FMU School of Business

Dr. Caroline Padgett, Professor of Economics, and Dr. Lauren Perez, Associate Professor of Political Science, are leading ten students on the inaugural International Studies Center (ISC) trip to Germany in partnership with RPTU. During the 15-day Late Spring program, students are exploring European politics and economics through classes at RPTU, cultural and educational site visits, and excursions to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Mercedes Factory in Wörth, and the Rhineland-Pfalz Parliament in Mainz.

From left to right in the first photo: Hannah Means, Sophie Haselden, Ahmad Brown, Joseph McKinney, Jocelyn Jeffries, Tegan Streett, Daiveon Glover, Zachary Lingerman, Preston Rose, and Jacob Worn

Congratulations

Dr. Hari Rajagopalan, professor of management, was named FMU’s J. Lorin Mason Distinguished Professor for the 2025-2026 academic year. The annual award, named in honor of a former chairman of the FMU Board of Trustees, is the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the university.

“Hari is a remarkable colleague whose work is prolific and exemplary. His leadership as Dean of the School of Business has expanded our curriculum and strengthened the university,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “Beyond all of this, he is one of our most respected and beloved professors. Hari is the perfect choice for this award, and the entire university applauds his selection.”

Read more ➡️ https://www.fmarion.edu/rajagopalan-named-fmus-2025-2026-distinguished-professor/

Congratulations Dr.Hari
Well deserved award

Dr. Hari Rajagopalan, professor of management, was named FMU’s J. Lorin Mason Distinguished Professor for the 2025-2026 academic year. The annual award, named in honor of a former chairman of the FMU Board of Trustees, is the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the university.

“Hari is a remarkable colleague whose work is prolific and exemplary. His leadership as Dean of the School of Business has expanded our curriculum and strengthened the university,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “Beyond all of this, he is one of our most respected and beloved professors. Hari is the perfect choice for this award, and the entire university applauds his selection.”

Read more ➡️ https://www.fmarion.edu/rajagopalan-named-fmus-2025-2026-distinguished-professor/

Francis Marion University will hold commencement ceremonies for its Spring 2026 graduating class on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Both ceremonies will take place in the Smith University Center on campus and will include graduates from the university’s four academic schools and college. Each graduate will be allowed ten guests, and tickets are required for entry. Guests without tickets may watch the livestream in Chapman Auditorium. The ceremonies will also be streamed online at www.fmarion.edu and on FMU’s YouTube channel.

On Friday evening, students from the School of Business and the School of Health Sciences will graduate. Dr. Harry Lesesne, president of the Darla Moore Foundation, will serve as the commencement speaker and will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humanities.

During Saturday morning’s ceremony, students from the College of Liberal Arts and School of Education will receive their degrees. Dr. Maria Whitehead, senior vice president and director of land for the Southeast at the Open Space Institute, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. Michael Hawkins, associate athletic director for communication services at FMU, will also receive an honorary degree Saturday morning.

FMU President Fred Carter will deliver remarks during each ceremony.

The ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.: School of Business and School of Health Sciences
Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m.: College of Liberal Arts and School of Education.

FMU recognized four faculty members for their outstanding work during the university’s annual faculty awards night at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence.

Dr. Allison Munn, Associate Professor of Nursing, was awarded the Charlene Wages Shared Governance Award by the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

Three faculty members were honored for their outstanding individual work during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Nathan Harness, Assistant Professor of Biology, received the Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. Erica Johnson, Associate Professor of History, was honored with the Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship; and Dr. Karen Fries, Professor of Education, received the Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

📷Left to Right: Dr. Nathan Harness, Dr. Erica Johnson, FMU President Fred Carter, Dr. Karen Fries, and Dr. Allison Munn.

Read more ➡️ https://www.fmarion.edu/fmu-faculty-recognized-at-2025-2026-awards-ceremony/

Dr. Hari Rajagopalan, professor of management, was named FMU’s J. Lorin Mason Distinguished Professor for the 2025-2026 academic year. The annual award, named in honor of a former chairman of the FMU Board of Trustees, is the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the university.

“Hari is a remarkable colleague whose work is prolific and exemplary. His leadership as Dean of the School of Business has expanded our curriculum and strengthened the university,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “Beyond all of this, he is one of our most respected and beloved professors. Hari is the perfect choice for this award, and the entire university applauds his selection.”

Read more ➡️ https://www.fmarion.edu/rajagopalan-named-fmus-2025-2026-distinguished-professor/

Don Strickland (‘04) was honored with the 2026 Morgan B. Coker Outstanding Alumnus Award from the FMU School of Business at a reception held Tuesday evening.

A Business Administration graduate and three-year Patriot Baseball letterman, Don has built a distinguished career in public service. As Executive Director of the P*e Dee Regional Transportation Authority, he has helped expand access to public transportation across the region—leading to record ridership and the launch of a fare-free initiative.