Harden embraces ‘amazing responsibility’ as new Board of Governors chair

Jamie Harden (BS Finance ’90), the new chair of the FSU College of Business Board of Governors, says he feels "fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with such a great group of leaders who are aligned for our continued success."
Photo by Kallen M. Lunt Click to enlarge

Jamie Harden leaned on the second-story railing, took in the expanse of the stunning atrium and reflected on the magnificence and preeminence of Legacy Hall.

“If you walk into this building for the first time today, you’re going to be wowed,” he said. “We're looking down the stairway here and seeing all that connectivity. Legacy Hall was built so the College of Business community and our students can thrive. We are investing to create long-term, world-class success.”

Harden (BS Finance ’90), serves as the new chair of the Board of Governors (BOG), the college’s primary advisory board, which provides a framework for alumni involvement while stimulating interest in and developing financial support for the college. He recently joined fellow BOG members and advisory board members from each of the college’s six departments on a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, which will open for classes in January. 

The tour came on the day Harden chaired his first board meeting, during which he energetically and enthusiastically introduced himself as successor to Donna Abood (BS Marketing ’81; Alumni Hall of Fame ’13), who remains on the Board of Governors executive committee. Harden is serving a two-year term as chair.

Harden told board members he was "thrilled" to become chair at such a pivotal time, noting the college's continual climb in the rankings and impending move into its game-changing new home. “As all of you know, the College of Business is on fire, and it’s a great time to be involved,” he said.

Early in his first meeting as chair, Harden welcomed new board members and congratulated Gail Knight (BS Accounting '82), Greg Michaud (BS Real Estate ’91) and Steven J. Mudder (BS Finance '95) for their induction this month into the college’s Alumni Hall of Fame, Abigail Danis for her selection as recipient of the 2025 Recent Alumni Achievement Award and Dean Michael Hartline for his selection as the University Sales Center Alliance’s Outstanding Dean Award.

Also, Harden told board members: “A long time ago, my dad said, ‘When you start a new role, you should start with a bang.’ So, this morning, we’re going to start with a bang.”

He handed the microphone to board member Scott Price (BS Accounting ’97; MAcc ’97; College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame ’22), who announced that board members had endowed a fund in Hartline’s name – the Dean Michael D. Hartline Leadership Endowment for Dean’s Discretionary Funding. Price said the fund honors Hartline for his leadership in the funding and building of Legacy Hall and for leading the college to unprecedented status.

Addressing Hartline and Price during the board meeting, Harden said: “Mike, you have done a fantastic job for our college, and, Scott, I appreciate your leadership in putting this together.”

After the board meeting, Harden — president and CEO of Tampa-based Creative Sign Designs — shared his thoughts on his goals as chair, the role of the Board of Governors, the promise of Legacy Hall and more.

Q: What does it mean to you to lead the Board of Governors?

A: It's very special. I met my wife, Melanie (BS Marketing ’90), at FSU. My parents met here. My father-in-law was a legendary finance professor, Robert G. Turner (a 2020 inductee into the Charles A. Rovetta Faculty Hall of Fame). So, to be part of that legacy and then to have this opportunity, it's an amazing and tremendous responsibility. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with such a great group of leaders who are aligned for our continued success.

Q: What are your primary goals as chair?

A: The board’s goal since I joined it about 12 years ago was to get Legacy Hall built. Now, with the building complete, our next step is to determine how we can add more value. Our focus can now shift toward driving more student success: more resources for student services, internships and better job placements. We can focus more on supporting students.

Q: What do you see as the role of the board?

A: We have a great team running the college, which doesn’t need us in their day-to-day operations. We have a great dean, faculty and staff. The board’s role is to assist, whether by making introductions to employers, offering insight into curriculum development based on employer needs or supporting the college’s broader game plan. It’s a volunteer-driven board focused on support and execution.

Q: What role do board members play in fundraising?

A: We are committed to providing funds to the college via our board dues. Many board members also contribute to capital projects such as Legacy Hall and to onboarding programming — everything from scholarships to professorships. More broadly, our board helps identify donor prospects. We partner with our FSU Foundation teammates to help with identified prospects.  

Q: How will Legacy Hall help the College of Business enhance its national and international standing?

A: Our college’s rankings have skyrocketed – as have our university’s – and when you get the right facility, which we are lucky to have, the sky’s the limit! Walking into this building today, are you going to be wowed? If faculty we’re recruiting walk into this building today, are they going to be wowed? Definitely. If you are a company coming here to recruit our students – would you be blown away? Absolutely. And the ability to bring students together into this environment will lead to long-term success, which we hope will inspire everyone to support future projects.

Q: Could you share your thoughts on Dean Hartline’s accomplishments?

A: Dean Hartline (who has served in this role since 2015, including nine months as interim dean) has done a remarkable job. Even during the challenges of getting Legacy Hall funded and built, his leadership never wavered. He always kept his eye on the prize. And during the years he spent so much time and energy on Legacy Hall, he also had to stay focused on students, faculty and retention, programs, rankings and leading the college. He has been a great leader.

Q: What inspires you and other board members about the college and university?

A: This is a scrappy university — we’ve always had to do things a little differently — and there is a real commitment here. Many board members and past chairs played a role in getting Legacy Hall built. Now everyone’s excited about what’s next. That makes it a great place to be.

-- Pete Reinwald