Sunday, August 23, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
'Sky's the limit': FSU economic impact center stage at chamber conference
'Sky's the limit': FSU economic impact center stage at chamber conference
- Florida State University officials highlighted the school's significant economic impact on the region.
- FSU's operating budget has grown to $3.2 billion, with projections to reach $5 billion in the next decade.
- The university's research, including at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, is a key driver of its influence.
- A major focus for future growth is the expansion of FSU Health and its partnership with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
Florida State University wasted no time flexing the power of the Garnet and Gold before a standing room workshop center during a discussion on the school's economic impact in the region.
The numbers were staggering: 400 buildings across 1,600 acres, mostly in Leon County, more than 44,000 students, and 18,000 employees in various departments ($1.2 billion in payroll per year) and a current operating budget that's swelled to $3.2 billion, up from $1.2 billion more than a decade ago. Not to mention many millions in federal grants awarded to advanced the university's research.
"The MagLab is so important because it brings in over 2,000 users every year from around the world, doing really important experiments that help move imaging and energy and really the types of quantum physics and quantum technologies that are going to really transform the world," Patterson said.
"We're probably going to see some really incredible changes in healthcare and the relationship between FSU and TMH, with incredibly strong partnerships with (Florida A&M University) and (Tallahassee State College) as well," said Kyle Clark, vice president for finance and administration at FSU," adding he predicts the operating budget will increase to $5 billion.
Clark also said there would be big changes at the university, more students living on campus, more research buildings, and more student services.
Jonathan Fozard, vice president of FSU's Information Technology Services, challenged the group to think about "how amazing healthcare can be, how amazing the impact of FSU can be."
He said: The sky's the limit.
‘Just the beginning’: Chamber, city leaders bet big on FSU Health
Part of that vision, as presented in great detail through layered talking points, high-production videos and workshops, comes with the rollout of an FSU Health enterprise — which is designed to "bring researchers, educators, and clinical partners under one umbrella to transform health and healthcare in Florida" from a flagship academic medical center at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Throughout the weekend, healthcare was touted as the next big industry and economic engine for Tallahassee.
Moving beyond the merger's controversial origin story, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH President and CEO Mark O'Bryant stood together and pitched the possibilities at one workshop.
Under terms of the sale, the university will pay the city $109 million for their hospital land and assets over a 30-year period, while FSU will invest $100 million in existing hospital facilities and another $150 million on the newly branded FSU Health. The university also has "aspirational plans" to invest $1.7 billion in healthcare improvements, contingent upon legislative appropriations and state and federal grants.
McCullough said the community-based model for hospitals is tough because of population challenges.
"We're dedicated to spending $350 million into the Tallahassee hospital. We're building an over $400 million hospital in Panama City Beach," he said. "We had plans to make investments that could be in the buildings, into healthcare in this region ... when you have the opportunity to change and help people, it's imperative that you do it."
O'Bryant said that when it comes to change, there's always some level of confusion. He said the hospital was never against FSU being the landlord or ultimately becoming the dominant brand over TMH.
"We just wanted to make sure that got right," he said. "I think a lot of people, in the process of the back and forth, felt that there was this strong adversarial relationship."
Final deal between TMH and FSU could be weeks away
Leaders and physicians at both FSU and TMH highlighted the benefits of the acquisition and grandiose goals for making the hospital one of the best in the nation for overall care.
But before that can happen FSU and TMH still need to finalize a deal, hammering out more than a dozen issues ranging from branding to logistics to governance.
Following the packed workshop, both O'Bryant and McCullough spoke with the Tallahassee Democrat and said they're close to a final deal that would one day rebrand TMH as FSU Health.
"Academic health centers aren't light-switch strategies," O'Bryant said. "You don't flip a switch and become one. They evolve over time. You heard some of the things we're working on now are already progressing."
Together, he said the institutions are merging some of their IT functions and applying for additional residency and fellowship programs to bring training to more doctors, adding "all of this is just step by step by step."
