President Richard McCullough’s contract with Florida State has been extended into August 2029, which was approved at the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
McCullough was hired in the summer of 2021, and he has spear-headed an ambitious number of projects across not just FSU’s campus but also the Florida panhandle.
Among his early goals, McCullough aimed to raise funds for two major construction projects — the business school and the football operations building — and each have been completed inside the last six months. As the holder of a few patents, McCullough has pushed professors to expand their research grant applications. Faculty submitted $1.22 billion in grant proposals in 2025, and FSU launched major initiatives in aerospace, quantum science, advanced manufacturing and rare earth mineral extraction.
FSU has expanded into the healthcare arena with a project in Panama City as well as the recent deal between the school and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
His term was set to expire Aug. 31, 2026. The BOT’s vote was unanimous.
“It's been an exciting ride for the last four and a half years. I've got the greatest job in the world,” McCullough said. “Just humbled and honored to be the president of Florida State University.”
FSU ranks 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.
Earlier in the meeting, McCullough reported a 78 percent graduation rate for all FSU students in four years as well as an 86 percent graduation rate within six years.
After the BOT vote, McCullough said, “We have a lot to do. I have not accomplished my goals. I look forward to the next chapter.”
An avid fan of FSU’s athletes, McCullough made mention of a wide range of achievements by teams since he arrived. He cited three national titles for the soccer team, an ACC football title as well as watching quarterback Jordan Travis. He also described the “joy of a Jared Verse sack.”
McCullough and FSU Board of Trustees president Peter Collins are viewed as close allies, working together to achieve goals.
“Our board could not have a better partner in moving Florida State University forward than President McCullough,” Collins said. “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.”
While FSU's administration, including McCullough and Collins, have drawn criticism from some fans for retaining football coach Mike Norvell, they have also poured additional resources into the football program. Collins was among the most vocal, pushing for the football program to expand its front office hires.
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