On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Florida State University School of Music honored the legacy and impact of Dr. Mollie DeHart, former Director of Undergraduate Studies (1984-1995), with a special virtual celebration.
DeHart is an FSU Music alumna, and earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in General Music from FSU in 1974, the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration in 1986, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration in 1991.
While earning her Ph.D., DeHart began developing a peer mentoring program with undergraduate music students, which she later formalized as the School of Music’s Board of Advisors, comprised of high-achieving music majors. This program was perhaps the first of its kind nationwide, and its ideas and methods have caught on like wildfire and spread across many other institutions by other FSU faculty since its initial inception.
“Back in the 80s, peer advising was considered to be the next big thing in academic advising. But when I arrived at FSU, I found out that in the College of Music peer advising was already the big thing,” said Bruce Janasiewicz, former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Some aspects of the BOA program were eventually incorporated into the training and structure of FSU’s own Advising First, a centralized undergraduate advising operation that would eventually replace faculty advising at the undergraduate level.
Today, BOAs assist the college in a number of ways and have become integral to the culture and community of FSU Music. BOAs provide advising and peer mentorship to students during Summer Orientation. They serve as college ambassadors by providing a friendly face and personal connection to prospective students during Audition Days. BOAs also support their fellow students with wellness programs and service events, and even teach a course for new music majors, offered to incoming freshmen during the Summer B semester.
“My favorite part of the BOA program is being able to help incoming students the way I was helped when I was here for orientation. I remember meeting my BOA … and them being my first introduction to the community we have here [at the College of Music]. It’s very fulfilling to be able to give back and be that person for future generations,” said Lyx Abshire, current BOA member and music therapy major.
Over 50 people from the FSU Music community and beyond gathered online on October 5 to show their appreciation and gratitude. The hybrid virtual/in-person format of the event beautifully reflected the wide-reaching impact of DeHart’s influence, welcoming alumni from near and far to come together for a moment of shared gratitude.
Rebekah Hair-Stewart, Assistant Director of Student and Alumni Engagement, traveled to South Florida to host the in-person portion of the event, where DeHart welcomed close friends to a viewing party at her home in Miami. Her guests came together to show their support for DeHart and to learn about her incredible legacy at FSU, setting the tone for a heartfelt afternoon.
Meanwhile, at a simultaneous gathering in Tallahassee, Dr. Joanna Hunt, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and current BOAs came together to co-host the virtual event. Together, they presented a touching video tribute featuring messages from Dean Todd Queen, current and former students, and a virtual tour of the new Office of Student Success. The highlight of the presentation was the unveiling of an honorific brick in the College’s courtyard, where it will serve as an enduring symbol of DeHart’s contributions and the generations of students whose paths she helped to shape.
Throughout the program, former students and colleagues filled the chat with stories and words of gratitude, many recalling the generosity and mentorship that defined DeHart’s career. As these messages were read aloud, happy tears filled the Miami room and the Zoom screens, serving as a very fitting tribute for a woman whose work continues to unite and inspire the FSU Music community and beyond.