In addition, a new Health Research and Collaboration Building on TMH's campus plans to open the first three floors in October. It will include a designated area for family residency practice, simulation labs, a wet lab and clinical research spaces.
"It's not like one of those things and all of a sudden we are an academic health center," O'Bryant said. "This is a highly, highly complex deal. There are so many pieces, you have to have them all together. It's all a fabric ... I would say there's not a projection, but I would say we're talking weeks."
He said negotiators are working to develop a plan "10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now."
"So it's not just getting it done now," he said. "We want to make sure we get it right."
McCullough said that once a final decision is reached, the university will evaluate the overall facility and identify necessary infrastructure investments, implement immediate hiring initiatives and develop long-term strategic plans for growth.
He said the university has access to more resources, including both state and federal funding that would be used to improve the hospital's ability to do more and serve more residents.
One example addresses healthcare deserts in rural counties. FSU's College of Medicine was awarded $19.2 million last week, the most of all applicants, with focuses on food insecurity, behavioral health, preventive care, workforce development and telehealth. McCullough said FSU wouldn't have received the federal grant without the TMH partnership and acquisition of the assets.
"Without the partnership, we wouldn't be able to access that," McCullough said. "So that's the power that we're going to bring, and that's just the beginning."
FSU Health: New FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building
Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the new FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building will bring together researchers and clinicians to transform health and healthcare in the region.
— FSU Health (@FSU_Health) August 19, 2026
Located on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus, the 140,000-square foot building will… pic.twitter.com/GxVjYD7Yk5
The 10 most controversial BCS/CFP decisions of all time
The 10 most controversial BCS/CFP decisions of all time
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 18, 2026
From undefeated teams being left out to teams getting in despite questionable résumés… there’s no shortage of controversy in the history of the BCS and College Football Playoff.
Which one was the biggest injustice? pic.twitter.com/UyOXq9bUxI
Florida State's Jack Whaley makes history, wins U.S. Amateur Golf Championship
Florida State's Jack Whaley makes history, wins U.S. Amateur Golf Championship
The Florida State men’s golf team has its first-ever U.S. Amateur Champion as Jack Whaley beat Jay Leng Jr., 4&3, over 36 holes to claim the biggest title in amateur golf on Sunday.
Whaley now earns exemptions into three of the four Majors: The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the British Open at St. Andrews and The Masters.
US Am Championship Match Thread
Miles Russell / Walker Cup Team
"FSU has the potential to have three players in the Walker cup.
Miles was actually named to the team a couple weeks ago as one of the first four selections, the rest of the team was announced yesterday.
Weaver has already been named to the GB&I team. Whaley will likely get a spot with winning"
Jack Whaley is officially added to the GB&I Walker Cup team
— Matt LaSerre (@LaserreMatt) August 18, 2026
Whaley joins his #FSU teammate Tyler Weaver who was selected a few weeks ago.#FSU Commit Miles Russell will also play for Team USA in the event, making three Seminoles https://t.co/NtTnbR1ugW
Ranking all 17 ACC schools by tuition, cost of attendance
Ranking all 17 ACC schools by tuition, cost of attendance
ACC cost of attendance rankings (out-of-state/private)
- Duke: $103,975
- Miami: $98,872
- Wake Forest: $98,730
- Syracuse: $98,544
- SMU: $96,388
- Boston College: $95,978
- Stanford: $94,140
- Virginia: $84,976
- Cal: $83,900
- North Carolina: $70,264
- Virginia Tech: $66,906
- Pitt: $66,134
- Georgia Tech: $55,314
- NC State: $54,779
- Florida State: $44,336
- Louisville: $43,810
- Clemson: $43,742
ACC cost of attendance rankings (in-state/private)
- Duke: $103,975
- Miami: $98,872
- Wake Forest: $98,730
- Syracuse: $98,544
- SMU: $96,388
- Boston College: $95,978
- Stanford: $94,140
- Cal: $54,674
- Pitt: $44,400
- Virginia Tech: $43,276
- Virginia: $42,014
- Georgia Tech: $30,928
- North Carolina: $28,840
- NC State: $28,490
- Louisville: $27,464
- Florida State: $26,438
- Clemson: $15,760
Sunday, August 16, 2026
The best college football programs of each decade
In honor of Sporting News' 140th anniversary, we named the best college football programs of each decade.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 14, 2026
MORE: https://t.co/16GA0xO77r pic.twitter.com/8iTbEgPhYJ
Thursday, August 13, 2026
FSU College of Medicine awarded $19 million in federal grants to strengthen healthcare in rural Florida
Florida State University has been awarded more than $19 million in grants through the Rural Health Transformation Program to launch six new projects and provide resources to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities throughout the state.
