Jeff Binkley Appointed Director of Maura’s Voice at FSU
This spring, Jeffrey (Jeff) Binkley was appointed as the director of Maura’s Voice Research Fund, housed within the FSU College of Social Work. The Maura’s Voice Research Fund was founded by Mr. Binkley and his late wife, Margaret Binkley, in March 2019 in the aftermath of the 2018 yoga studio shooting that took the life of their daughter Maura and FSU professor Dr. Nancy Van Vessem and wounded 4 others.
Since then, Maura’s Voice has focused on initiating and supporting research and policy development to prevent hate-related and other forms of harassment, intimidation, and violence. FSU faculty, graduate students and undergraduate interns, along with institutional partners from across the country and the globe, have participated in this initiative.
Maura’s Voice has been nationally recognized and was honored at the White House in 2022 among several other community-facing organizations that have made a positive impact on counteracting hate and related violence. As time passed, College of Social Work Dean David Springer, and Dr. Jim Clark, FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. David Springer, FSU College of Social Work Dean, and Mr. Jeff Binkley recognized that Maura’s Voice could accomplish more, but only by achieving greater sustainability.
Mr. Binkley described his vision for growing the impact of Maura’s Voice by “advancing violence prevention research and its impact through leadership and action.”
“Maura’s Voice Research Fund will work to help begin a new chapter in advancing FSU’s position as a leading center for research, policy development and community-driven solutions,” he expounded, “with this vision grounded in the belief that meaningful progress in violence prevention requires a more comprehensive integration between behavioral health and public safety.”
His key priorities as Maura’s Voice’s director are to establish new connections and expand current ones with faculty and students, as well as with university leadership and departments, to weave violence-prevention-focused practices into the fabric and culture of Florida State University.
“One of the most pressing challenges today lies in better understanding how digital environments influence behavior, particularly among young people,” stated Mr. Binkley. “Online platforms have become powerful spaces where narratives are shaped, often contributing to patterns of harassment, intimidation and violence. Innovative strategies are needed to promote positive engagement, alternative narratives and early intervention.”
A cornerstone of this is to more clearly define Maura’s Voice's research agenda so that it aligns with and addresses emerging challenges in violence prevention and leverages current and potential areas of alignment at FSU. This includes working with FSU faculty and student researchers to translate academic insights into practical recommendations that can inform and support policy.
“Leading in this space is not only professional, but in my case is deeply personal,” expressed Mr. Binkley. “The perspective of lived experience brings a new level of understanding and commitment that goes beyond theory and practice. It reinforces a clear sense of responsibility to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change.”
He added: “In this context, FSU is seen not only as an institution but as a community serving as a model. One that promotes respect, accountability and strong support systems linking behavioral health and public safety.”
To learn more, contact Mr. Binkley at jbinkley@fsu.edu.