Florida State University Department of Economics

05/27/2026

Frank Sobczak – an FSU alumnus (B.S. Economics ’94) – was recently promoted to Area Vice President of Medical Devices at Abbott, where he has spent 22 years in leadership roles across the cardiovascular space.

Sobczak leads a team of more than 80 people responsible for launching innovative products in Abbott’s Structural Heart division. He credits his economics education at FSU with building the analytical foundation that has driven his career in the medical device industry.

“Although I am a vice president for a large medical device business, my focus on economics while at FSU readily prepared me for success,” Sobczak said. “Understanding the impact of supply and demand has been the backbone to my grasp and ex*****on in my professional career.”

To read more, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/alumni-spotlight-frank-sobczak

05/21/2026

Congratulations to COSSPP Alumnus Max McCusker (B.S. Economics '22) on his fantastic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a new national record for Ireland!

Day 8️⃣

Max McCusker spilt 52.04 in the fly leg of the men’s 4x100 medley relay to help 🇮🇪 set a new 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃 at 3:33.81 to place 1️⃣1️⃣th at the 𝕺𝖑𝖞𝖒𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖘‼️

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05/21/2026

The FSU College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is thrilled to honor our newest class of Distinguished Alumni! These four incredible leaders were recognized at our gala on March 26 for their outstanding careers and dedication to the FSU community.

Please join us in congratulating:
Jennifer Green (B.S. Political Science ’94)
Jeff Kottkamp (B.S. Political Science ’84)
Bobby Pittman Jr. (B.S. Economics ’97)
Carissa Schively Slotterback (Ph.D. Urban and Regional Planning ’04)

They now join an elite legacy of excellence, standing alongside just 54 other recipients recognized since 1992.

To read more, visit: https://cosspp.fsu.edu/cosspp-celebrates-2025-2026-distinguished-alumni-at-annual-gala/

Download high-resolution gala photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCPW34

05/20/2026

Majoring in economics provides students with a variety of benefits, including a strong salary potential and a versatile skill set that opens doors across industries. Students are prepared to shape policies, lead organizations, analyze data, and manage finances effectively to make an impact on the world.

To learn more, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/economics/undergraduate-program

04/30/2026

Four undergraduate students in Florida State University’s Department of Economics received Spring 2026 scholarships in recognition of outstanding achievement in core and upper-division economics coursework.

This semester’s honorees, from left to right, are Hayden Thomas, Alexis Staveski, Mikayla Robinson, and Finn R.

The Department of Economics has several merit-based scholarship opportunities for undergraduates. The Reva Daniels Metzinger Scholarship is awarded to two students per semester. The William Peterson Endowed Scholarship and the Bruce W. McNeilage Endowed Scholarship each award one student per semester.

Read more at the link in our bio (tr.ee/dfzAA4NcGY)!

04/30/2026

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy has announced its 2026 Faculty Research, Teaching, and Service Award recipients.

Flowing from the COSSPP Strategic Plan, the college has developed a COSSPP Faculty Awards Series to honor high-achieving faculty in the areas of teaching, research, and service.

“It’s a great privilege to recognize 10 outstanding faculty members with this year’s awards,” said Dean Tim Chapin. “Their dedication and contributions reflect the strength of our college’s commitment to research, teaching, and service.”

Out of numerous nominees, the Faculty Awards Committee selected the following faculty to receive these honors (from top left to bottom right):

Ziqi Li, Matt Brooks, Carlisle Rainey, Keon-Hyung Lee, Katie Sherron, Alexandra Cockerham, John Reynolds, Meaghan McSorley, Simona Andrei, John Felkner.

To read more, visit the link in our bio (tr.ee/dfzAA4NcGY)!

04/23/2026

We were pleased to host our annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd! 🐰🥚✨

More than 300 colorful eggs — including special Golden Eggs packed with surprises — were hidden throughout the Economics Department for little explorers and grand adventurers alike. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a hoppy holiday!

View and download the photos from our Flickr album:

Explore this photo album by FSU College of Social Sciences and Public Policy on Flickr!

04/20/2026

Support your college today!

Your gift will support the COSSPP General Development Fund, which helps meet the College's emergent needs and supports students in having an enriching experience at FSU!

Give in honor of a professor, parent, student, or someone who impacted your FSU experience.

Learn more at the link in our bio (give.fsu.edu/cosspp)!

04/17/2026

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy invites our Spring 2026 graduates to join us for a Graduation Celebration at Bellamy’s First Floor Atrium on Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., before FSU’s Commencement Ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

Students can enjoy light refreshments, pick up a small congratulatory gift, and connect with our Assistant Director of Student and Alumni Engagement, Elizabeth Jones, and our Career Center Liaison, Jessica O’Neill, during our graduation celebration.

Our College will be providing professional cap and gown photos in the atrium. Be sure to come with your friends and family- no RSVP necessary!

Read more at the link in our bio (COSSPP News)

04/07/2026

Join us for a session with the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA)'s Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator, Kara Collins-Gomez and Claire Mazur.

The event will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 4 p.m. in the DeVoe L. Moore Conference Room (BEL150E). Those unable to attend in person may join via Zoom (pre-registration required).

This event is part of Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week at Florida State University.

Read More at the link in our bio (COSSPP Events)! bit.ly/2026-oppaga-workshop