The five-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. The program is designed to help states transform and update healthcare delivery by improving access, quality and outcomes, thereby strengthening rural communities.
Florida received nearly $210 million this year and, through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), awarded more than $180 million to fund proposals across the state.
“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state. These projects will expand access to care, strengthen local healthcare resources, and help deliver better outcomes for rural Floridians.”
The FSU College of Medicine was uniquely positioned to apply for these grants, as its community-based, collaborative structure is focused on developing partnerships with a special emphasis on providing care to underserved patients throughout Florida. Additionally, the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, part of the FSU College of Nursing and led by Professor Lisa Hightow-Weidman, had a long track record of working with patients in a variety of locations by pioneering digital health tools and systems that could help improve individual health outcomes.
AHCA made collaboration a key requirement for the grant proposals, noting that partnerships should help expand reach, close gaps and make the most of shared resources.
“Community partnerships are essential to building a healthier Florida,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine and president of the Florida Medical Association. “We know how important it is to bring healthcare directly into the communities that need it most. I saw that firsthand as a family physician in rural Gadsden County in Florida’s Panhandle, and in my work across the state, I continue to see gaps in care that we can help close. Rural Floridians deserve access to high-quality, compassionate care. Meaningful progress will take collaboration, innovation and a sustained commitment to the people we serve.”
“FSU received the largest award among Florida’s higher education institutions and was the state’s second-largest recipient overall,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This remarkable investment reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our faculty, and the important work being done through FSU Health and the College of Medicine to address healthcare challenges in communities across our state.”
FSU’s grant proposals focus on key rural health challenges, including food insecurity, behavioral health, preventive care, workforce development and telehealth. To guide planning and funding, AHCA identified Florida’s rural counties, as defined by state law, and grouped them into four regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. The FSU College of Medicine, in collaboration with the FSU College of Nursing and IDHI, developed proposals for the Northwest and Southwest regions, where it already has established programs and partnerships.
The Northwest Region is a central hub for FSU Health, with a new FSU Health Hospital under construction in Panama City Beach and the FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building scheduled to open this fall on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus. In Southwest Florida, the college operates its Immokalee Health Education Site and sponsors residency and fellowship programs at several hospitals.
The two projects in Northwest Florida receiving funds will tackle food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care. Four new projects to launch in Southwest Florida will focus on workforce development, behavioral health, telehealth, food insecurity, preventive care and at-home care.
“These projects reflect exactly why FSU Health was created: to bring together research, clinical expertise and community partnerships to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing Floridians,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By focusing on rural communities, we can help turn discovery and innovation into practical solutions that expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen the health of people across the state.”
Heather Flynn, professor and chair of the FSU College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, played a key role in shepherding the grant process along and assembling teams of researchers, healthcare providers and community organizations to develop solid plans that will have a direct impact on the health and lives of Floridians. No stranger to collaborative work, Flynn is also director of the FSU Center for Behavioral Health Integration.
