Florida State University recognized freshmen Jasmyn Major and Khalise Richard as 2024 Jim Moran Scholars on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
FSU President Richard McCullough and The Jim Moran Foundation Founding Director and Dean Emeritus of the FSU College of Business Melvin T. Stith celebrated the scholars during a private reception held at the Jim Moran Building in downtown Tallahassee.
In partnership with FSU, The Jim Moran Foundation annually recognizes up to two African American high school seniors from North and South Florida as Jim Moran Scholars. Each receives a four-year, needs-based scholarship with funding provided through the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU.
Established by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, this legacy scholarship provides hard-working students who are role models for others and have been admitted to FSU with an opportunity to succeed through education regardless of their financial barriers.
This year marked the 50th scholar inductee since Moran founded the program in 1996.
"The Jim Moran Scholars program is such an honor to Mr. Moran's legacy," said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. "Mr. Moran's generosity and forward-thinking approach have positively impacted countless generations, including our newest Jim Moran Scholarship recipients, Jasmyn and Khalise, who are some of the best and brightest at FSU."
Major graduated from Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville while dually enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville. While in high school, she held a part-time job at a restaurant while also participating in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Government Association and Pearls of Perfections. Her community service includes being a YMCA summer camp counselor and READ USA tutor.
At FSU, she is pursuing a degree in computer engineering as part of the Women in Math, Science and Engineering living-learning community. Major believes she has what it takes to make a difference and wants to help others in need.
"I can't express how thankful I am for this scholarship; it has provided me the opportunity to leave home, pursue my major and grow and evolve in ways I didn't know were possible," Major said. "I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say thank you."
Born and raised in South Florida, Richard graduated from Miramar High School's International Baccalaureate program with interests in history, psychology and biology. She was active in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Key Club, Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders and Principal's Advisory Board. Among her volunteer activities, Richard enjoyed tutoring and mentoring children at Miramar Police Athletic League Center.
She began her time at FSU in the Quest Scholars Program through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement and is majoring in behavioral neuroscience with a career goal in neuropsychology.
"I'm very appreciative of this opportunity. It was always one of my goals to go to college and medical school to become a doctor, but the biggest stressor was always finances," Richards said. "I had already decided I was going to go to Florida State; I knew this was where I belonged, and getting this scholarship really solidified that for me. I am forever grateful."
About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. The Jim Moran Institute comprises a dedicated team of entrepreneurship professionals, academic scholars and staff who foster the entrepreneurial spirit by helping to organize, expand and promote the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship to facilitate new business and further the goals of established businesses.
