The Senate Resolution, introduced by Senator Simon, commends Florida State University (FSU) for its significant achievements in academics, research, and student success, while designating January 21, 2026, as FSU Day at the Capitol. FSU, founded in 1851, is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida and will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026. The university has been recognized as a preeminent research institution, offering a wide range of degrees and boasting an enrollment of over 46,000 students. Under the leadership of President Richard McCullough, FSU has achieved notable national rankings, including being the No. 1 public university for long-term study abroad enrollments and ranking 21st among public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
The resolution highlights FSU's impressive student success metrics, including a 97% first-year retention rate and a record 91% graduation success rate among student-athletes. The university's faculty has also made significant contributions to research, achieving $487 million in expenditures and submitting over $1.22 billion in grant proposals. FSU's economic impact on the state is estimated at $15.5 billion annually, and the university maintains a strong relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The resolution concludes by recognizing FSU's commitment to producing graduates who contribute positively to their communities and presents a copy of the resolution to Dr. Richard McCullough as a token of appreciation from the Florida Senate.