“One of the main things I learned through this process is that there are a lot of extremely dedicated, high-quality clinicians, staff and administrators in the rural areas that are doing everything they can to help the patients and families in their communities with a system that is not connected and one that needs a lot of improvement and innovation,” Flynn said. “You’ve got all of these different healthcare centers, sites, organizations — all doing the best they can with the resources they have — to provide access and quality care to patients and families — and they know they don’t have what they need to do that adequately. So, it’s very frustrating.
“I learned people are very eager to partner,” Flynn added. “Of course, there are always business considerations that may pose some barriers to those partnerships, but what I learned is people are willing to look past that and work together to fill those gaps in rural areas.”
Flynn said the work must move quickly: Sept. 30 is the federal deadline for demonstrating significant progress in launching the projects.
“We could not make this happen without the support of the university as well as the faculty and staff who are working diligently to ensure we meet this deadline and begin to make a positive impact on the health of people across the state,” she said.
FSU in the AP the last 8 years.
No surprises in the coaches poll yesterday. Shouldn’t be any when the AP comes out either. It will mark being an afterthought in the national landscape 6 of the last 8 years at the time the season kicks off. pic.twitter.com/uEESJXoYL7
— Richie Barnes (@R_Barnes407) August 5, 2026
FSU Film School remains nation’s No. 4 public film school, climbs to No. 13 overall in the Hollywood Reporter’s ranking
Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) has extended its seven-year run as the nation’s No. 4 public film school while climbing to No. 13 overall in the Hollywood Reporter’s annual ranking of the nation’s best film schools.
The annual ranking recognizes film schools that prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry through innovative programs, accomplished alumni and hands-on learning. FSUFilm moved up from No. 14 overall last year.
“The Hollywood Reporter’s recognition reflects the extraordinary creativity of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and Florida State University’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional film education,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “As we enter the fourth year of our MFA Feature Film Program and introduce the M3 Project, we’re continuing to build on the innovation that has helped FSUFilm, as The Hollywood Reporter noted, ‘punch above its weight’ while preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”
In its 2026 ranking, the Hollywood Reporter highlighted FSUFilm’s accomplished alumni, affordable tuition and innovative curriculum. The publication recognized the college’s optional third-year MFA Feature Film Program, now entering its fourth year, which gives graduate students the opportunity to pitch, direct and complete a fully financed feature film while second-year students gain professional production experience before graduation.
This year, the college is also introducing the M3 Project, which gives graduate students the opportunity to explore serialized storytelling while building filmmaking skills in virtual production.
The publication also noted the success of “NoSeeUms,” the first feature produced through the MFA Feature Film Program. The film is represented internationally by Odin’s Eye, secured domestic distribution through Quiver and is now streaming on Apple TV and Amazon.
Among the recent alumni highlighted by the Hollywood Reporter were Academy Award winner Adele Romanski, producer of “Sorry, Baby;” Max Allman, an associate producer on the Best Picture Oscar nominee “Marty Supreme;” and Alex Ullom, whose directorial debut, “It Ends,” was acquired by Neon after its premiere at SXSW.
Beyond the classroom, FSUFilm continues to expand opportunities for students through the Torchlight Studios Center for Cinematic Innovation. Renovations are underway on a new 43,242-square-foot facility that will house theaters, soundstages, virtual production space, post-production facilities and other resources supporting the college’s growing programs.
FSUFilm also continues to offer one of the nation’s lowest costs of attendance among top-ranked film schools. Tuition includes access to industry-standard production equipment and expendable materials, allowing students to complete films without the additional production fees common at many film schools.
Founded in 1989, the College of Motion Picture Arts has earned an international reputation for preparing students for careers in filmmaking through an intensive, collaborative curriculum centered on storytelling and hands-on production.
For more information about the College of Motion Picture Arts, visit film.fsu.edu.
