Florida State University Alumni Hall of Fame: Recognizing Excellence and Contribution
The Florida State University (FSU) Alumni Hall of Fame stands as a prestigious institution dedicated to honoring alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to the university and the broader community. Different colleges within FSU have their own Halls of Fame, each with specific criteria and focus. This article explores the criteria, eligibility, and purpose of these Halls of Fame, highlighting the remarkable individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
Herbert Wertheim College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame
Established in 2003, the Herbert Wertheim College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who embody the qualities that make the Wertheim College an extraordinary place to learn and grow. The inductees are Wertheim College alumni who have excelled in their careers and significantly impacted Florida State University and the Wertheim College.
Selection Criteria
Alumni Hall of Fame candidates are selected based on their record of exceptional professional and personal achievement. Recipients must be present at the Alumni Hall of Fame Gala, held every fall, to be inducted. While posthumous nominations are accepted, a family member or designee must be present for induction. Self-nominations are discouraged.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the Herbert Wertheim College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are submitted with specific deadlines. For inquiries regarding the Alumni Hall of Fame or its sponsorship opportunities, individuals can contact Sarah M.
Notable Inductees
The Herbert Wertheim College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame boasts a distinguished list of inductees, including:
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- James “Chef” Barlow (BS Marketing ’95), Founder & CEO, Blue Air Training Corp.
- William F. Stephenson (BS Management '82), Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Executive Board, De Lage Landen International B.V.
These individuals exemplify the high standards of achievement and contribution that the Hall of Fame seeks to recognize.
Charles A. Rovetta Faculty Hall of Fame
The Herbert Wertheim College of Business also recognizes retired former faculty members through the Charles A. Rovetta Faculty Hall of Fame. Nominees must be retired former faculty members of the Wertheim College. Preference is given to faculty members who retired while at the Wertheim College. Nominations must include a fully completed nomination form and a minimum of two recommendation letters. For questions, contact Sarah M.
FSU Medical Alumni Hall of Fame
The FSU Medical Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes physicians and physician assistants for their outstanding contributions to the health of all people through patient care, research, leadership, service, and/or health services administration, and demonstration of the high principles of the medical profession.
Eligibility Criteria
- Physicians and physician assistants who graduated from the FSU College of Medicine at least 9 years before their year of nomination.
- Graduates of the Florida State University Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS).
- Physicians who graduated from an FSU College of Medicine residency program at least 9 years before their year of nomination.
- Physicians and physician assistants who are not FSU College of Medicine graduates but have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the COM for at least 9 years.
- Deceased physicians and physician assistants are eligible.
Criteria for the Hall of Fame
- Service to the Community: The nominee has supported the College of Medicine's mission through leadership and service to the community, students, physicians, and/or alumni.
- Service to the Profession: The nominee has improved or enhanced the medical profession through developing programs in areas such as education, research, patient care, and health care administration.
- Service to the FSU College of Medicine: The nominee advances the mission of the College of Medicine through activities such as:
- Participating in student-alumni programs such as HOST, mentoring, and shadowing.
- Serving as outstanding faculty.
- Supporting fundraising efforts.
- Attending COM events.
Mission Award
The Mission Award recognizes physicians and physician assistants who have demonstrated excellence in furthering the college's mission to practice patient-centered health care, discover and advance knowledge, and respond to community needs, especially through service to underserved populations.
Eligibility for the Mission Award:
- Physicians and physician assistants who graduated from the FSU College of Medicine or an FSU College of Medicine residency program. There is no time requirement.
- Graduates of the Florida State University Program in Medical Sciences (PIMS).
- Physicians and physician assistants who are not FSU College of Medicine graduates but have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the COM.
- Deceased physicians and physician assistants are eligible.
Physicians and physician assistants may be considered for the Hall of Fame when the service time requirement has been met.
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Nomination Process
- Nomination Deadline: Feb. 27, 2026.
- Candidates must be nominated by person(s) other than themselves.
- To nominate an eligible physician or physician assistant, complete the online nomination form, detailing how the nominee meets the criteria.
- Nominations are submitted to the alumni board members at least 2 weeks before the annual Spring meeting.
- The nominations are voted on by the board members at the Spring meeting.
- A nominee must receive at least 5 votes to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
- There is no annual limit on the number of nominations or elected members.
- Nominations will be reconsidered in the following year if not chosen in the current election cycle.
Notable Inductees
Recent inductees into the FSU Medical Alumni Hall of Fame include:
- 2024: Joseph Camps, M.D. (PIMS 1979), Geden Franck, M.D. (Class of 2014), Shoshana Hallowell, M.D. (Class of 2010), Myra Hurt, Ph.D. (First Acting Dean), Daniel Van Durme, M.D. (Faculty).
- 2023: Jada Leahy, M.D. (Class of 2009), Zita Magloire, M.D. (Class of 2011).
- 2022: Julie Gladden Barre, M.D. (Class of 2005), Kendall Campbell, M.D. (PIMS 1997), Richard Jolkovsky, M.D. (PIMS 1983), Lexie Mannix, M.D. (Class of 2014), Sachin Parikh, M.D. (Class of 2005), Stephen Quintero, M.D. (PIMS 1986), Charles Ritchie, M.D. (Class of 2008), Stephen Viel, M.D. (Class of 2009).
