• Biography
• The Presidents of FSU
• The First Ladies of FSU
• Pathways of Excellence
• Issues in Education
• State of the University
• Senior Staff
• Administrative Staff
• FSU Board of Trustees
• FSU Strategic Plan, 2008-2009 to 2013-2014 (PDF download)

"Issues in Education" Television Program

"Issues in Education," Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell's television program, 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 noon, WFSG-TV at 11 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).

December 2008 (#602)

Stand Up for Our Students Campaign/Bernie Machen Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell talks with University of Florida President Bernard Machen about the financial impact of more budget cuts to Florida's universities and the new campaign called "Stand up for Our Students" (or SOS). The goal of this campaign is to encourage citizens to communicate to the Legislature the importance of supporting higher education and students.

November 2008 (#601)

Anna Johnson Riedel and Chris Mulrooney, Westcott Lakes Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell, talks with Anna Johnson Riedel and Chris Mulrooney with Westcott Lakes about the planned community for adults sponsored by Florida State. In addition to the benefits for seniors, the discussion also looks at how students and other alumni will benefit from the connection to the community. President Wetherell also discusses potential budget cuts at the University as well as other challenges facing the University.

October 2008 (#511)

Monsignor William Kerr, FSU Claude Pepper Center for International Dialogue The President of Florida State University, T.K. Wetherell, talks with Monsignor William Kerr about the need for college students to become familiar with International issues. Monsignor Kerr is the Executive Director the FSU Claude Pepper Center for International Dialogue. The discussion includes an analysis of past, present, and future roles Universities have in developing the understanding different cultures in students and in nations. The International Conference called Bridging Civilizations is also discussed. President Wetherell also discusses a recent change to tuition at Florida State University and the impact on students as well has his upcoming State of the University Speech.

September 2008 (#510)

Scott Atwell, FSU Alumni Association This month Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell and Scott Atwell, new president of the Alumni Association, discuss the role alumni play in the success of a university. In addition to how alumni can help current students, the topics discussed include how the university can help its alumni. President Wetherell also talks about the brand new class of 2012, Olympian Walter Dix, and the things to look forward to this fall.

August 2008 (#509)

College Students & Credit Cards, Interview with Florida CFO Alex Sink Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell takes a look at college students and credit cards with his guest, Alex Sink, the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida. Not only is Sink the state's top fiscal officer and former president of Bank of America, she is also the mother of two college age students. Topics discussed include credit card responsibility, credit card myth-busting, and what conversations parents and students need to have before they get a credit card. President Wetherell also talks about the programs on FSU's campus available to help students avoid the "credit card monster."

July 2008 (#508)

Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley, FSU College of Business In this episode of "Issues in Education," the topic is FSU's College of Business. While it is one of the youngest business schools in the nation, it is also one of the 10 largest. FSU President T.K. Wetherell discusses the COB program with Caryn Beck-Dudley, Dean of the College. Among the topics discussed is the online master's program and the trend toward more emphasizing business ethics in classes at the university level. President Wetherell also discusses the importance of Alumni participation in the training and mentoring of future business leaders.

June 2008 (#507)

Chemistry Building and Dr. Joseph Schlenoff In this episode of "Issues in Education" the topic is the new Chemistry Building at Florida State and science education in Florida. FSU President T.K. Wetherell discusses these issues with the chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida State University. In addition to the effort that went into the building design and construction, Dr. Wetherell and Dr. Schlenoff discuss the challenges of keeping and recruiting faculty during trying economic times. Also, President Wetherell discusses how FSU and higher education in Florida was affected by the recent legislative session.

May 2008 (#506)

Howard Tibbals and The Ringling Museum In this episode of "Issues in Education" the topic is the amazing circus collection at the largest museum-university complex in the nation: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. In addition to showing video from the museum we talk with Mr. Howard Tibbals about the collection, which includes part of his own contribution: the world's largest miniature model circus. It's an exact replica of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930's. There are over one million pieces, and he made most of them over the last 50 years! Mr. Tibbals talks about the museum's newest acquisitions, including John Ringling's actual railroad car, and planned expansions to the Tibbals Learning Center at the museum. Also, President Wetherell talks about other news impacting Florida State University. Included in the discussion is the start of a two-year renovation of Ruby Diamond Auditorium and how the University manages to expand physically, while budgets are shrinking.

April 2008 (#505)

Brain Drain The President of Florida State University, T.K. Wetherell, talks with two professors who are planning to leave FSU for universities outside of Florida. Dr. Howard Goldstein, associate dean in the College of Communication, and Dr. Charles Figley, professor in the College of Social Work and director of the FSU Traumatology Institute, talk about why they don't want to leave Florida State but feel the funding crunch is forcing them to go elsewhere. The discussion looks at the kind of budget concerns they deal with on a daily and yearly basis, the impact of the governance issue, and what the funding situation is like at other universities across the country. President Wetherell also discusses his hopes and concerns for this legislative session as well as the potential impact on students, faculty and the state's economy.

March 2008 (#504)

Randy Spetman, New Athletic Director Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell talks with new Athletic Director Randy Spetman. Among the topics discussed is Spetman's background as an athletic director and as a member of the U.S. military. Also discussed is the current status of FSU's athletic program and where Mr. Spetman plans to direct the program in the future. President Wetherell also discusses the 2008 legislative session, concerns regarding the budget for universities in Florida, and the proposed constitutional amendment he is supporting to help the state's higher education system.

January/February 2008 (#503)

Dr. Bernard Machen FSU President T.K. Wetherell talks with University of Florida President Bernie Machen about the current challenges facing state universities. Among the topics: the upcoming 2008 Florida Legislative session and the potential for budget cuts. The two presidents discuss the priorities, plans and potential impact on the students, faculty and the state's economy. President Wetherell also discusses the reasons that money from other categories, like athletic salaries, can't be used to fund other areas.