2026 Athletic Valuations by Conference
Athletic Valuations By Conference
P4 ranked from 1 to 68 below, including Notre Dame at #3
1. Texas $2.46bn
2. Ohio State $2.3bn
3. Notre Dame $2.1bn
4. Michigan $2bn
5. Georgia $1.95bn
6. Alabama $1.8bn
7. Oklahoma $1.6bn
8. USC $1.6bn
9. Tennessee $1.57bn
10. Penn State $1.4bn
11. LSU $1.32bn
12. Florida $1.16bn
13. Oregon $1.13bn
14. Auburn $1.11bn
15. Nebraska $1.06bn
16. Washington $1.06bn
17. Texas A&M $1.05bn
18. Miami $950m
19. Wisconsin $922m
20. Florida State $819m
21. Iowa $806m
22. Indiana$696m
23. Arkansas $690m
24. Michigan State $686m
25. Clemson $674m
26. Utah $638m
27. Ole Miss $636m
28. Minnesota $629m
29. South Carolina $597m
30. Illinois $568m
31. North Carolina $560m
32. Texas Tech $525m
33. Virginia Tech $520m
34. BYU $500m
35. Missouri $500m
36. Northwestern $498m
37. TCU $495m
38. NC State $480m
39. Purdue $450m
40. Kentucky $400m
41. Georgia Tech $398m
42. Oklahoma State $389m
43. Arizona State $374m
44. Colorado $368m
45. UCLA $363m
46. Maryland $359m
47. Louisville $350m
48. Iowa State $330m
49. Duke $328m
50. Syracuse $328m
51. Pitt $323m
52. Rutgers $314m
53. West Virginia $289m
54. Kansas State $268m
55. Arizona $268m
56. Baylor $267m
57. Virginia $263m
58. SMU $251m
59. Vanderbilt $250m
60. Mississippi State $248m
61. UCF $234m
62. Kansas $225m
63. Boston College $185m
64. Cal $183m
65. Stanford $182m
66. Wake Forest $150m
67. Cincinnati $110m
68. Houston $100m
1. Texas $2.46bn
2. Ohio State $2.3bn
3. Notre Dame $2.1bn
4. Michigan $2bn
5. Georgia $1.95bn
6. Alabama $1.8bn
7. Oklahoma $1.6bn
8. USC $1.6bn
9. Tennessee $1.57bn
10. Penn State $1.4bn
11. LSU $1.32bn
12. Florida $1.16bn
13. Oregon $1.13bn
14. Auburn $1.11bn
15. Nebraska $1.06bn
16. Washington $1.06bn
17. Texas A&M $1.05bn
18. Miami $950m
19. Wisconsin $922m
20. Florida State $819m
21. Iowa $806m
22. Indiana$696m
23. Arkansas $690m
24. Michigan State $686m
25. Clemson $674m
26. Utah $638m
27. Ole Miss $636m
28. Minnesota $629m
29. South Carolina $597m
30. Illinois $568m
31. North Carolina $560m
32. Texas Tech $525m
33. Virginia Tech $520m
34. BYU $500m
35. Missouri $500m
36. Northwestern $498m
37. TCU $495m
38. NC State $480m
39. Purdue $450m
40. Kentucky $400m
41. Georgia Tech $398m
42. Oklahoma State $389m
43. Arizona State $374m
44. Colorado $368m
45. UCLA $363m
46. Maryland $359m
47. Louisville $350m
48. Iowa State $330m
49. Duke $328m
50. Syracuse $328m
51. Pitt $323m
52. Rutgers $314m
53. West Virginia $289m
54. Kansas State $268m
55. Arizona $268m
56. Baylor $267m
57. Virginia $263m
58. SMU $251m
59. Vanderbilt $250m
60. Mississippi State $248m
61. UCF $234m
62. Kansas $225m
63. Boston College $185m
64. Cal $183m
65. Stanford $182m
66. Wake Forest $150m
67. Cincinnati $110m
68. Houston $100m
Boosters generated more than $106 million in pledges and $86 million in cash contributions
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗢𝗨!🫵
— Seminole Boosters (@SeminoleBooster) July 28, 2026
Together, we generated more than $106 million in pledges and $86 million in cash contributions, setting new organizational records and creating a stronger future for Florida State Athletics. 🍢
Thank you for… pic.twitter.com/E4HZ4BTZ1g
Florida State supporters came together to give more than $106 million in pledges and eclipse $86 million in cash contributions, both all-time organizational records, in Fiscal Year 2026, it was announced Monday.
