Pitts said FSU students remained in London during 9/11 and during the London bombings in 2005, and students have remained safe in Turkey and Israel during outbreaks of violence. He doesn’t anticipate any changes in operations because of the stabbing death of Horton, which law enforcement has described as a random act. Pitts said promoting international studies is important for today’s students and FSU’s faculty. “Clearly, when a tragedy like this happens, it impacts our entire FSU family,” he said. FSU also works closely with embassies and consulates and the U.S. The university not only holds intensive briefings on security and safety measures before students arrive but also while they are studying abroad. FSU also has study centers in Valencia, Spain, Florence, Italy and Panama City in the Republic of Panama. He estimates the university will have between 110-120 students studying in London this fall and 600 to 700 throughout the year. James Pitts has been director of international programs at FSU for the past 20 years and on its faculty for 48 years. It's a real tragedy for the Wagner family and as a faculty member (I) am very sad for their loss.” We always felt very safe in the area and never had anything happen to cause concern. “The FSU Centre is in a lovely part of the city - so serene and leafy. It is a highlight of the academic year,” Everhart said. “I always enjoyed teaching in London very much. By Thursday, they started receiving text messages from their sons who had learned of the stabbing and realized it was close to the FSU center. Nancy Everhart, a professor in the College of Communication and Information at FSU, is in London, although not teaching this summer. It certainly won’t make me stop crossing through Russell Square.” We just have to be alert, not afraid, but alert. “We cannot stop living our lives with energy and joy. “We don’t stop doing stuff like this because it could turn out badly,” Karioth said. She said losing a colleague is tragic, but should not deter the university from continuing to provide students with an overseas education. This could happen as easily in Tallahassee as in London.” We have a well-defined safety plan, but as you know you can't legislate for (the) insane. “I take it very seriously when parents entrust me with their children in a foreign country. “London continues to be one of the safest cities in the world even with this tragic event,” she said. Karioth says she feels safe during her summer teaching practice in London and FSU has safety measures installed. “I take a shortcut by going in the front door of the British Museum and go out the back door, walk by Russell Square and through the (University College London) campus and am back to my flat from the center in about 10 minutes.” “It's the way I walk to and from school every day and have been for the last 20 years,” said Sally Karioth, assistant dean and professor in FSU School of Nursing. The university expects to have up to 700 students participate in its London program this year, and it will continue to educate students on safety and security measures taken by FSU to help ease any concerns of safety.ĭarlene Horton, a retired educator, was stabbed to death Wednesday night in Russell Square, where she was strolling with her husband, Richard Wagner, an FSU psychology professor who taught in London this summer. While the random stabbing death of Tallahassee’s Darlene Horton in a popular London tourist hub left many shocked and saddened, those affiliated with Florida State University’s study abroad program say they’ve felt safe in those very same surroundings.
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