Florida State University College of Business 2023 Dean's Annual Report

A dream fulfilled is rising on the southeast side of the Florida State University campus. The College of Business continues to build its new showcase home, Legacy Hall, celebrating each milestone made possible by donors, state and local officials, college faculty and staff members, alumni and friends. At five stories and more than 218,000 square feet, Legacy Hall will become the largest academic space on campus. Construction began in February 2023, and the building promises to be transformative for the college, drawing even more exceptional students and world-renowned faculty members and providing more space and specialized surroundings that foster collaboration and innovation. With every step toward completion, the college is building a better future.

Entrenched in expertise, FSU business faculty members employ teaching methods that drive home lessons and inspire. Professors infuse their lectures with the latest research findings on best business practices. Taught by full-time academics, instruction emphasizes individual attention and practical application. Top students take advantage of opportunities for accelerated or honors coursework. Whether fledgling freshmen contemplating business occupations for the first time or skilled professionals wanting to retool their careers, students can choose from a breadth of degree programs, majors and minors designed to help them succeed in their chosen industry.

Corporate leadership is not an overnight achievement. Today’s high achievers, industry disruptors and marketplace pioneers were once college students learning how to prioritize their coursework and part-time pursuits, such as internships or other extra-curricular activities while maintaining a thriving social network. At Florida State’s College of Business, we know students must often hone their leadership skills outside the classroom. That is why the college promotes internships, encourages involvement in student-run organizations and supports participation in intercollegiate case competitions. All these activities give FSU business students ample opportunity to supplement their studies with the practical experience and personal skills every employer seeks.

The FSU College of Business counts on industry support to keep its programs in sync with the latest business trends and demands, hire its graduates and advocate on behalf of the college. The college’s primary advisory group – the Board of Governors – stimulates financial support and sponsors signature events celebrating student, faculty and alumni achievements. Most disciplines feature their own advisory boards that provide, for example, ideas for new, relevant coursework and assistance in additional career opportunities for students. Many of these board members receive invitations to prestigious events such as the Charles A. Bruning Speaker Series or serve on distinguished panels for events such as business leadership summits.

Proudly representing the College of Business, more than 73,000 graduates have gone on to lead key operations in all corners of the world. Known for their grit and for pushing the boundaries of the status quo, our alumni infuse their industries with innovation anchored in the skills and sound business practices first embedded at FSU. No matter how far their degree propels them, they often return to give the next generation of business leaders a boost. They offer their hard-earned expertise through one-on-one mentoring and classroom visits. They help fund student professional development, scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities, all essentials of a highly ranked business school. Through these sacrifices of time and resources, they demonstrate their belief in their alma mater’s ability to change lives and their commitment to upholding its gold-standard status.