³Ô¹ÏÍø

Today, ³Ô¹ÏÍø joins the ³Ô¹ÏÍø State University community and the entire State University System in mourning the loss of former FSU President John Thrasher. He was a decorated veteran, devoted public servant, transformational leader in higher education — and my friend.

John was a two-time alumnus of ³Ô¹ÏÍø State and a U.S. Army veteran. He received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam.

In 1992, John was elected to the ³Ô¹ÏÍø House of Representatives, and in 1998, he was unanimously elected Speaker of the House. He played a key role in passing the legislation that established the FSU College of Medicine. In 2001, he was named the first chair of FSU’s Board of Trustees and served until 2006. In 2009, he was elected to the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Senate. John became the 15^th Ìýpresident of FSU in 2014 and served until he retired in 2021. Even after retiring, he remained an active member of the FSU community by serving on the faculty.

On behalf of the entire ³Ô¹ÏÍø Atlantic community, Jillian and I extend our deepest condolences to Jean and the Thrasher family. John’s passion for service and for ³Ô¹ÏÍø is an example for all, and we were honored to call him speaker, president, and friend. The advice and supportÌýhe provided before I stepped into my role as FAU PresidentÌýwere invaluable and will be treasured forever. Although he will be missed, his legacy will live on in many ways.Ìý