- 2021: Rudy Hehn, M.D. (PIMS 1978), Peter Katona, M.D. (PIMS 1974), Jimmy Moss, M.D. (Class of 2010), Stephen Patrick, M.D. (Class of 2007).
- 2020: William Higgins, M.D. (Class of 2009), Mary Watson, M.D. (Class of 2009), Wendy Ann Myers, M.D. (PIMS 1977), Michael Okun, M.D. (PIMS 1993), Michael J. Sweeney, M.D. (PIMS 1975).
- 2019: Kerry Bachista, M.D. (Class of 2005), Robert L. Brown Sr., M.D. (PIMS 1981).
- 2018: Matthew Lee, M.D. (Class of 2006), Stephanie Lee, M.D. (Class of 2006), Stephen Cummings, M.D. (PIMS 1976).
- 2017: Christie Alexander, M.D. (Class of 2005), C. David Smith, M.D. (PIMS 1996).
- 2016: Garrett Chumney, M.D. (Class of 2005), Michael Weiss, M.D. (PIMS 1991).
- 2015: Robin Albritton, M.D. (Class of 2007), Frank Walker, Jr., M.D. (PIMS 1974).
- 2014: Mel Hartsfield, M.D. James Ocie Harris, M.D. (Dean Emeritus) Nariman Heshmati, M.D. (Class of 2005) Shermeeka Hogans-Mathews, M.D.* (Class of 2015) Amy Neal, M.D. (Class of 2008) Richard Rodriguez, M.D. (Class of 2009) Rashad Sullivan, M.D. (Class of 2013) Richard Sheridan, M.D. (PIMS 1976) Sanam Zahedi, M.D. (Class of 2014).
Recognition Events
The Hall of Fame Classes are typically recognized at the FSU Medical Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner during Alumni Weekend. For instance, the Hall of Fame Classes of 2024 and 2025 were recognized on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Florida State University Champions Club in Tallahassee.
FSU Athletics Hall of Fame
The FSU Athletics Hall of Fame honors student-athletes and individuals who have made unique and extraordinary contributions to the FSU athletics program.
Eligibility Criteria
- A student-athlete who has competed for FSU is eligible for consideration, provided that five (5) years have passed since the completion of his or her eligibility.
- Any individual, living or deceased, who has made unique and extraordinary contributions to the FSU athletics program, may be eligible for election as a Special Inductee.
Induction Process
Formal inductions occur in the fall during a designated home football weekend. When a team is selected for induction, the team will not be inducted until the following year, providing ample time for all members to be contacted.
Hall of Fame Committee
The Hall of Fame Committee is responsible for overseeing the selection and induction process. The committee includes:
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- Two (2) members who shall be FSU Athletics Department employees appointed by the Athletics Director. These employees serve as ex-officio voting members of the Committee.
- The Chair of the Committee, who appoints the members of the sub-committees and the respective chairs.
Sub-Committees
- Research/Memorabilia: This sub-committee is responsible for researching, collecting, and compiling information pertaining to current Hall of Famers and prospective Hall of Famers.
- Finance: This sub-committee provides financial oversight of the funds collected by the Committee.
Examples of Alumni Success
Several FSU alumni have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, demonstrating the value of an FSU education and the impact of its graduates.
Rob
Rob began his career with Chick-fil-A at the age of 17 in Coral Springs, Florida. After “turning around” a difficult franchise in Midland, Texas, he spent four years in Atlanta before opening South Florida's first free-standing Chick-fil-A. Currently, Rob owns and operates two restaurants in West Palm Beach and consults for a third location. He is best known for using his franchises to provide exceptional leadership development opportunities, targeting young adults upon graduation from college. Twenty current Chick-fil-A franchisees learned and developed under his tutelage.
Rob is co-chair of the board of directors for Urban Youth Impact, an NGO serving challenged inner city youth in West Palm Beach, FL. He also serves on the board of directors of Global Leadership, an NGO which works with entrepreneurs in Ukraine and China. Furthermore, he serves on the advisory board at Palm Beach Atlantic University's Rinker School of Business and The Titus Center for Franchising. His wife, Jennifer, also serves on the board of Global Leadership and is a leadership consultant with clients around the United States and abroad.
Andrew
As the Chief Commercial Officer of FLYR Hospitality, the hospitality division of FLYR, Andrew leads a global team whose mission is to amplify the commercial performance of FLYR customers. With over 25 years of commercial leadership experience, Andrew is one of the foremost revenue management and global distribution experts in the hospitality industry. He has held various executive positions, including Chief Commercial Officer and CIO for Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Senior Vice President of Distribution & Revenue Management for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
Andrew holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration, majoring in both marketing and hospitality administration at Florida State University. He recently won the International Hospitality Institute’s Top 25 Hospitality Executives to Watch in 2025 and the 2023 HSMAI Award for Lifetime Achievement in Revenue Optimization. He currently serves as the Chair of HSMAI Americas.
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