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"Issues in Education" Television Program

"Issues in Education," a public affairs program hosted by the president of The Florida State University, airs the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on WFSU-TV in Tallahassee and 6:30 p.m. on WFSG-TV in Panama City. An encore presentation is aired the Sunday following the premiere on WFSU-TV at 10:00 a.m., WFSG-TV at 9:00 a.m.

The program also airs throughout the month on 4fsu (Comcast Channel 4 in Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties) on Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m., Fridays at 6:00 p.m., and Sundays at 7:00 p.m.

The program features a wide-ranging discussion of topics, including the challenges faced by public and private universities. The 30-minute program, co-hosted by Suzanne Smith of WFSU-TV and FSU-4, provides a platform for Wetherell to discuss critical issues in education with experts in education and related fields.

Programs are archived and may be viewed with Flash Player. Click on the thumbnails or titles below to view the program (broadband connection required).

November 2009 (#701)

Learning Systems Institute The seventh season of Issues in Education kicks off with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Learning Systems Institute at The Florida State University. Florida State President T.K. Wetherell talks with Dr. Laura Lang, director of LSI and Dr. Carol Conner. Conner is with the Florida Center for Reading Research which is administered jointly by LSI and the College of Arts & Sciences. The discussion focuses on how people learn and how to improve teaching techniques. President Wetherell also discusses the need for LSI and other research on University campuses and the impact the budget cuts have had on research at Florida State.

October 2009 (#612)

Greek Life Issues in Education goes Greek in this edition of the program. FSU President T.K. Wetherell talks with three students who are part of the Greek system at Florida State University. Past Panhellenic President Lauren Robertson, Current National Pan-Hellenic Conference President Dominique Francois, and Chapter President of Theta Chi Fraternity Julian Torres. The discussion takes on the perceptions and the reality of today's Greek system. For example: when you hear someone talk about the Greek system at a college or university, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think parties or do you think philanthropy? Do you think friendships and fun, or do you think responsibility and preparation for the real world? The conversation focuses on what it's like to be Greek on today's campus. President Wetherell also discusses the search for his replacement following his retirement announcement earlier this year and his priorities during this time of transition.

September 2009 (#611)

Energy Research This episode is dedicated to energy research and the role universities are playing in this rapidly expanding field of study. Guests are Dr. Kirby Kemper, Florida State's vice president for research; Dr. Dave Cartes, director of the Florida State Institute for Energy Systems, Economics and Sustainability; and Dr. Julie Harrington, an economist and director of Florida State's Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis. The trio discuss not only the growing popularity of this field but also the need for research that focuses on the practical application and eventual adoption of these discoveries by the public. They also look at current state policies surrounding energy efficiency. Included in the discussion is the new Off -Grid Zero Emissions Building on Florida State's campus and its benefit to the university, the students and the field of energy research.

August 2009 (#610)

Budget Cuts/Dr. Larry Abele In this episode of Issues in Education we talk budgets with Florida State Provost Dr. Larry Abele. In addition to talking about recent cuts to the FSU budget, we discuss how these decisions were made and the reaction to the cuts by faculty, students and the community. Also discussed are the financial challenges facing all the universities in Florida at this time and what could happen next if the situation doesn't improve before the next legislative session. President T.K. Wetherell also discusses the role the budget fight played in his recent decision to retire as head of The Florida State University. He also looks at reasons why higher education always seems to be on the "chopping block" when it comes to the state budget in Florida.

July 2009 (#609)

T.K. Wetherell's Retirement This entire Issues in Education program is devoted to Dr. T.K. Wetherell's decision to retire as president of Florida State University. Dr. Wetherell discusses what led to the announcement and the role the budget crisis played in the decision. Dr. Wetherell also talks about the next phase of his life, specifically, how he plans to spend his retirement and why he still plans to teach at FSU when he is no longer president. In addition to looking back a lifetime devoted to Florida State, he talks about what a typical day in the life of a university president entails. President Wetherell also critiques the current status of the university as well as the state's higher education situation. The discussion includes consideration of the type of president he feels FSU needs in the coming years.

June 2009 (#608)

Fulbright Fellowships In this episode of Issues in Education, Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell talks with two of eight FSU students who recently won prestigious Fulbright Fellowships. Doctoral students Jason Hobratschk and Victoria Penziner will use the awards to conduct research in Europe and the Middle East. They discuss how they accomplished this level of success, what they'll be studying and how other students can take advantage of these kinds of opportunities. President Wetherell also discusses the Office of National Fellowships, the results of the recent legislative session, and the recent passing of Monsignor William Kerr and Margo Bindhardt, both of whom contributed greatly to the Florida State community.

May 2009 (#607)

Summer Recreation As college students get ready to tackle summer classes, this episode of Issues in Education looks at summer programs that target future Seminoles. Florida State summer camps are designed for children age 8 to 18 and provide a variety of experiences from traditional outdoor camps to scholastic and music programs. Director of Campus Recreation Alicia Crew talks with President Wetherell about the different types available, how they are paid for, and how these programs provide a long-term benefit to university recruitment. President Wetherell also discusses a recent test of the College of Engineering's electric-powered composite car at the Daytona International Speedway, as well as the extended session of the Florida Legislature and the state budget.

April 2009 (#606)

Student Government In this episode of Issues in Education, Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell talks with past and present Student Government Association leaders. Student Body President Laymon Hicks, who served in 2008-09, and incoming Student Body President Robert Jakubik talk about the SGA's $10 million budget, their leadership roles and the impact of potential budget cuts on college students. President Wetherell also looks at an effort by students called "Protect Our Professors." The goal is to raise money to protect faculty positions threatened by budget cuts.

March 2009 (#605)

Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and Alan Williams In this episode of Issues in Education, Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell focuses on the Florida Legislature's 2009 session and the impact it will have on higher education in Florida. He talks with two new House members, Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and Alan Williams, about the budget challenges facing the state. President Wetherell also looks at how previous budget cuts are currently affecting FSU.

February 2009 (#604)

Steve MacQueen, Seven Days of Opening Nights The President of Florida State University, T.K. Wetherell, talks with Steve MacQueen. MacQueen is the Director of the Annual Seven Days of Opening Nights. This fine and performing arts festival kicks off their 11th year this February. Among the items discussed are how the Festival is handling the temporary loss of Ruby Diamond Auditorium during its renovation, the types of performers coming this year and how FSU students benefit from the festival. President Wetherell also discusses the Special Session recently held by the Florida Legislature and the potential impact on Higher Education in Florida.

January 2009 (#603)

Myron Rolle, Rhodes Scholar This month's episode focuses Myron Rolle who is a student at the top of his game in the academic and athletic arena. He recently graduated in 2 and-a-half years, won a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, and is projected to be a first round NFL draft pick. Rolle discusses how he was able to accomplish his goals. He discusses mentors, his childhood, and why FSU was the best fit for him. Rolle also talks about his future. FSU President T.K. Wetherell also talks about programs like FSU's Office of National Fellowships which helped Rolle and other students achieve dreams like the Rhodes Scholarship.