Florida State University (FSU) and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) have agreed on a new structure for their partnership, paving the way to establish an academic health center in Tallahassee. This collaboration is expected to impact health care delivery, education, and research in North Florida.
In a joint statement, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O’Bryant said the partnership will “provide the opportunity to establish the hospital as a true quaternary center — expanding services, extending our reach, generating jobs, and fueling regional growth, all while preserving it as a community-focused hospital.”
They also stated: “By uniting TMH’s longstanding commitment to community care with FSU’s mission of academic excellence and service, we are seizing an extraordinary opportunity to shape the long-term future of health care in North Florida and beyond. This partnership will elevate the quality of health care for our community, create dynamic educational pathways for students, and foster groundbreaking research.”
The TMH Board of Directors unanimously approved the framework for this partnership. Further definitive agreements are expected in coming months. The idea of creating an Academic Health Center at TMH has been considered since 2008 when it was included in TMH’s strategic plan. Since then, TMH has introduced residency programs in several specialties.
In 2021, both institutions approved a strategic alignment plan for the proposed academic health center. The current agreement builds upon previous efforts such as the FSU Health Research Center initiative. Launched with $125 million from state appropriations in 2022, this project aims to expand healthcare access and innovation across North Florida. Construction on a new facility at the TMH campus is underway; once completed in 2026, it will feature clinical research space and other resources linking patient care with research.
Under terms outlined by a Memorandum of Understanding between FSU and TMH, discussions will take place with city officials regarding transferring hospital assets—including property and facilities—to FSU. These assets would then be leased back to TMH under a long-term operating agreement.
TMH will continue as the licensed operator while working closely with FSU on various aspects such as research and branding. The hospital will rebrand under “FSU Health” but maintain local governance; its board will include representation from FSU while retaining control over strategy and budget decisions. Existing management structures remain unchanged; employees stay under TMH employment rather than transitioning to state employment.
Partnerships with other local educational institutions like Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College will persist with potential for further expansion.
For patients, this means greater access over time to specialized treatments locally that previously required travel outside North Florida. Current doctors remain available alongside planned additions of specialists; policies supporting uninsured or underinsured patients continue unchanged.
McCullough and O’Bryant added: “We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, FSU and TMH will form an academic health center that serves as a beacon of excellence and hope — empowering the next generation of health care professionals, driving innovation, and enhancing the well-being of all those we serve.”
Leaders from both organizations emphasize goals including training more healthcare workers locally; increasing access for underserved populations; advancing clinical research; strengthening economic development; and positioning North Florida as a leader in medical sciences.
A formal presentation outlining plans is scheduled before city leadership soon.
Joint Statement from FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O’Bryant
“We are pleased to announce that Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare have reached a landmark agreement to advance our shared vision of creating a world-class academic health center in Tallahassee. We look forward to presenting our plan to the Mayor, City Commissioners and City Manager.
By uniting TMH’s longstanding commitment to community care with FSU’s mission of academic excellence and service, we are seizing an extraordinary opportunity to shape the long-term future of health care in North Florida and beyond. This partnership will elevate the quality of health care for our community, create dynamic educational pathways for students, and foster groundbreaking research under the name FSU Health. It will provide the opportunity to establish the hospital as a true quaternary center — expanding services, extending its reach, generating jobs, and fueling regional growth, all while preserving it as a community-focused hospital.
We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, FSU and TMH will form an academic health center that serves as a beacon of excellence and hope—empowering the next generation of health care professionals, driving innovation, and enhancing the well-being of all those we serve.
We look forward to sharing more details with the community in the days ahead.”
