Three leaders from Florida State University, all of whom were the first in their families to attend college, spoke at the third annual Horizons Unlimited Conference on March 3. Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, President Richard McCullough, and Head Football Coach Mike Norvell addressed first-generation students at the event, which took place at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
The conference was led by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar and brought together first-generation students, alumni, and university leaders. The day included sessions focused on overcoming challenges, building a professional identity, and personal reflection. Participants also had opportunities to connect with peers, faculty members, and mentors.
Vartikar told attendees: “I believe in you, Florida State University believes in you. But most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. So, believe that you belong here and in every room that you want to be in. Your voice matters. Your horizons are unlimited and we can’t wait to see what you become.”
Nearly 25 percent of undergraduates at FSU are first-generation college students. Many of these students receive support through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE).
The event concluded with a keynote speech by Collins. He described his journey as a first-generation student and later as a leader both professionally and within his community.
Norvell introduced Collins before the audience gathered at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. He emphasized perseverance: “The road to success, even though you’re going to go a lot of different directions — it’s a willingness to take a step,” he said. “It’s a willingness to go and to put yourself in a position, to grasp information, to grasp knowledge, to grasp the experiences that are going to put you in a position to achieve — to achieve and be the best that you can be.”
Norvell encouraged students not only during their time at FSU but also after graduation: “He challenged students to keep taking the next step even after graduation and seek opportunities that place them where they can grow and make a difference.”
During his address, Collins discussed resilience: “What I’ve learned is this: Resilience is built quietly, and it’s something you live,” he said. “Resilience isn’t built on a stage. Mine was built long before I ever stepped onto this one. It was built in places that didn’t look impressive at the time.”
Collins pointed out that many first-generation students juggle work responsibilities, financial concerns, and often serve as translators for their families—experiences that help build leadership skills.
“Resilience gets you in the room, but leadership keeps you there,” Collins said. “People had more experience, more knowledge, more credentials, more confidence. So I did two things: I prepared relentlessly and I asked questions not to look smart but to get better.”
He recounted his own path from community college through FSU before starting his own company while raising a young family.
Collins concluded: “The doubts you feel today, those aren’t just qualifiers — they’re preparation,” he said. “The pressure you feel — preparation; the responsibility you carry — preparation. One day you’ll sit in rooms where decisions are made. One day you’ll lead teams, build companies, serve communities, shape institutions. And when that moment comes, you will not rise to the level of your ambition. You will rise to the level of your discipline; you will rise to the level of your resilience.”
At the end of the event Collins and McCullough answered questions from students about their experiences as first-generation college graduates who became leaders.