"Florida State has entered a new era of momentum this year, and the credit belongs to the thousands of Seminole supporters whose generosity powered the most successful fundraising year in Seminole Boosters history," Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said. "We have set ambitious outlooks for all of our programs, invested in facilities and continued to enhance opportunities for our student-athletes. Our ability to provide elite experiences for our student-athletes and fans is a testament to what a unified Florida State fan and alumni base can accomplish when it invests in something it believes in. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of the individual Seminole Booster supporters who have invested in our vision for Florida State athletics."
In the 2025-26 athletics year, Florida State completed its renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium that positioned the historic venue to remain among the best experiences in collegiate athletics well into the future while also opening the Dunlap Football Center, a 150,000-square-foot operations building that not only brought more efficiency and productivity to the football team's daily tasks but also opened up space inside the Moore Athletics Center to better serve FSU's other sports. Florida State also launched its women's lacrosse program and the Seminole Lacrosse Complex, one of only two women's lacrosse-only stadiums in the country. Women's soccer won the program's fifth national championship, and third in the last five years, and conference championships were earned by men's indoor track and field, softball and beach volleyball.
FY26 was one of the most successful fundraising years in Seminole Boosters history. In addition to the record totals in pledges and contributions, Seminole Boosters reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth, and saw more than 90% of Bowden Society members become first-time major gift donors. Seminole Boosters also grew Coaches Club giving from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, launched the Seminole Business Network, secured two transformational bequests exceeding $10 million each, and continued investing in championship-caliber facilities and programs. These record-breaking results were fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of Seminole supporters and positioning Florida State Athletics for sustained success in the years ahead.
"These numbers represent people, not just totals," Seminole Boosters President and CEO Stephen Ponder said. "Every gift, from a first-time donor joining the Seminole Athletic Fund or the Bowden Society to a family establishing a legacy bequest, is impactful to our mission to support Florida State Athletics. This year proved that our Seminole Boosters community loves the Noles and they love being part of the fabric that supports FSU Athletics."
Seminole Boosters provides the resources needed for more than 500 student-athletes across 21 sports to compete at the highest level. For more information, visit boosters.fsu.edu.
Seminole Boosters FY26 Fundraising Year Highlights
FY26 was one of the most successful years in Seminole Boosters history, delivering record-breaking fundraising results and demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of the Seminole Community. Fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, the organization achieved historic milestones across fundraising, facilities, donor growth, stewardship, and strategic initiatives, positioning Florida State Athletics for continued success.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Performance
Leadership Giving Growth
Coaches Club & Sport-Specific Giving Success
Transformational Facilities & Program Investments
Organizational Growth & Innovation
A Support Base That Keeps Growing
Donor participation both grew and broadened. The Bowden Society, Seminole Boosters' premier leadership-giving society, welcomed new members at a rate of 15.6% year-over-year growth, reaching 600+ members total. More than 90% of those Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors, meaning most of this year's major-gift support came from Seminoles stepping up for the first time, a sign of a support base that is expanding.
Additionally, the support lifeblood, annual Booster membership (season ticket giving) exceeded $30 million for the second consecutive year.
Sport-Specific Passion on Display
Fans rallied behind individual programs in a way that reshaped Coaches Club giving, which grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, as donors directed support toward the coaches and teams they follow most closely. Two donor families also made transformational commitments through bequests exceeding $10 million each, ensuring their support for Florida State student-athletes will carry on for generations.
