FSU Board of Trustees picks John Thrasher as next school president

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University has chosen state Sen. John Thrasher as its next president despite significant campus opposition.

The FSU board voted 11-2 Tuesday to hire Thrasher over three academics.

Thrasher is an attorney and former state House speaker. He has long-standing ties to the institution and helped FSU gain a medical school.

But his candidacy roiled faculty and some students who questioned how FSU can improve its standing nationally with someone who lacks experience in higher education.

Thrasher's supporters contend his political clout and business connections will help the university get the financial help it needs to grow.

Student protesters began chanting "FSU is not for sale" after the vote. FSU has been without a president since Eric Barron stepped down to take the top job at Penn State University.

Thrasher told Action News Jax, "I am thrilled and humbled by it, this is a dream of mine. I want to reach out to those who disagree with me and I want to make a difference."

He is technically President Designate by the Trustees and will appear before the Board of Governors on Nov. 5.

Thrasher said he will remain on the November ballot, saying it wouldn't be prudent for him to resign now since the Board of Governors does not meet until after the election.  If he wins the election and is selected by the Board of Governors, Thrasher said he will resign his senate seat.

WJAX