• Florida’s state university system has commenced its search for a new chancellor as of Wednesday 
• Michael Criser, the current Chancellor, announced that he will step down upon his contract’s expiration at the end of the calendar year 
• Criser presided over an increase in research funding, improved student retention rates, and a spike in four-year graduation rates

Florida’s State University System Board of Governors’ chancellor search committee met on Tuesday night to approve the position description and advertising plan, as well as roadmapping the next steps in selecting its next Chancellor. The Chancellor serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the State Univerisity System of Florida (SUSF), the second-largest university system in the country, which includes Florida’s twelve public universities and serves over 430,000 students, with revenues of $14.3 billion.

The Board is tasked with replacing Marshall Criser, who announced at the end of June that he will be stepping down from his role upon the end of his contract at the end of the calendar year. Criser served as Chancellor since 2014 and oversaw an increase in state appropriations for operations by $1.258 billion (29 percent), a four-year graduation rate increase to 59.3 percent  (a 17 percent increase), and an increase in research expenditures by $358 million, representing a $7 billion economic impact.

“Marshall Criser is a leader among leaders, and we are exceedingly grateful for his dedication to the betterment of our university community and ultimately to our students,” said Brian Lamb, chair of the Board of Governors. “This committee will perform a thorough search and ultimately recommend a highly qualified candidate to the Board of Governors that will build upon the great work of Chancellor Criser and cement our status as the #1 state in the nation for higher education.”

The role of the Chancellor is comprised of responsibilities including but not limited to regular interaction with university boards of trustees and presidents, the Florida Legislature, and the Executive Office of the Governor on issues of critical importance to the State University System of Florida.

The application process is considered open at this time and enables all that apply to be subject to consideration by system leaders. Based on job description summaries, an ideal candidate would hold a good business acumen relevant to the education industry while also possessing strong relationships with state lawmakers and leaders.

“The selected candidate will be a proven leader with executive-level experience in education, government, business, or non-profit settings. A track record of involvement in complex higher educational and political environments is essential to effectively serve the Board of Governors as the System continues on a path toward greater coordination, collaboration, and prominence,” the Board stated.

The twelve schools in the university system include: Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida State University, New College of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, and University of West Florida.