FSU's Ukraine Task Force

Florida State University’s (FSU) Ukraine Task Force (UTF) was established in 2022 as part of the institution’s broader internationalization strategy. Ukraine was deemed as a country of particular interest because it provides members of the university community with an excellent opportunity to research a unique environment not available anywhere else. FSU students and faculty can learn about and research new and evolving emergency management strategies, education under long-term crisis situations, entrepreneurship during times of war, new applications of cutting-edge drone technology, the spread of diseases during wartime, and recovery from war and trauma. Through partnerships with Ukrainian higher education institutions, FSU can also participate in grants and applied research related to urban reconstruction, mental health, military veterans’ reintegration, therapy interventions, workforce development, and the containment of disease.  As a highly educated country in Eastern Europe with a long and impressive history of producing top scientists, Ukraine also presents FSU with an excellent opportunity to strengthen its fundamental science research in fields related to quantum, nuclear energy, superconductivity, and rare earth minerals.   



𝗔𝗿𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Join us Friday, February 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for a free event exploring how different forms of art have helped people around the world heal and become more resilient. Please register at the link below as we highlight Florida State University’s ongoing work to advance research, promote student learning, support the creative arts and serve our community.

Register Here  

Advancing the FSU Mission

  • Two people at FSU's Mag Lab looking at a wall-size display.

    RESEARCH

    Research: by developing new research partnerships and pursuing sponsored grants and projects related to Ukraine

  • Group photo with Ukraine civil rights activist and FSU students.

    TEACHING

    Teaching: by exposing FSU students to Ukraine, its current and historic relationship to Europe and Russia, and their relevance to American security and economic interests

  • DakhaBrakha performing in Tallahassee at The Moon

    CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

    Creative Endeavors: by hosting new visiting artists that educate the public about Ukrainian music, dance, and culture

  • Group photo following a Vyshivanka Day celebration at FSU.

    SERVICE

    Community Service: by organizing public-facing events related to Ukraine and Eastern Europe, a part of the world that has garnered significant interest among the American public

UTF Testimonials

We want to thank you for standing with Ukraine. Of course, we all know that the US is a strong supporter of Ukraine, but we feel it here at FSU as well.

Dr. Svitlana Kretovych, Office of the President of Ukraine

As a colonel, it was completely unexpected the full range and scope of possibilities offered by FSU.

Dr. Andrii Balendr, head of the language training and testing center at Bhodan Khmelnytskyy National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine 

It is amazing that this task force exists. I never expected one of the leading U.S. universities to form a Ukrainian Task Force.

Dr. Natalia Safonova, professor of English at Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

We all know that words are cheap. So let's do something. The Ukrainian Task Force is exactly about this.

Dr. Taras Panchenko, Head of the Computer Science Department at Taras Shevchenko National University

The (UTF) is not just about support between educators. It's support between our nations. 

Dr. Hanna Shchutska, Director of the Kyiv College of Light Industry

The Ukraine Task Force is a sign we are not alone. We have allies and friends. It is an inspiration for us to keep our enthusiasm, to keep going, to keep fighting.   

Roman Dadak, Director of the Technological College of the National Forestry University

Ukraine Task Force News

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  • FSU and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Sign MOU for Future Research Collaborations

    FSU Provost Jim Clark and Dr. Serhiy Kvit, President of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine, have signed a memorandum of understanding signifying the university's commitment to work together on future research projects. 

    Read the Story

  • Ukrainian BridgeUSA Fellows Visit FSU to Forge Future Collaborations

    Two Ukrainian scholars spent four weeks at Florida State University, sharing lessons learned from a war-torn country and building relationships for shared research projects. The exchange is part of the BridgeUSA Ukraine Program for Resilience and Reconstruction.

    Read the Story

  • Ukrainian Public Health Expert Visits FSU

    Humphrey Fellow and American Society for Microbiology Ambassador to Ukraine, Dr. Dmytro Stepanskyi, spent a week in Tallahassee meeting with FSU faculty and staff across campus.

    Read the Story

  • Campus Walk and Talk with DakhaBrakha

    DakhaBrakha returned to Tallahassee in April 2025 to play another show in conjunction with FSU. The band toured the FSU campus and shared their thoughts on a number of topics.

    Read the Story

  • Ukraine: War and Resistance Photo Exhibit

    Thanks to the support of Fulbright Ukraine, photos from the exhibition Ukraine: War and Resistance are presented at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee through a collaboration between the FSU Ukraine Task Force and FSU Opening Nights.

    Read the Story

  • Head of Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization to visit FSU

    Oleksandra Matviichuk, one of the most prominent human rights defenders in Ukraine and head of the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL), will be presenting at Florida State University. CCL is the first Ukrainian organization to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which it won in 2022.

    Read the Story

  • 2024 Ukraine Task Force Annual Report

    In 2024, the Ukraine Task Force leveraged the strength and expertise of our university to extend a hand of support to Ukrainian academics and higher education institutions during this incredibly difficult time. 

