The Florida State University Faculty Senate, wanting the school’s next president to be a distinguished scholar with higher-education leadership experience, voted 39-23 to oppose the inclusion of influential state Sen. John Thrasher as a finalist for the job.
Meanwhile, a small group of students, rooted in the fraternity and sorority systems, started “SupportJohnThrasher.com,” a website intended to counter opposition to the St. Augustine Republican.
“I have seen Senator Thrasher in action as a legislative intern,” wrote Ashley Woods, a senior political-science major from Boca Raton. “He is tenacious, focused and incredibly well respected. He would make an excellent president and will work to improve FSU in every area.”
Thrasher is a finalist along with University of Alabama at Birmingham Vice President for Research and Economic Development Richard Marchase, Colorado State University System Chancellor Michael Martin, and former West Virginia University Provost Michele Wheatly.
Thrasher’s daylong interview is Monday, in which he will participate in a series of forums with faculty, students and community groups.
FSU’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee is slated to make its recommendation to the university’s board of trustees on Sept. 22. The trustees are scheduled to meet Sept. 23.
In a letter this week, the Faculty Senate implored the committee against hiring Thrasher. “Senator Thrasher lacks the stated qualifications required for the position, whereas the other three finalists meet those qualifications,” the letter stated.
Thrasher, 70, is a 1965 graduate of FSU who later received his law degree from the university. An influential figure in state politics, he served as House speaker, is chairman of Gov. Rick Scott’s re-election campaign and has helped funnel millions of dollars in state money to the Tallahassee campus.
In June, the Faculty Senate issued a vote of no-confidence in the search process after the committee paused the search for what was intended to be an exclusive look at Thrasher as the potential next president.
The search was instead restarted with a new search consultant on board.