She plans to pursue a career as a child therapist, focusing on supporting underserved communities and addressing mental health disparities. Starks hopes this experience will strengthen her cultural awareness and provide insight that will help her make a meaningful impact in both clinical and community-based settings.

Silvia Rodriguez, a freshman majoring in economics, will participate in the Oxford University Consortium on Human Rights and New Technology in England with the FSU Honors Program.

During the consortium, she will present her findings about the impacts of artificial intelligence on the Florida criminal justice system. Her research focuses on predictive policing, sentencing algorithms and AI-driven immigration enforcement, and analyzing whether these technologies reinforce social biases in an international setting.

“Through the consortium, I will conduct interdisciplinary research on the ethical and legal implications of AI in the justice system and explore how policy can better protect civil rights in the digital age,” Rodriguez said.

After graduating from FSU, Rodriguez plans to attend law school.

Nashley Gabriel Cardenas, a junior majoring in accounting and minoring in criminology, will study abroad this summer in Strasbourg, France, through FSU Global Exchanges with a focus on business.

“This summer, I am looking forward to expanding my horizons and networking with students of different backgrounds,” Cardenas said. “Going abroad will give me the opportunity to understand how Europe approaches sustainability within business organizations with methods that I could apply to my business career.”

She is most excited to create new connections and to make her own path while being exposed to different cultures, branching out of her comfort zone in a new place.

“I never thought I would leave the U.S. during my time studying, and this means I have the power to create my own experiences and learn how to overcome impostor syndrome,” Cardenas said.

Madison Mager, a senior biological science major pursuing veterinary medicine, will intern this summer in Costa Rica through Loop Abroad, an educational veterinary service organization. She will work at the Toucan Rescue Ranch in San José, the country’s capital, to learn how another culture engages in animal care.

“I’m especially excited to learn from a completely different veterinary environment and gain new perspectives on wildlife care and conservation medicine,” Mager said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories and experiencing another culture firsthand.”

After graduation, Mager plans to attend veterinary school and pursue exotic veterinary and conservation medicine.

Sophia Castro, a sophomore majoring in public health, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the Valencia Study Center in Spain through FSU International Programs.

“Studying abroad in Valencia will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking,” Castro said. “This experience will help me develop the cultural awareness and adaptability needed to better serve diverse communities and become a more well-rounded and compassionate provider.”

After graduation, Castro hopes to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a long-term career plan of owning a medical spa.

Lizzie Alba, a freshman pursuing a dual degree in psychology and human development and family sciences, will intern abroad in Madrid, this summer with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). She will work with the nonprofit organization YMCA to support parents and children in the community. She also received funding through FSU’s Global Scholars Program.

“As someone who aspires to become a marriage and family therapist, these interactions with both parents and children will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the field,” Alba said. “Through this experience, I hope to become even more culturally sensitive.”

Alba is excited about the opportunity to work with families in a new environment and learn about the cultural implications that come with a new domain.

Brianna Zapata, a junior majoring in environment and society and interdisciplinary social sciences, will participate in a language-intensive program in São Paulo, Brazil, this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

“During the program, I will be studying topics related to urban sustainability, culture and global perspectives while gaining immersive international experience through coursework and community engagement,” Zapata said.

Zapata also earned a Critical Need Language Award, a supplemental scholarship offered through the Gilman Program. After graduation, she plans to focus on sustainability and conservation and how they impact underserved communities.

To learn more about the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, students can email FSU’s Office of National Fellowships for an advising appointment. For more information about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. To learn more about Global Exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-programs.

This year’s Gilman Scholarship recipients, their destinations and majors are:

Yecenia Padron; Panama; Human Development and Family Sciences

Lana Abboud; France; International Affairs

Mya Ncastanedo; Spain; Media and Communication Studies

Nicole Navarro Gutiérrez; Italy; Digital Media Production

Chelsea James; United Kingdom; Social Science Education

Brianna Zapata; Brazil; Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Zorianna Starks; United Kingdom and the Netherlands; Psychology

Lizzie Alba; Spain; Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences

Giselle Martinez; United Kingdom; Biological Science

Yemaya Adams; South Korea; Information Technology

Silvia Rodriguez; United Kingdom; Economics

Nashely Gabriel Cardenas; France; Accounting

Sacha Chiche Gallardo; France; Behavioral Neuroscience

Madison Northcutt; United Kingdom; Communication Science & Disorders

Sophia Castro; Spain; Public Health

Madison Mager; Costa Rica; Biological Science

Gianna Spadafino; Thailand; Communication and Public Relations

Adwoa Birago Nsiah Ababio; Spain; Food Science and Nutrition

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Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 548 high-achieving graduates during the spring 2026 Medallion Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of some of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

The celebration included remarks by Associate Dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows D. Craig Filar and Dean of Undergraduate Studies DeOnte Brown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Florida State University 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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Florida State University hosted a national undergraduate research conference that celebrates top student researchers from across the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 18 schools.

FSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) hosted the ACC’s annual Meeting of the Minds from April 10-12, inviting five students and accompanying staff from each participating school to present their undergraduate research and creative inquiry, network with one another and learn about FSU and Tallahassee.

“We were proud to host this year’s Meeting of the Minds conference, and I’m grateful to the ACC for investing in the academic success of undergraduate students,” CRE Director Latika Young said. “It was inspiring to see students from across the conference come together, share their work, and take part in memorable experiences in and around campus.”

Student delegates to the conference are chosen through a competitive refereeing process. They must present research that is original, student directed and under the advisement of a faculty member.

The event featured student poster sessions and oral presentations on a wide range of topics in the fields of medicine, music, education, technology, political science, psychology and more.

“Florida State is deeply committed to advancing undergraduate research,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “Being part of the ACC’s Meeting of the Minds underscores the importance of investing in students’ ideas and academic curiosity.”

FSU’s five student representatives and projects were:

• Rameen Ahmed, Orthotropic Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites in Environmental Conditions
• Alex DeLise, Active Learning for Conditional Generative Compressed Sensing
• Varun Raju, Judging Judicial Elections in Mexico: Public Opinion, Democratic Accountability, and Judicial Legitimacy
• Sydney Wald, Who Turns to ChatGPT for Emotional Support? Clinical Predictors of AI Engagement
• Sophie Maclayne Works, Lacquer and Legacy: Opening the Box to Soviet Narratives and Baltic Realities

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Thirteen Florida State University graduate students distilled years of research into just three minutes at the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) competition on April 8 in the College of Medicine Peaden Auditorium.

Developed at the University of Queensland in Australia, 3MT is a research communication competition designed to enhance participants’ skill in articulating their research clearly to an audience that may not have specialist knowledge in the subject area.

“This competition gives graduate students a chance to practice the way they think about their research and how to package it for a variety of different audiences,” said Keith McCall, acting director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “It’s critical because our graduate students are doing amazing work on a lot of groundbreaking things, and we want people to know about that work. We want our graduate students to be able to go out and talk about their work, feel comfortable doing that and feel empowered to do that.”

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Florida State University has appointed Austin McDonald as assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies and the new director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), which serves first-generation undergraduate students and others who may face challenges in college such as economic or educational circumstances.

McDonald has served as program director in CARE since 2023, including as the faculty director for First-Generation Noles Living-Learning Community (FGEN-Noles LLC), a first-year residence hall community for first-generation students.

Dean of Undergraduate Studies DeOnte Brown, who previously served as director of CARE, said McDonald was appointed for his student-centered approach and innovative spirit.

“Dr. McDonald’s genuine and humble personality allows him to develop rapport with colleagues and students in a way that shows value for everyone,” Brown said. “I have appreciated his intentional engagement with students to support them in maximizing the opportunities in college and also in challenging them to exceed their own expectations. He has also shown a commitment to our staff and faculty in CARE by supporting and encouraging them to engage in research and assessment work or offering professional learning moments.”

The CARE director and assistant dean role works with both Undergraduate Studies and Student Affairs divisions. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Brandon Bowden said he is excited to work with McDonald.

“We have full confidence in and commitment to Dr. McDonald’s success,” Bowden said. “His previous work in other Student Affairs divisions and his current engagement in our programs will only help to amplify our student services and support not only for CARE students, but so many students beyond CARE.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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