Florida State University College of Business 2024 Dean's Annual Report

After nearly two years of construction, the college’s future home bears the magnificent look of artist renderings that emerged years ago when Legacy Hall stood only as a bold dream. Its multi-gable roof, brick walls and large mullion windows are all well in place, helping the state-of-the-art building exude the spirit of Florida State University’s Jacobean architecture. At 218,392 gross square feet, the building will mark the largest academic space on campus, with an emphasis on academic and professional collaboration – including interview rooms and a cafe. The five-story, $160 million facility is a testament to the vision of college, university and state government leaders and the generosity of alumni and friends. Significant philanthropic investments made construction possible and helped the college keep pace with rising construction costs. Legacy Hall is scheduled to be completed in fall 2025, with the first classes underway in spring 2026.

In delivering FSU’s elevated education, business professors not only build bedrock business knowledge into the curriculum, but they also guide students in applying lessons learned. This winning combination provided by a world-renowned faculty serves every student, from the freshman figuring out the best path to professional success to the seasoned supervisor pursuing a graduate degree to maximize his or her career potential. The College of Business’ breadth of academic offerings embedded within its degree programs — majors, minors and specializations — equips students with expertise in areas of high demand, such as how to best implement artificial intelligence, or AI, in the workplace. As the college’s academic options increase, so does support. Assistant chairs have been added to most academic units to help with administration and oversight. The college’s research centers connect students and faculty members with industry opportunities that align with their discipline and interests. This constant push for industry-endorsed skills gives FSU business students a competitive edge.

The benefits of being a business student at Florida State University do not end when class is over. The college boasts an entire infrastructure of career services and learning experiences to supplement its curriculum. The college knows employers consider more than academic success when determining which candidate best fits their team’s culture and expectations. Recruiters review resumes for proof of that extra investment in activities that hone leadership abilities and emphasize skill building. That is why the college promotes internships, encourages participation in student organizations and supports involvement in industry competitions. With every outside opportunity, FSU business students gain perspective and practical experience to supplement their studies.

The cycle of success at the FSU College of Business is anchored in its relationship with industry partners who share emerging workforce needs, hire graduates and support the college through sponsorships and internship opportunities.The year began with the college hosting the inaugural FSU Business of Healthcare Summit, keynoted by Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of GuideWell, parent company of insurance giant Florida Blue. Academic units, institutes and centers throughout the college host similar events focused on their business discipline. They seek the wise counsel of industry advisory boards, ensuring teaching and professional development fulfill pressing needs on the frontlines of business. These same industry leaders also interact with students, accepting invitations to speak as honored guests in classrooms or at events such as the prestigious Charles A. Bruning Speaker Series. The college also relies on its primary advisory group – the Board of Governors – to encourage additional financial support and sponsor signature events honoring student, faculty and alumni accomplishments.

Accepting the role of enthusiastic ambassadors, the College of Business’ more than 75,700 alumni represent the far reach and significant outcomes of an FSU business degree. They can trace their affection for the college to a shared starting place – a class seat alongside other newly minted business majors who embraced a world of possibilities. They then pursued worldwide industry posts that reflect their interests and new skills. Their resulting career stories – familiar in the beginning, yet wide-ranging in job titles and achievements – resonate with the FSU business students they meet on return visits to campus to support, mentor or hire. Nurtured by their own fond memories and the growing realization of all the college has provided them, alumni seek ways to pay it forward. They invest their time and financial resources toward replicating high-quality programs and improving outcomes – all aimed at keeping the college internationally competitive.