Welcome to Fall 2024

Dear members of the university community,

Welcome to Fall 2024 at FIU! It truly is an exciting time to be a Panther!

I am delighted to give a special welcome to the FIU Class of 2028. You are quite an accomplished group. Among you are seven National Merit Scholars and four Silver Knight awardees, and you hail from 41 states and 39 countries.

I also extend a warm Panther welcome to our new transfer and graduate students, and a resounding welcome back to our returning students. To our faculty and staff joining us for the first time this semester, we are thrilled you are here. Each of you has made an excellent decision in choosing FIU.

With an unwavering commitment to innovation and progress, FIU students and preeminent faculty take on the world’s most pressing challenges and rise to meet them. And it just so happens that we offer one of the best returns on your educational investment anywhere.

This morning, Washington Monthly ranked FIU No.3 among public universities and No. 16 overall in its 2024 National University Rankings for what we “do for the country.” This fills us with pride because it affirms how we are fulfilling our mission, advancing science and making the world a better place right along with elite institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of Pennsylvania, which top the list.

I cannot think of a better motivator for all of us as we begin this new semester.

This summer, our university was designated a Preeminent Research University by the Florida State University System (SUS) Board of Governors. We are now part of an elite group of top research institutions in our state, contributing to your development and the economic growth of the great state of Florida.

What makes this achievement so meaningful is that FIU is the youngest university in Florida to attain this designation, which is a testament to the excellence of our students, the expertise of our dedicated faculty, the commitment of our staff, and the successes of our alumni. With this designation comes a renewed commitment to the essence of FIU – forward-thinking, innovative, unstoppable.

We are also very proud that, once again, FIU was named the No. 1 university in the SUS, according to the Florida Board of Governors’ performance metrics scores.

And that is not all. The Florida Legislature has allocated the initial funding for a $200 million health science and clinical facility that will be the cornerstone of our budding collaboration with Baptist Health. Together, we will elevate care, address the current physician shortage, and accelerate medical research in our region.

FIU is on an upward trajectory because we have a smart, committed, and impactful university community. Let’s celebrate our achievements, with true Panther spirit, by wearing FIU gear all week long – on and off campus. Join me as we rep the blue and gold and help spread that Panther Pride!

Speaking of pride, our football stadium has a new name – Pitbull Stadium. That’s right – FIU and the Grammy-winning international superstar are partners. You can expect to see Mr. Worldwide on campus throughout the year. In addition, we are looking forward to Pitbull’s new FIU-inspired song. 

Tonight, you have an opportunity to celebrate during Panthers’ F1RST NIGHT – an unforgettable way to wrap up the first day of classes and kick off an amazing year. Doors open at 6 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there!

As we begin our journey together this Fall, let us remember that FIU is a place of belonging, understanding, and civility. With election season upon us, and with the concerns we each carry in our hearts about issues of global impact, we must always remember that peace, tolerance, and understanding must prevail.

At FIU, there is no room for violence, hate, discrimination, antisemitism, or intolerance. Our campuses must remain platforms for civil discourse and dialogue. This semester, and throughout this academic year, let us listen to each other, support each other, and address our differences with patience and kindness. FIU has programs in place to support students, faculty, and staff who may be facing difficulties. Please reach out if you need assistance. We are here to help.

To help ensure everyone’s safety, health, and welfare on campus, University policy prohibits behavior that poses a safety hazard, disrupts education, research, and other University operations, or otherwise substantially interferes with the rights of other community members of the University. The University is committed to upholding and enforcing these protections, which include those set forth in University Regulations FIU-106, FIU-110, FIU 111, and our Student Code of Conduct, FIU-2501.

Panthers, I look forward to seeing you around campus. There’s so much going on at our university, and I encourage you to stay informed, engaged and involved. For more details about our intellectual, cultural, social and athletic offerings, please check out the FIU Calendar and FIU News; these are great resources to keep up with what’s going on our campuses.

Have a wonderful semester, Panthers! Paws up!

Sincerely,

Kenneth A. Jessell
President