ACCOLADES & ACHIEVEMENTS In September, U.S. News & World Report announced its Best Colleges 2019 rankings, and Florida State jumped seven spots to No. 26 among national public universities. That’s the biggest single-year improvement in university history!
We’ve moved up 17 spots since 2016, which is incredible. So many people have played a part in FSU’s upward trajectory, and I want to thank you for your commitment and dedication as we continue our drive to the Top 25. Student success continues to be at the core of our rise in the rankings, and our first-rate faculty plays an integral role in attracting outstanding students.
On Sept. 21, Florida State announced the grand total of its most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history. We raised nearly $1.16 billion in gifts and pledges from donors and supporters upon the campaign’s official closing June 30. Nearly 100 professorships were generated or supported as FSU continues to recruit and retain outstanding faculty. The philanthropic support will help Florida State continue to distinguish itself as a preeminent university and bolster its national profile.
Earlier this month, we announced the results of FSU’s latest Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) survey. I’m pleased to tell you that as we’ve risen in the national rankings over the past four years, the satisfaction levels of our faculty have improved markedly during the same period.
Some of our highest scoring areas were a shared sense of purpose, trust in university governance and positive views of senior leadership. I truly appreciate the guidance of Provost Sally McRorie, Vice President Janet Kistner and their teams for ensuring strong faculty support and success.
I’m also thrilled that Florida State has been recognized as a “Diversity Champion” in higher education by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for the third consecutive year. We are one of only 13 colleges and universities nationwide to receive the honor awarded by the nation’s largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. As I’ve said before, diversity isn’t just a strategic goal, it truly enhances the richness of our academic community.
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