    Read the Annual Report

  • Ukraine Task Force Is Impacting Programs For Ukrainian Military Veterans

    Dr. Vilma Fuentes spent almost two weeks in Ukraine, meeting with members of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Office and other Ukrainian political and educational leaders.ca

    Read the Story

  • FSU Students Collaborate With Peers In Ukraine On Hack-a-Thon

    “Hack Disaster: The International Hackathon to Rebuild Cities,” was hosted by the FSU Innovation Hub in collaboration with FSU’s Ukraine Task Force and the Ukrainian-based organization Hackathon Expert Group.

    Read the Story

  • Dr. Romanova Talks To Students At The Dedman College Of Hospitality

    The lecture focused on utilizing tourism and travel not only as entertainment but also as a tool for the recovery of disaster-affected areas.

    Read the Story

  • FSU’s Ukraine Task Force Hosted Ukrainian Delegation From Nizhyn, Ukraine

    FSU's UTF hosted six visitors from Nizhyn, Ukraine, affiliated with the Nizhyn Lyceum (magnet high school), a historic institution founded in the 19th century.

    Read the Story

  • International Hackathon To Partner Ukrainian And FSU Students

    An online Hackathon for students at Florida State University (FSU) and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) to respond to the rise of natural and manmade disasters in the 21st century.

    Read the Story

  • FSU’s Success Working With Veterans Makes An Impact On Ukrainian Educators

    Florida State University's Ukraine Task Force hosted 14 educators from Ukraine this summer. An area that resonated strongly with the groups that visited FSU was the university's commitment to veteran success and the programs that support that goal.

    Read the Story

  • UTF Members Join Local Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration

    Members of Florida State's Ukraine Task Force joined with more than 150 people to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day in Tallahassee. 

    Watch the Video

  • Ukrainian Educators Visit FSU To Learn About Serving Military Veterans

    In early August 2024, FSU’s Ukraine Task Force welcomed nine senior higher education leaders from Ukraine. Eight members of these groups were alumni of two U.S. Department of State-sponsored Community College Administrator Program (CCAP) implemented in 2016 and 2018. 

    Read the Story

  • BridgeUSA Ukrainian Fellows Leave FSU With Collaborative Relationships

    Florida State University became the first American university to host fellows from the BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows program. After one month of working in partnership with FSU's Ukraine Task Force, the four Ukrainian fellows left Tallahassee enriched personally and professionally.

    Read the Story

  • FSU welcomes BridgeUSA Fellows from Ukraine

    Florida State University is hosting four academic fellows from Ukraine for a monthlong visit through the BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program

    Read the Story

  • Connections Formed During CCAP Keep LSI Connected To Ukraine

    For ten years, Florida State University's Learning Systems Institute has administered the Community College Administrator Program in partnership with Santa Fe College, 15 CCAPs have been held for 15 countries. Two of those groups were community college administrators from Ukraine

    Read the Story

  • Dr. Paziuk Delivers An Important Message As A Guest Of Ukraine Task Force

    Dr. Andrii Paziuk had many reasons to accept the invitation from FSU's Ukraine Task Force and travel to Tallahassee. He came to establish relationships for future collaborations, connect with colleagues, and, more importantly, share a message.

    Read the Story

  • Ukrainian Cybersecurity Law Expert Makes Most Of FSU Visit

    Florida State University’s Ukraine Task Force (UTF) hosted Andrii Paziuk, a professor of international and comparative law at the National Aviation University in Kyiv, Ukraine.

    Read the Story

  • Dr. Romanova Looking To The Future Working With Ukraine Task Force

    Dr. Anna Romanova, a former member of the Ukrainian Parliament, has joined the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University. As a researcher, Dr. Romanova utilizes her passion, expertise, and network to inform FSU's Ukraine Task Force.

    Read the Story

  • FSU's Ukraine Task Force Holds Vyshyvanka Day Celebration

    Florida State University’s Ukraine Task Force and the Center for Global Engagement held a celebration for Vyshyvanka Day Wednesday, May 15, in The Globe Auditorium

    Read the Story

  • How FSU’s Ukraine Task Force Is Making A Difference

    As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine wages on, faculty and researchers at Florida State University are continuing to develop ways to support education in the country through FSU’s Ukraine Task Force. 

    Read the Story

  • Dr. Fuentes Named Program Director Of FSU Ukraine Task Force

    As the newly appointed Program Director for FSU's Ukraine Task Force, Dr. Fuentes is responsible for facilitating connections between Ukrainian universities and FSU faculty. 

    Read the Story

FSU's Ukraine Task Force

 

Recognition

TWINNING INITIATIVE

In recognition of your institution's exceptional leadership and commitment to the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative.

Your support has played a vital role in sustaining Ukrainian higher education during a time of war - helping universities remain open, connected, and resilient.

We extend our sincere appreciation for your contribution to this important partnership.