Boca Raton, FL - Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has selected Adam Hasner, a former Republican state representative, as its next president, following a contentious search process.
On Monday, FAU's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Hasner, who previously served as the Majority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives and is currently an executive at the GEO Group, a private prison company based in Boca Raton.
He was chosen over two academic candidates: Michael Hartline, a dean at Florida State University, and John Volin, the provost of the University of Maine.
Hasner emphasized that his political experience and familiarity with Florida's legislative processes would enable him to effectively advocate for the university.
He stated, "If you're coming from the outside and you're trying to get to know the Florida legislative process or the regulatory process in Florida, it's going to take somebody years to be able to do that. I can hit the ground running on Day One."
However, his appointment has raised concerns among students and faculty regarding his lack of experience in higher education and his association with the GEO Group.
Some have questioned whether his background aligns with the university's academic mission.
FAU, located in Boca Raton, serves over 31,000 students and has been without a permanent president since December 2022, following the resignation of John Kelly.
Hasner's selection is part of a broader trend in Florida, where individuals with political backgrounds are increasingly being appointed to lead public universities.
The appointment awaits confirmation by the State University System's Board of Governors.