President

Florida State University

President

Florida State University’s (FSU) Board of Trustees invites nominations and applications for the position of President. The University’s next President must be a visionary leader and passionate advocate for FSU who will build upon the success of President John Thrasher. Thrasher announced his retirement after serving in the role since 2014 and leading the University to recognition as a Top 20-ranked public university (U.S. News & World Report, 2021). The Board of Trustees seeks an individual who will capitalize on FSU’s current momentum and achieve new and exciting heights of distinction. 

As one of the nation's most elite research universities and one of the largest and oldest of the 12 institutions of higher learning in the State University System of Florida, FSU offers a distinctive academic environment built on its cherished values and unique heritage. With nearly 44,000 students, approximately 6,600 employees and an operating budget of $1.62 billion, FSU provides a welcoming campus environment on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida with a prime location in the heart of the state capital. Combining traditional strengths in the arts and humanities with internationally recognized leadership in the sciences, FSU provides unmatched opportunities for students and faculty through challenging academics, cultural discovery, and community interaction. FSU’s 18 colleges and its Graduate School offer more than 276 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional, and specialist degree programs, including medicine and law. In addition to its academic programs, FSU possesses a rich history of educational offerings at sites around the world and success in athletics. Additional information about FSU, its history and programs can be found at http://www.fsu.edu. 

Reporting to the FSU Board of Trustees, the President serves as the University’s chief executive officer and provides senior administrative leadership for all campus programs, services, operations, and activities. The next President will be a strategic and visionary leader charged with setting the University’s academic vision, ensuring the effective leadership and management of the campus, and possessing a dedication to improving the lives of students and the educational, economic, and cultural welfare of the citizens of the State of Florida. The President will exercise overall leadership for the University’s resource development and fundraising initiatives and will be responsible for ensuring the fiscal well-being of the campus.

In serving as one of the leading spokespersons for higher education in the state, the next President will be an influential leader who must possess excellent interpersonal skills, judgment and diplomacy, personal and professional integrity, and a reputation for working collegially and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies. The President will act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation and will work with FSU’s Board of Trustees, the State of Florida Legislature, and the State University System of Florida Board of Governors to further enhance higher education in Florida.

It is preferred that the successful candidate possess an earned doctorate or other terminal degree with a strong record of scholarship and teaching, and a proven history of executive level administrative experience in higher education that demonstrates the ability to lead a large, public research university. While academic experience (professional and administrative) is strongly desired, exceptional candidates with nontraditional backgrounds who have demonstrated a high degree of national or international success in business, industry, nonprofit or government will be considered. For additional and specific criteria about the position, please visit the FSU Presidential Search website at http://presidentialsearch.fsu.edu/.

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applications should include a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Submission of materials via email is strongly encouraged. Nomination letters should include the name and contact information of the nominee. 

In accordance with the State of Florida’s open records laws, all nominations, applications, and letters of interest will be made public. Application materials should be submitted to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

Will Gates, Partner

Sal Venegas Jr., Principal

SP&A Executive Search

6512 Painter Avenue

Whittier, CA 90601 

Email: apsearch@spaexec.com

Refer to code “FSU-President” in subject line

FSU is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. FSU’s Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at: http://www.hr.fsu.edu/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf