News Summary
The Florida State University Board of Trustees has re-elected Peter Collins as chair for his third term. Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz serves as vice chair. The board also approved a 10% increase in out-of-state student fees to maintain academic quality, alongside a salary increase for President McCullough. The university is focusing on safety measures following recent security concerns. Financial strategies are being developed to address budget challenges and improve fundraising efforts as FSU navigates these changes.
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida State University (FSU) Board of Trustees has unanimously re-elected Peter Collins as chair during its August 29 meeting, marking the beginning of his third term in the role. Collins expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving on the board and noted that this term would be his last, concluding a total of six years as chair.
Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz, who was elected as vice chair earlier this year, joins Collins in leadership at a time when the university is encountering significant challenges and changes.
Peter Collins was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020 and assumed the chair position in 2021, succeeding Ed Burr. A two-time graduate of FSU, Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration. He is also the co-founder and managing principal of Forge Capital Partners, a real estate investment and management company based in Tampa.
During the meeting, FSU President Richard McCullough lauded Collins for his committed leadership and efforts directed toward advancing the university. Trustee Maximo Alvarez noted Collins’ hard work and leadership as well.
In addition to the chair’s reelection, the board approved a significant 10% increase in fees for out-of-state students to preserve academic quality. This increase, announced shortly before the semester began, has prompted financial concerns for affected students and their families, particularly as out-of-state students constitute only 19.8% of the total student body, with 80.2% being native Floridians as of fall 2022.
The decision aimed to narrow budgetary gaps and address rising operational costs, while FSU remains recognized as the most affordable top 25 public university in the country. In-state tuition and fees amount to $18,786 annually, while out-of-state options can exceed $42,000, as seen at Ohio State University.
Parallel to financial decisions, the Board of Trustees also acknowledged President McCullough with a 10% salary increase to $1.25 million, along with a one-time bonus of approximately $550,000. His evaluation from the board indicated a strong performance, with most trustees rating his work as “exceeds expectations.”
Amid the discussions on safety and budget, FSU is addressing heightened security concerns following a mass shooting incident on April 17. The university announced new security measures, including the installation of panic buttons and lockdown systems in classrooms, bolstered by a substantial $5 million investment in summer security improvements. Over the last four years, the institution has committed nearly $30 million towards public safety enhancements.
A poignant moment during the trustees’ meeting occurred when a parent who experienced the loss of a child in a previous school shooting came to advocate for better safety measures on campus. This reinforced the university’s commitment to improving campus safety and awareness, reflecting a shared concern for the well-being of students and staff.
In light of budget challenges exacerbated by rising fees, FSU is actively pursuing strategies to enhance fundraising and boost alumni donations. The board’s recent decisions reflect an ongoing effort to ensure that the university continues to thrive academically while addressing the immediate financial concerns that arise from fee increases and operational costs.
As FSU navigates these changes, Collins’ leadership and the board’s recent decisions will undoubtedly shape the future of the university, ensuring it remains a competitive option for students locally and from out of state.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Board of Trustees Reelects Peter Collins
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- FSU News: Out-of-State Tuition Increase
- Google Search: Florida State University tuition news
- Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Enhancing Security Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Trustees Consider Out-of-State Fee Increase
- Google News: Florida State University Board of Trustees
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