Long before Florida State University became known for its research enterprise and nationally ranked academic programs, the arts were helping shape the life of the university.
Music, theater and visual arts were among the earliest academic offerings at the institution that would become FSU, predating many of the STEM and professional programs taught at the university today.
Over the decades, those programs have grown into nationally recognized schools in music, film, theater, dance and design while bringing world-class artists, exhibitions and performances to campus.
Today, as Florida State celebrates its 175th anniversary, the arts remain central to the university’s identity by enriching campus life, connecting the university with the community and preparing generations of artists, performers and creators.
Even some of the university’s most enduring symbols emerged from the arts.
In 1909, Agnes Granberry, an art student and member of the Florida State College for Women Class of 1912, created the original design for the university’s seal and motto: three torches alongside the Latin phrase “Vires, Artes, Mores,” or “Strength, Skill, Character.” The design reflects the school’s mission to develop students physically, mentally and morally and remains one of the university’s most recognizable symbols today.
“The arts have long helped define the Florida State experience,” said First Lady Jai Vartikar, FSU’s ambassador for the arts and chairwoman of the university’s 175th anniversary celebrations. “The talent and creativity offered by these students is beyond compare, and I’m proud to support programs that continue to enrich our campus and community.”
1. 1900 — Music instruction begins at Florida State
The university’s music program begins with a single instructor teaching vocal and instrumental music at Florida State College. Over the next century it grows into the Florida State University College of Music, now one of the largest and most respected music schools in the nation.
2. 1911 — Ella Scoble Opperman leads the music program
Opperman becomes director of music and later serves as the university’s first dean of music and helps transform the program into a formal academic discipline. Today, Opperman Music Hall in the College of Music complex honors her legacy and remains a central performance venue for student ensembles.
3. 1926 — The university presents its first official orchestra concert
Students from Florida State College for Women perform the institution’s first documented orchestra program. A century later, the College of Music recreated that 1926 program to celebrate the orchestra’s 100th anniversary.
4. 1942 — Florida State launches its Summer Music Camps
The camps bring young musicians from across Florida to Tallahassee for intensive training and ensemble performance. Today the camps continue to serve hundreds of middle- and high-school musicians each summer.
5. 1950 — The marching band adopts the name “Marching Chiefs”
The band grows from a small student ensemble into one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the country. Today the Marching Chiefs include more than 400 members and perform for crowds of more than 70,000 fans each fall at Doak Campbell Stadium, making them one of the most visible performing arts traditions at Florida State.
6. 1950 — Music faculty member Tommie Wright composes music for the FSU Fight Song in 20 minutes during his lunch break
Professor Wright, a gifted pianist, taught in the FSU School of Music for 59 years after being hired in 1949 by President Doak Campbell. His musical treatment of lyrics by Doug Alley included the now-famous chant F-L-O-R-I-D-A, S-T-A-T-E and premiered at Homecoming in 1950.
7. 1954 — Florida State launches one of the nation’s earliest music therapy programs
The program pioneers the use of music to improve physical and emotional health. FSU’s music therapy program continues to train clinicians who work in hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centers.
8. 1955 — Carlisle Floyd’s opera Susannah premieres at Florida State
The opera debuts on campus before going on to become one of the most widely performed American operas of the 20th century. Floyd serves on the music faculty from 1947-1976 and helps shape the university’s opera program.
9. 1968 — The Fine Arts Festival expands arts programming at Florida State
The festival combines visiting artists with performances and exhibitions by FSU faculty and students. The event helps establish FSU as a cultural hub for the Tallahassee community.
10. 1971 — The Fine Arts Gallery moves into the Fine Arts Building
The gallery gains dedicated exhibition space for the first time on campus. It later becomes the Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, which continues to present exhibitions and educational programs.
11. 1973 — The School of Theatre is established
The program grows into a nationally respected training ground for actors, directors and designers. FSU theatre graduates have gone on to careers on Broadway, in television and in film.
12. 1979 — Composer Aaron Copland visits Florida State
The legendary American composer spends a week on campus working with students through concerts and master classes. His visit highlights the university’s growing national reputation in music.
13. 1981 — The Festival of New Music launches
The biennial festival showcases contemporary composers and innovative new works. It continues to bring leading composers and performers to campus.
14. 1983 — Ellen Taaffe Zwilich wins the Pulitzer Prize in Music
FSU faculty composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich becomes the first woman in history to receive the Pulitzer Prize in Music. She later returns to FSU as a faculty member and remains closely associated with the College of Music.
15. 1989 — The Florida Legislature establishes the College of Motion Picture Arts
The program is created as a conservatory-style film school focused on hands-on collaborative filmmaking. It quickly develops a national reputation for training directors, producers and writers.
16. 1999 — Opening Nights launches at Florida State
The inaugural “Seven Days of Opening Nights” festival revives campus performing arts presenting. Today, Opening Nights brings internationally acclaimed performers to Tallahassee and connects artists with students through master classes, classroom visits and community events throughout the year.
17. 2000 — Florida State assumes stewardship of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
The partnership expands FSU’s role in museum leadership and arts education. The Ringling now serves as the state art museum of Florida and a major cultural destination.
18. 2004 — The College of Motion Picture Arts is recognized by the Directors Guild of America
The DGA recognized the film school for its distinguished contribution to American culture through film and television.
19. 2005 — Arts programs unite under the College of Fine Arts
The college brings together Florida State’s longstanding programs in theatre, dance, visual arts and design under one academic unit. Sally McRorie, who previously led the School of Visual Arts and Dance and the College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance, serves as the college’s first dean. Today, the college continues to train artists, performers and designers across a range of disciplines.
20. 2010 — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall reopens after a major renovation
The historic hall undergoes a major restoration and acoustic upgrade. Today it hosts concerts by visiting artists as well as performances by university ensembles.
21. 2017 — Film alumnus Barry Jenkins wins the Academy Award for Best Picture for Moonlight
Jenkins becomes one of the most celebrated graduates of the College of Motion Picture Arts. His success highlights the national impact of FSU’s film program.
22. 2017 — FSU alumnus J.T. Rogers wins the Tony Award for Oslo
Rogers earns the Tony Award for Best Play for Oslo, bringing national attention to the university’s theatre alumni and their impact on American drama.
23. 2019 —The Torchlight Studios Center for Cinematic Innovation is established
It’s created to ignite a revolution in cinema and bridge the gap between education and industry through three divisions: The Torchlight Cinematheque brings together the most daring, transformative films and artists from across the globe; the Torchlight Forge, with virtual sets and immersive storytelling, is redefining how stories are told; Torchlight Pictures is where genre filmmaking comes alive with purpose.
24. 2021 — Jawole Willa Jo Zollar receives a MacArthur Fellowship
The School of Dance professor and Urban Bush Women founder becomes the first FSU faculty member to receive a MacArthur Genius Grant, recognizing her groundbreaking work in dance, artistic expression and civic engagement.
25. 2025 —FSU acquires former Regal Cinemas theater at Governor’s Square
The theater expands facilities for the College of Motion Picture Arts and provides a dedicated venue for screenings and premieres. It allows students to showcase their films to public audiences.
