~ Summit brings together university trustees and leadership from across the State University System of Florida ~
MIAMI, Fla.—Today, the Florida Board of Governors (Board) held the 2026 Trustee Summit at Florida International University (FIU). Florida public university trustees, state leaders, higher education experts, and policymakers from across the state came together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and discuss governance and leadership strategies, while exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the higher education landscape.
“Florida has been the launch point for higher education reform for the past decade, and today was about looking forward and discussing ways to continue that momentum in the decade to come,” said Board Chair Alan Levine. “I thank Governor-Elect Byron Donalds for joining us and sharing his vision for our nation-leading universities and how we can work together to continue providing the best education for our students.”
“Our university trustees, presidents, and leadership are united towards the common goals of student success and service to Floridians,” said State University System of Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Today’s productive discussions demonstrate the One System approach in action, strengthening our knowledge and collaboration to propel student outcomes and cutting-edge research to the next level.”
“FIU was proud to welcome trustees and leaders from across Florida for this important exchange of ideas,” said Chair of the FIU Board of Trustees Carlos Duart. “We share a commitment to ensuring our public universities advance the research and innovation that strengthen our state and make our graduates among the most successful in the nation. It was a pleasure to host colleagues who bring such dedication to that work.”
The Summit saw more than 150 attendees representing all 12 institutions in the State University System of Florida, and included sessions on ethics, governance best practices, federal policy updates, and the future of higher education in Florida. Speakers included:
- Byron Donalds, Governor-Elect, State of Florida
- Alan Levine, Chair, Florida Board of Governors
- Alex Martins, Chair, University of Central Florida (UCF) Board of Trustees
- Armand Alacbay, Chief of Staff, American Council of Trustees and Alumni
- Ashley Spicola, Managing Partner, Continental Strategy
- Carlos Duart, Chair, FIU Board of Trustees
- Henry Mack, Commissioner, Florida Department of Education
- Jeanette Nuñez, President, FIU
- Jeb Bush, Former Governor, State of Florida
- Kerrie Stillman, Executive Director, Florida Commission on Ethics
- Kevin Reilly, Senior Consultant, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
- Kimberly Dunn, Faculty Governor, Florida Board of Governors
- Peter Collins, Chair, Florida State University (FSU) Board of Trustees
- Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor, State University System of Florida
- Richard Corcoran, President, New College of Florida
- Roxanne Hughes, Faculty Trustee, FSU Board of Trustees
- Stephen King, Past Faculty Trustee, UCF Board of Trustees
- Tola Thompson, Partner, Ballard Partners
“Florida’s success in delivering quality, affordable higher education for students is built on steadfast leadership, accountability, and a commitment to excellence,” said former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. “I am honored to join university leaders and trustees at this year’s Board of Governors Trustee Summit and participate in important conversations focused on ensuring the State University System continues to create opportunity for students, drive innovation, and support Florida’s long-term economic prosperity.”
Additionally, Chair Levine introduced the Board of Governors Beacon Awards, which will recognize higher education leaders in the System for leadership impact, governance, vision, service, research, and academic excellence.
This year’s Summit launched the first award, the Eternal Torch of Educational Legacy, with FSU President Emeritus John Thrasher as the inaugural honoree. The Thrasher family was in attendance to accept the posthumous award, which was presented by Chair Levine and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
“I want to thank Governor DeSantis, Jeb Bush, and everyone at the Trustee Summit for your kind words and for choosing John to receive this honor,” said Mrs. Jean Thrasher. “I’m not sure you fully understand how much this means to John, to our children, to me, and to so many family members and friends. We are truly grateful for this distinguished higher education award.”
More information about FSU President Emeritus John Thrasher’s impact and legacy can be found at johnthrashertribute.fsu.edu.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.