A Message from President John Thrasher: Plans for the Future

Dear FSU Family,

Today, Florida State University Board of Trustees Chair Ed Burr and I announced that due to the potential impact of COVID-19 on a national presidential search, the time is right to begin planning for FSU’s future.

Recognizing the challenges of conducting a presidential search during the pandemic, we agree the Board should begin the process earlier than anticipated. The Chair has pledged to take as much time as needed to ensure a thorough and comprehensive search. I know he is committed to a thoughtful and deliberate process that will include input from the campus community and other university stakeholders.

As I look forward to a future where I can focus on my family and pursue other interests, I remain committed to supporting the Board in its search and during the transition. Chair Burr indicated that he has no plans to name an interim president, and I plan to remain in office until my successor can take the helm.

I have been fortunate to have had a long and fulfilling career — practicing law, serving in the Florida Legislature, and since 2014, serving as president of Florida State University. I always tell people this is the best job I’ve ever had, and I really mean it. These past six years have been the most energizing and rewarding of my professional life.

Knowing what my Florida State degrees have done for me, I have long believed in the transformative power of higher education. So, it has been an honor and a privilege for Jean and me to contribute to this institution that has changed so many lives.

Working with the FSU Board of Trustees, my excellent leadership team, the faculty and staff, and, of course, our students, we have accomplished so much together. We created a strategic plan, raised $1 billion for our capital campaign, expanded the research enterprise, enrolled and graduated the brightest students in the university’s history, and became recognized as one of the Top 20 public schools in the nation.

We still have much work to do. I will work tirelessly with our leadership team and all of you to continue FSU’s positive momentum. This is a very special place, and it deserves our best.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

John Thrasher