On April 10, Dean Michelle Kazmer of the Florida State University (FSU) College of Communication and Information (CCI) hosted the 2026 Distinguished Alumni & Dean’s Laureates luncheon at the Governors Club.

“This event gives our college the opportunity to celebrate the Distinguished Alumni from our three Schools, and to confer Dean’s Laurels on those who have exemplified the vision and mission of the college at the highest possible level,” said Kazmer.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success while making meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.

Among the 2026 honorees is Dr. Dania Bilal, an information scientist and Patricia D. Williams Professor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Bilal’s research focuses on human-AI interaction and human-centered design, and she is currently ranked among the top 2% of most-cited researchers worldwide. Joining her is Dr. Cindy McGovern, an internationally acclaimed speaker and bestselling author known as the “First Lady of Sales”. As the CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting and Academy, she works to redefine how people approach selling and personal branding. The third distinguished recipient, Dr. Mary Gorham-Rowan, serves as a professor at Valdosta State University. A proud Seminole alumna, her clinical research focuses on adult voice and swallowing disorders.

The Dean’s Laureate is a unique designation reserved for those who exemplify the values of the college and recognize sustained friendship over an extended time. This year’s recipients include Pablo Correa, an Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, and a three-time FSU alumnus. A documentary filmmaker, Correa’s work includes documentation for the Emmett Till Memory Project and cinematography for the award-winning film Fannie Lou Hamer’s America.

Kaki Pope, owner of Audio Rehab Lab, was also honored for her 37 years of providing ethical hearing healthcare, and her consistent donations of hearing aids through FSU’s donation program.

Natalie Woods was recognized for her leadership as the former Branch Manager of the historic Western Library, where she led initiatives to digitize African American Archives and honor local community pioneers. Finally, Kimberly Amos-Tata was honored for over 30 years of dedicated student support at FSU, including her influential role as Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services for the School of Information. In her memory, the School of Information established a scholarship through the Florida Library Association.

Closing the ceremony, Dean Michelle Kazmer expressed her gratitude for the honorees. This year’s luncheon is a reminder of the lasting impact CCI graduates continue to make on the future of communication and information

Dean Kazmer said, “I am grateful each year for the time spent with our college’s treasured friends and humbled to hear about their truly amazing accomplishments.”