I have found the best course for navigating uncertain times is to always keep your priorities in sight. At Florida State University, our focus is always our students. Although some aspects of this school year look different, our commitment to providing a world-class education to our more than 43,000 students remains the same. Now, more than ever, this could not be done without generous donors like you.

When I look at the ever-evolving landscape of our campus in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear our students’ needs are varied and great—including food insecurity, living expenses, medical bills and more. That’s why we established student emergency relief funds and called upon our loyal Seminole community for help. I’m proud to say that because of you, hundreds of students have received, and continue to receive, critical support. 

I’m equally proud to announce that amid these challenging times, FSU continued to flourish. Our four- and six- year graduation rates remain impressive at 73% and 84%, respectively. On the research front, FSU received a record level of funding, bringing in $250.1 million in grants from federal, state and private sources in FY20, marking a $16 million increase from the previous year’s record. Additionally, FSU was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as one of only 14 Diversity Champion colleges and universities in the nation.  

We cannot continue to do this important work without your support, and I thank every one of you. When we work together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

 

 

 

John Thrasher
President
Florida State University