FAU starts active search for its new president

Florida Atlantic University is ready to start actively looking for a new leader.

The university’s Board of Trustees approved a nine-page presidential profile Tuesday identifying qualities and duties expected for the next president, enabling the university to start advertising.

A search committee developed the profile following a series of meetings with students, faculty and community members.

The expectations include enhancing student success and involvement, sustaining a commitment to research, enhancing accountability, strengthening fundraising and supporting FAU’s athletics.

[ RELATED: State Rep. Randy Fine says he’s being considered for FAU president job. DeSantis’ office calls him ‘a good candidate.’ ]

No mention was made of any specific candidates yet, even though State Rep. Randy Fine has said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has asked him to apply. An FAU spokesman said last month the search committee is following a “strict process” to choose a president.

A law passed last year by the Legislature makes the search process more secretive than in the past. Only the names of finalists will be shared with the public. During recent searches at the University of Florida and Florida International University, there was only one finalist.

No specific timeline was shared for when the new president will start, although the recruiting process may last about four to six weeks, Brad Levine, chair of the Board of Trustees, said at Tuesday’s meeting.

The president will replace John Kelly, whose 8½-year tenure ended Dec. 31. Longtime FAU administrator Stacy Volnick is serving as interim president.