Three of Florida’s Public Universities to Select New Presidents, with a Chance of Former Lawmakers at the Helm
Nationally, less than half of college and university presidents come from outside academia, according to a recent study from the American Council on Education. Just one in 20 formerly served as elected or appointed government officials.
Florida’s Trend: Former Lawmakers in Higher Education
In Florida, former lawmakers make up five of the seven college and university presidents selected in the past two years. This trend may continue as the University of Florida, Florida A&M, and Florida Atlantic University are set to hire new presidents.
Former legislators can bring political savvy, fundraising experience, and valuable statehouse connections to a campus. These skills are crucial at a time when politics increasingly influences what’s taught in Florida classrooms.
The Road from Tallahassee
Former lawmakers finding a home on public college campuses isn’t new, nor is it unique to Florida. Mitch Daniels, the former Governor of Indiana, served as the president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022. Janet Napolitano, who was the Secretary of Homeland Security and Governor of Arizona, led the University of California system as its president from 2013 to 2020.
In Florida, the road from Tallahassee to college towns is well-worn. University of South Florida president Betty Castor, former FSU president T.K. Wetherell, and state university system chancellor Ray Rodrigues all served in Tallahassee before taking leadership roles in Florida’s public higher education.
‘Pulled into the Political Crosshairs’
When former state Rep. John Thrasher took the helm at Florida State University in 2014, faculty were up in arms over his lack of academic experience and conservative political record.
“Here’s what my resume was for a lot of people: John Thrasher, Republican,” he said. “They see that and they say, ‘This guy’s going to abolish tenure, he’s going to come in and change the whole system.'” But Thrasher won over skeptics by showing up on campus and making good on promises to raise money and boost the school’s academic reputation.
Conclusion
In an era of eroding public trust and red-hot campus culture wars, the public higher education is now more political than ever. The selection of new presidents for three of Florida’s public universities presents an opportunity for former lawmakers to bring their skills to the forefront. While some worry about the potential for political leanings to seep into university culture, others see the value in their ability to navigate the complex world of higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the trend in Florida regarding the selection of university presidents?
A: In the past two years, five out of seven college and university presidents in Florida have been former lawmakers.
Q: What are the benefits of selecting a former lawmaker as a university president?
A: Former lawmakers can bring political savvy, fundraising experience, and valuable statehouse connections to a campus, which can be crucial in a time when politics increasingly influences what’s taught in Florida classrooms.
Q: What are the potential drawbacks of selecting a former lawmaker as a university president?
A: Some worry that their political leanings may seep into university culture and potentially lead to conflict with faculty and students.
Q: How do the selections of former lawmakers as university presidents differ from those in other states?
A: In Florida, the governor plays a significant role in the selection process, whereas in other states, the selection process may be more transparent and involve a broader range of stakeholders.
