The Florida State University (FSU) Presidential Search Committee met Tuesday to discuss applicants for the President’s position and narrowed the candidate list. The committee decided to invite nine individuals to interview with the committee. In-person interviews with the selected candidates will take place May 14-15, 2021, at the Augustus B. Turnbull Florida State Conference Center.
The Committee announced the interviews and meetings will continue to be livestreamed. For those who wish to attend in person, plans have been made to offer very limited seating. The agenda will include public comment. Once the search firm has finalized the interview schedule, it will be made available.
Following first-round interviews with the FSU Presidential Search Advisory Committee on May 14-15, the committee anticipates hosting a series of open candidate forums for faculty, staff and students during the week of May 17.
The committee selected the following candidates for first-round interviews. Each name is linked to the candidate’s resume.
- Robert A. Blouin
- David K. Coburn
- Richard M. Corcoran
- Randall W. Hanna
- Richard D. McCullough
- Giovanni Piedimonte
- Sean Pittman
- Mary Ann Rankin
- Michael K. Young
Six candidates are from traditional academic backgrounds, with experience in leadership at major universities. Three of the candidates come from non-traditional backgrounds: FSU Athletic Director David Coburn, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, and lobbyist Sean Pittman.
Current FSU President John Thrasher recently announced he will be retiring. Thrasher has led FSU for nearly six years as the university’s 15th president. He will remain in the job until a new leader takes over.
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Steve Stewart is the Managing Editor and a contributor at The Florida Capital Star. Email tips to [email protected].