Turning Generosity into Impact
Because donors showed up, Florida State Athletics opened the renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, the Dunlap Football Center, while also launching Women's Lacrosse as the newest addition to the athletics program. Donor investment also launched the Seminole Business Network, a new way for businesses across the Seminole Boosters community to engage with and support Florida State Athletics and fueled an expanded out-of-market initiative, Seminoles United, that is bringing Seminole Boosters closer to Seminoles everywhere.
"Florida State has entered a new era of momentum this year, and the credit belongs to the thousands of Seminole supporters whose generosity powered the most successful fundraising year in Seminole Boosters history," Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said. "We have set ambitious outlooks for all of our programs, invested in facilities and continued to enhance opportunities for our student-athletes. Our ability to provide elite experiences for our student-athletes and fans is a testament to what a unified Florida State fan and alumni base can accomplish when it invests in something it believes in. I'm incredibly grateful for the support of the individual Seminole Booster supporters who have invested in our vision for Florida State athletics."
In the 2025-26 athletics year, Florida State completed its renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium that positioned the historic venue to remain among the best experiences in collegiate athletics well into the future while also opening the Dunlap Football Center, a 150,000-square-foot operations building that not only brought more efficiency and productivity to the football team's daily tasks but also opened up space inside the Moore Athletics Center to better serve FSU's other sports. Florida State also launched its women's lacrosse program and the Seminole Lacrosse Complex, one of only two women's lacrosse-only stadiums in the country. Women's soccer won the program's fifth national championship, and third in the last five years, and conference championships were earned by men's indoor track and field, softball and beach volleyball.
FY26 was one of the most successful fundraising years in Seminole Boosters history. In addition to the record totals in pledges and contributions, Seminole Boosters reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth, and saw more than 90% of Bowden Society members become first-time major gift donors. Seminole Boosters also grew Coaches Club giving from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, launched the Seminole Business Network, secured two transformational bequests exceeding $10 million each, and continued investing in championship-caliber facilities and programs. These record-breaking results were fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of Seminole supporters and positioning Florida State Athletics for sustained success in the years ahead.
"These numbers represent people, not just totals," Seminole Boosters President and CEO Stephen Ponder said. "Every gift, from a first-time donor joining the Seminole Athletic Fund or the Bowden Society to a family establishing a legacy bequest, is impactful to our mission to support Florida State Athletics. This year proved that our Seminole Boosters community loves the Noles and they love being part of the fabric that supports FSU Athletics."
Seminole Boosters provides the resources needed for more than 500 student-athletes across 21 sports to compete at the highest level. For more information, visit boosters.fsu.edu.
Seminole Boosters FY26 Fundraising Year Highlights
FY26 was one of the most successful years in Seminole Boosters history, delivering record-breaking fundraising results and demonstrating the strength, loyalty, and commitment of the Seminole Community. Fueled by broad-based donor engagement and investment, the organization achieved historic milestones across fundraising, facilities, donor growth, stewardship, and strategic initiatives, positioning Florida State Athletics for continued success.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Performance
- Received more than $106 million in pledges, the highest total in Seminole Boosters history.
- Generated $86.3 million in cash contributions, an all-time organizational record.
- Delivered one of the most successful fundraising years in organizational history through broad-based donor engagement and support.
- Secured two transformational bequests, each exceeding $10 million, highlighting the continued growth and impact of legacy giving.
- Increased the diversity of support through a broader mix of donors, gift types, and giving vehicles.
Leadership Giving Growth
- Reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth.
- Continued to strengthen FSU Athletics' premier leadership-giving society and major gift pipeline. More than 90% of Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors.
- Expanded engagement among high-capacity donors through enhanced cultivation and stewardship efforts.
Coaches Club & Sport-Specific Giving Success
- Coaches Club giving grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase year-over-year, representing one of the most significant growth stories across Seminole Boosters fundraising initiatives.
- Generated increased donor investment across multiple athletic programs.
