Three faculty members from Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy participated in an FSU delegation visit to the FSU Republic of Panama (ROP) campus aimed at strengthening collaboration, expanding student opportunities, and deepening academic partnerships.
FSU ROP is an official branch campus of Florida State University, and three of its four undergraduate degree programs are housed within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy — making the college a central partner in the campus’s academic mission.
The FSU delegation included Amanda Driscoll, Ph.D., Dr. J. Elizabeth Garraway Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Political Science; Vilma Fuentes, Ph.D., Program Director for the FSU Ukraine Task Force and Visiting Associate in Research for the Learning Systems Institute; Na’Ama Nagar, Ph.D., Program Director for International Affairs and Teaching Professor; and Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Studies for Public Health, Director of the Pepper Certified Peer Health Educator Scholarship, and Assistant Teaching Professor for Public Health.
“There is a clear opportunity for our Panama campus to serve as a hub for experiential learning and expanded academic engagement,” Dr. Nagar said. “With intentional partnerships and renewed focus, we can position the campus not just as an extension of the university, but as a strategic gateway for global impact.”
Throughout the visit, the delegation met with several key stakeholders, students, alumni, and academic partners to explore ways to promote collaboration between the ROP campus and the Tallahassee campus — particularly through internships, study abroad programs, and alumni engagement. Several international and multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the U.S. Embassy in Panama, the World Health Organization, and the Inter‑American Development Bank, are located near the FSU ROP campus, offering students access to hands‑on professional experience while completing their coursework.
As part of their engagement on campus, the delegation delivered a presentation to roughly 30 students, faculty, and staff, highlighting COSSPP programs and opportunities for collaboration between campuses. Many students currently enrolled at the ROP campus intend to transfer to the Tallahassee campus but are unaware about the academic, professional, and social opportunities available to them.
Beyond the campus presentation, the delegation also participated in a series of meetings and site visits that highlighted opportunities for engagement. They met with alumni, government officials, and international partners to discuss internship opportunities, diplomatic engagement, and academic connections. A meeting with Ambassador Cabrera focused on Embassy priorities and explored opportunities to connect the FSU Republic of Panama campus with Embassy initiatives and internship pathways.
“We see impressive opportunities for enhanced scholarly exchange. FSU-Panamá provides an ideal setting for international scholarly conferences and colloquia,” said Dr. Driscoll. “As a multinational and multilingual crossroads of the Americas, the Republic of Panama presents minimal logistical or linguistic barriers for international participants and offers easier access for scholars traveling from Central and South America than most locations in the continental United States.”
The visit included meetings at Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, and the United Nations, as well as tours of the City of Knowledge facilities, which provided insight into Panama’s role in diplomacy and highlighted opportunities for student engagement and academic collaboration.
In addition, the delegation toured Panama City and the Panama Canal, providing context for the country’s strategic and economic significance.
“FSU-Panamá has the potential to be a key partner for the Public Health Program. After meeting with representatives from the UN-World Food Program and the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization, our students will be able to learn how to meet international public health needs while studying at FSU-ROP campus,” said Dr. Ramirez. “In addition, I look forward to identifying opportunities for students to work with the CDC Caribbean and Central American Regional Office.”
Delegation members emphasized that the greatest impact of the visit lies in the opportunities it revealed for students. Panama’s proximity to international and multilateral organizations, combined with the strong commitment of alumni and institutional partners, positions the campus as a unique platform for global professional experience. By strengthening internship pathways, increasing awareness of opportunities on the Tallahassee campus, and providing more support for transfer students, COSSPP aims to ensure that students who begin their studies in Panama are well prepared to succeed and thrive throughout their academic journey at FSU.
To learn more about each of the delegates’ programs and departments, click the following links: FSU Public Health Program, FSU Department of Political Science, FSU International Affairs Program