The Florida State University Board of Trustees has approved a three-year contract extension for President Richard McCullough. The decision was made Wednesday and reflects the board’s continued support for McCullough’s leadership since he began his tenure in 2021. The extension still requires approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
Board Chairman Peter Collins stated, “Our board could not have a better partner in moving Florida State University forward than President McCullough. His vision and determination have led to historic achievements in student success, research and advancement. The board is confident that under his continued leadership, FSU will reach even greater heights.”
McCullough responded to the news by saying, “It has been my greatest honor to serve as Florida State University’s 16th president, and the opportunity to continue this work for another three years is both humbling and exciting. With this board’s guidance and stewardship, we are immensely proud of what the FSU family has accomplished together over the past five years. And I want to be clear — we’re just getting started.”
During McCullough’s time as president, Florida State University achieved its highest national ranking ever, reaching No. 51 among all universities according to U.S. News & World Report. It also ranked No. 21 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, No. 11 in Niche’s 2026 America’s Top Public Universities, and No. 2 for student experience by The Princeton Review.
Student retention and graduation rates reached record levels under his leadership: freshman retention climbed to 97 percent, four-year graduation rates hit 78 percent, and transfer student graduation rates rose to 80 percent—reported as the best in State University System history. The university also reports one of the lowest median federal student loan debt levels among public R1 institutions.
Interest in attending FSU continues to grow; nearly 95,000 applications were submitted for about 6,000 spots in next fall’s freshman class.
FSU expanded its Honors and Presidential Scholars programs while strengthening its CARE program for first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students over the last five years. Nearly a quarter of students at FSU are first-generation college attendees.
Research activity increased significantly during McCullough’s presidency with expenditures rising from $325 million in 2021 to $488 million—a growth of approximately 50 percent. Faculty submitted $1.22 billion in grant proposals last year alone, supporting new initiatives across fields such as aerospace engineering, quantum science, advanced manufacturing, and rare earth mineral extraction.
In health sciences, FSU launched FSU Health in 2022 with a $125 million appropriation from the state legislature to advance genomics research and statewide genetic screening programs.
This January saw the opening of the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence—the largest academic building on campus—which now houses the Herbert Wertheim College of Business thanks in part to a $65 million philanthropic gift from Dr. Herbert Wertheim that included a $50 million endowment supporting faculty development and scholarships.
Other recent projects include opening an Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building and starting construction on an FSU Health Research Center expected to finish by late 2026—both seen as efforts fueling innovation and economic growth across Florida.