Transformational Facilities & Program Investments
- Opened the Renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, creating a best-in-class experience for fans, donors, and student-athletes.
- Opened the Dunlap Football Center (DFC), further enhancing recruiting, development, and student-athlete support.
- Launched Women's Lacrosse, while continuing investment in facilities and program development.
Organizational Growth & Innovation
- Launched the Seminole Business Network (SBN), creating a new platform for business engagement and support of Florida State Athletics.
- Expanded national fundraising reach through the out-of-market initiative, strengthening Seminole Boosters' presence in key growth markets continuing to broaden the organization's donor base and national footprint.
A Support Base That Keeps Growing
Donor participation both grew and broadened. The Bowden Society, Seminole Boosters' premier leadership-giving society, welcomed new members at a rate of 15.6% year-over-year growth, reaching 600+ members total. More than 90% of those Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors, meaning most of this year's major-gift support came from Seminoles stepping up for the first time, a sign of a support base that is expanding.
Additionally, the support lifeblood, annual Booster membership (season ticket giving) exceeded $30 million for the second consecutive year.
Sport-Specific Passion on Display
Fans rallied behind individual programs in a way that reshaped Coaches Club giving, which grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase, as donors directed support toward the coaches and teams they follow most closely. Two donor families also made transformational commitments through bequests exceeding $10 million each, ensuring their support for Florida State student-athletes will carry on for generations.
Turning Generosity into Impact
Because donors showed up, Florida State Athletics opened the renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, the Dunlap Football Center, while also launching Women's Lacrosse as the newest addition to the athletics program. Donor investment also launched the Seminole Business Network, a new way for businesses across the Seminole Boosters community to engage with and support Florida State Athletics and fueled an expanded out-of-market initiative, Seminoles United, that is bringing Seminole Boosters closer to Seminoles everywhere.
The 2026 fiscal year also saw the Seminoles program reach 600 Bowden Society members, a group of individuals recognized for commitments of $50,000 or more. Contributions rose from $3 million to $11.1 million for the Seminoles Coaches Club, a 270% increase. The Coaches Club allows boosters to directly donate to a sport of their choosing.
Seminole Boosters fundraising highlights
Information provided by FSU
- Record-Breaking Fundraising Performance
- Received more than $106 million in pledges, the highest total in Seminole Boosters history.
- Generated $86.3 million in cash contributions, an all-time organizational record.
- Delivered one of the most successful fundraising years in organizational history through broad-based donor engagement and support.
- Secured two transformational bequests, each exceeding $10 million, highlighting the continued growth and impact of legacy giving.
- Increased the diversity of support through a broader mix of donors, gift types, and giving vehicles.
- Leadership Giving Growth
- Reached 600 Bowden Society members, representing 15.6% year-over-year growth.
- Continued to strengthen FSU Athletics' premier leadership-giving society and major gift pipeline. More than 90% of Bowden Society members are first-time major gift donors.
- Expanded engagement among high-capacity donors through enhanced cultivation and stewardship efforts.
- Coaches Club & Sport-Specific Giving Success
- Coaches Club giving grew from $3 million to $11.1 million, a 270% increase year-over-year, representing one of the most significant growth stories across Seminole Boosters fundraising initiatives.
- Generated increased donor investment across multiple athletic programs.
- Transformational Facilities & Program Investments
- Opened the Renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, creating a best-in-class experience for fans, donors, and student-athletes.
- Opened the Dunlap Football Center (DFC), further enhancing recruiting, development, and student-athlete support.
- Launched Women's Lacrosse, while continuing investment in facilities and program development.
- Organizational Growth & Innovation
- Launched the Seminole Business Network (SBN), creating a new platform for business engagement and support of Florida State Athletics.
- Expanded national fundraising reach through the out-of-market initiative, strengthening Seminole Boosters' presence in key growth markets, continuing to broaden the organization's donor base and national footprint.
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