Florida Atlantic University has named three finalists for its next president, but one of the most closely watched names, Republican State Rep. Randy Fine, is not among them.
The three finalists are:
- Vice Admiral Sean Buck, superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.
- Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business at Florida State University.
- Jose Sartarelli, Ph.D., former Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
The FAU Presidential Search Committee’s recommendations will be considered by the Board of Trustees to replace John Kelly, who stepped down as president in December 2022 after more than eight years.
Many expected the list to include Fine, R-Palm Bay.
Fine is a self-described conservative firebrand who has backed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ education agenda and vowed to battle “wokeism across our state.” He told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in late March that he was being considered for the presidency.
DeSantis’ office voiced support.
“Rep. Fine has been a leader on education issues, and we think he’d be a good candidate for the role,” Communications Director Taryn Fenske said in late March.
Whether Fine actually applied and was considered by the search committee is unclear. State law only requires the university to release the names of finalists, not all who apply.
Fine declined to comment to the Sun Sentinel when reached Wednesday on his cellphone.
“I’m in Ireland. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t talk to the Sentinel,” he said before hanging up.
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