On August 3, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a National Call to Action to postsecondary institutions affirming their commitment to academic and operational excellence. Florida welcomes this national call as an opportunity for postsecondary institutions to codify and publicly communicate the reforms already implemented and underway throughout the state, while making clear the high standards expected of institutions serving Florida students.
On August 18, 2026, Florida became the first state to formally answer the call. The below joint statement, signed by State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues and all 12 System University Presidents, as well as Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack and all 28 Florida College System Presidents, affirms the Florida College System and State University System’s commitment to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research where applicable, and service to the nation, while outlining the standards and priorities Florida’s institutions are committed to upholding.
