Karen Laughlin, who arrived at FSU in 1982 as an assistant professor of English, served as Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the past 17 years. Florida State University is mourning the loss of Dean of Undergraduate Studies Karen Laughlin — an influential, tireless and dedicated educator who, for almost four decades, helped define the very nature of an undergraduate education earned by countless FSU students. “I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Laughlin’s passing,” said FSU President John Thrasher. “Karen was committed to ensuring that the university continued to give a high priority to undergraduate education and to helping provide FSU’s undergraduate students with the richest possible educational experience. She will be missed terribly.” Laughlin, who also held a position as associate professor of English, spent her entire professional career at FSU. For the past 17 years, she led the Division of Undergraduate Studies, which works to help students develop a sound academic foundation during their first two years at FSU before they enter their major field of study. Most recently, Laughlin joined Thrasher to confer more than 5,600 bachelor’s degrees to spring graduates during FSU’s virtual commencement ceremony, which was streamed Saturday, May 2. “We are deeply saddened to lose Karen, who meant so much to the university and was so passionate in her support of a liberal arts education,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally McRorie. “She strongly believed in having students view problems from many different perspectives to find creative solutions. She was especially proud of the Presidential Scholars program and saw that as her lasting legacy.” Presidential Scholars is FSU’s premier merit scholarship program, which invests in undergraduate students with extraordinary potential to be the transformational leaders of their generation. As dean, Laughlin focused on boosting retention and completion rates […]
