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BOCA RATON, Fla.: The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Adam Hasner as the institution’s eighth president, pending confirmation by the State University System’s Board of Governors. His appointment has sparked protests from students and faculty concerned about political influence in Florida’s higher education system.

Hasner, a former Florida House Republican Majority Leader, brings extensive legislative experience but lacks an academic leadership background. He has long been involved in FAU initiatives, playing a key role in securing funding for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and the College of Engineering. Hasner emphasized his commitment to student success, research excellence, and community engagement, vowing to strengthen FAU’s growing national recognition.

The appointment follows a broader trend in Florida’s public universities, where politically connected Republican figures assume leadership roles. On February 10, 2025, Florida International University (FIU) appointed Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as its interim president. Nuñez, a two-term lieutenant governor and former state legislator, was nominated by Gov. Ron DeSantis and confirmed by the FIU Board of Trustees in an 11-1 vote. Her appointment, which bypassed a traditional search process, has been met with strong opposition from faculty and students, who argue it reflects an increasing political takeover of higher education.

At FAU, Hasner’s selection was also met with student-led demonstrations. Protesters voiced concerns over his past ties to The GEO Group, a private prison contractor, and his conservative political history. Students held signs reading “No to Hasner” and “Students, not prisoners” while leading chants condemning corporate and political influence in academia.

Both appointments underscore a shifting landscape in Florida’s higher education governance, with Republican-affiliated leaders assuming top positions at major universities. Critics argue this trend could reshape institutional priorities, potentially affecting academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and research funding.

As FAU awaits final approval of Hasner’s presidency and FIU prepares for Nuñez’s leadership, students and faculty remain vocal in their opposition, signaling potential challenges ahead for both administrations.