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 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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Florida State University has retained first-year students from their fall to spring semester at a record 99.2% rate, one of the highest in the country, and a testament to the school’s commitment to undergraduate student success.

First-semester retention measures the number of students who stay enrolled at the university from their first fall semester to spring semester. During the 2025-2026 academic year, 6,425 entered as first-year students and 6,374 stayed enrolled for the spring.

“We’re proud to sustain nationally recognized graduation and retention rates and to have a new university record with a 99.2% fall-to-spring retention,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “These outcomes reflect the holistic support and engagement we provide students, helping them feel at home at FSU and succeed in an academically invigorating environment.”

FSU broke a record in first-semester retention during the 2022-2023 academic year, reaching 99% for the first time. FSU’s investments in student success continue to result in record-breaking retention and graduation rates.

The university recently established the new Student Academic Success division, appointing former Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea as its new vice president. He leads the university’s comprehensive efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body.

“Across our university, we are collaborating and thinking strategically about how to deliver a rewarding college experience to our students,” said O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “Our fall-to-spring retention rates show that we take our commitment seriously to give all students from all backgrounds a world-class education at FSU and to set them up for success right away.”

In Fall 2025, FSU achieved its highest-ever 97% overall retention rate, which calculates how many first-year students stay enrolled from their first to second fall semesters. That number landed FSU No. 4 nationally among public universities. The most recently recorded national average retention rate from first to second fall was 82%, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

“Our fall-to-spring retention rates show that we take our commitment seriously to give all students from all backgrounds a world-class education at FSU and to set them up for success right away.” 

– Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success

Earlier this year, the university also reached a four-year graduation rate record at 78%, placing FSU No. 9 nationally among public universities.

“Fall-to-spring retention rates offer insight into a uniquely important chapter in a student’s life,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies and acting director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE). “The fact that so many of our students who complete their first semester return to school after winter break shows that they are finding community, connecting with their professors, and accessing the resources that help them succeed. We’re proud of the work we do to help students feel at home from Day 1.”

FSU ranks No. 1 for Best First-Year Experiences among public institutions in Florida in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2026” guidebook, a testament to the university’s exceptional support programs that drive student success and foster positive learning outcomes.

FSU runs an Office of Retention, which supports undergraduate students by helping them stay on track toward earning their degrees. It offers first‑year college transition and engagement programs, helping students overcome course registration challenges and connecting directly with students to offer additional guidance or resources.

Through the Office of Retention, the Engage 100 program manages first-year courses that introduce students to campus resources, academic skills and university life. Noles Everywhere connects students from out of state to peer leaders who help build support networks both on and off campus. The office also leads programs to support students who are repeating courses and campaigns that encourage timely graduation by promoting balanced course loads.

“Our mission is to ensure every undergraduate student feels supported as they navigate their academic journey, especially during the first year,” said Allison Peters, assistant dean of retention and academic engagement. “From innovative engagement programs to personalized outreach, we strive to help students build strong connections, effectively utilize university resources, and engage in meaningful educational activities.”

Recent investments in undergraduate student success have powered growth in the University Honors Program and Presidential Scholars Program, which serve high-achieving students with signature interdisciplinary courses, specialized advising, and dedicated housing, classroom and study space. The Honors Program was recently named No. 1 in the state of Florida.

FSU’s CARE for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students has grown to support nearly all students who qualify with funding, advising, mentoring, life coaching, study spaces and enrichment programming.

FSU offers 11 living-learning communities for first-year students, which allow students to live on campus with peers who share similar interests. FSU has earned the No. 1 spot among public schools in Florida on U.S. News & World Report’s Learning Communities list in the publication’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

The university operates the Advising First network of academic advising and guidance for students before they are admitted into their majors. Advising First runs specialized programs that include College Life Coaching, the Center for Academic Guidance and advising for students in the Exploratory major.

For more information about FSU’s Division of Student Academic Success, visit academicsuccess.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University has appointed Joe O’Shea as Vice President for Student Academic Success, a new role responsible for overseeing the university’s award-winning student academic success initiatives. 

President Richard McCullough established the new senior leadership position to advance FSU’s student-centered mission and lead the university’s comprehensive efforts to recruit, retain and graduate an accomplished student body.  

“A distinguished scholar, FSU alumnus and leader in higher education, Joe O’Shea is a true visionary in driving student success initiatives,” McCullough said. “His bold strategies have helped transform FSU into a national leader in supporting students from all backgrounds to thrive academically and graduate on time.” 

O’Shea, who has served as associate provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies for the past five years, will oversee multiple key areas in his new role, including the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and the University Registrar, as well as units focused on both undergraduate and graduate students, including advising, retention, honors programs and veteran services. 

“Joe’s appointment marks a significant milestone for FSU as our fundamental commitment to student academic success continues to be at the heart of the university’s mission,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His vision and proven success in advancing student-centered learning and his dedication that every student has access to the resources, guidance and opportunities needed to excel make him the ideal person to lead FSU’s student success initiatives.” 

O’Shea, who served as FSU’s student body president before earning his bachelor’s degree in 2008, has dedicated his career to advancing his alma mater through initiatives focused on students. A Rhodes and Truman Scholar, O’Shea earned a master’s degree in comparative social policy and a doctorate in education from the University of Oxford before returning to FSU as an administrator in 2011.  

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve FSU in this new role. This is an exciting time for our university to innovate and expand upon our record as a leader in academic achievement and student success. Together, we will deliver a world-class educational experience where every student is empowered to reach their highest potential.”  

— Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve FSU in this new role,” O’Shea said. “This is an exciting time for our university to innovate and expand upon our record as a leader in academic achievement and student success. Together, we will deliver a world-class educational experience where every student is empowered to reach their highest potential.”  

Before serving as dean of Undergraduate Studies, he held several positions in Academic Affairs, including Assistant Provost and the Director of Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement. He will continue to serve as dean while a national search is conducted for his successor.  

O’Shea has overseen the creation of numerous programs bolstering FSU’s student support ecosystem, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Engage 100, the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Graduation Planning and Strategies Office, and the Center for Academic Guidance. 

He has also led the growth of key academic programs for undergraduate students, such as the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement, Transfer Student Services, the Honors Program, and Student Athlete Academic Services.  

In part because of O’Shea’s leadership, as well as the effective teamwork across many university leaders, FSU has shattered records across nearly every metric of student performance and outcomes. FSU’s four-year graduation rate of 76% and its 96% first-year retention rate both rank among the top 10 for public universities. The university also recently set records for its six-year graduation rate at 86% and its transfer student graduation rate at 78.4%, which is the highest in Florida and among the best in the nation.  

Most importantly, graduation rates at FSU show virtually no gaps across students’ socioeconomic backgrounds. Pell Grant recipients, for example, graduate at an 83% rate after six years, the highest ever at FSU and on par with the overall student population. 

“Every day, I am inspired by our students,” O’Shea said. “Our university attracts some of the brightest, most talented minds from around the world, and I look forward to helping them thrive at FSU and beyond.” 

O’Shea also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, as co-editor of the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success and as co-director of the Collaborative Lab for the Advancement of Student Success (CLASS). He is an expert in student success and postsecondary education and the author of multiple books and articles, including his forthcoming co-authored publication through Harvard Education Press, The Education They Deserve: A Leader’s Guide to Supporting College Teaching. 

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