FAU’s presidential search turned into chaos Feb. 7 when student protestors pushed back against one of the finalists: former Republican House Majority Leader Adam Hasner.

“The FAU student body needs a president, not a politician,” said Nicholas Ostheimer, a campus organizer for the FAU College Democrats. “We want a selection, not a coronation. You are here, not because you are a worthy finalist, but because of your allies in Tallahassee and on the Board of Governors. The FAU student body has one thing to say to you: ‘Goodbye, Adam Hasner.’”

His words were met with thunderous applause and a student walkout, marking the height of weeks of opposition against Hasner’s nomination.

However, on Feb. 10, despite the outcry from students, faculty, and campus organizations, FAU’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Hasner as the university’s next president.

Now, his selection awaits final approval from the Florida Board of Governors, which is widely expected to confirm him, bringing an almost two-year presidential search to a close.

A Controversial Choice

FAU has been without a permanent president since Dr. John Kelly stepped down in December 2022. Since then, Dr. Stacy Volnick has served as interim president.

The search for FAU’s next president has been riddled with challenges. The process, which began in 2023, stalled for months due to concerns over compliance with Florida’s sunshine laws. When it resumed, the Presidential Search Committee announced three finalists:

• Dr. Michael Hartline – Dean of the College of Business at Florida State University
• Dr. John Volin – Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Maine
• Adam Hasner – Former House Majority Leader and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at GEO Group, a private prison company

While the other two finalists have extensive experience in academia, Hasner’s selection immediately ignited backlash due to his right-wing political background and lack of university leadership experience.

“Volin and Hartline have 30-plus years of experience in academia, and he [Hasner] has zero,” said Alexi Lambridis, an FAU College Democrats Council Member, in a statement to The Palm Beach Post. “The fact that he's even being considered is absolutely insane in my eyes.”

Despite these concerns, the Board of Trustees' unanimous vote signals their confidence in Hasner’s ability to lead FAU. If confirmed by the Board of Governors, he will take office at a time of intense division on campus.

Protests Erupt at FAU

Hasner’s candidacy sparked immediate resistance, culminating in a large campus protest on Feb. 7.

The FAU College Democrats and Solidarity at FAU organized a march featuring chants, signs, drums, tambourines, and vocal opposition at Hasner’s public forums. Protesters denounced his ties to GEO Group and pointed to his own admission of being a staunch partisan.

“I think Hasner has little to no qualifications,” said Kayla Behmardi, a Lead Organizer for Solidarity. “I think this is an academic institution, and it deserves to be led by an academic leader, not a politician. Not by someone who claims to be ‘the most partisan Republican.’”

Hasner being a finalist represented a broader political shift in Florida’s higher education system.

“Overall, I think there's a very scary pattern of right-wing extremists getting into positions of power they aren’t qualified for,” said Behmardi. “On the national level, it’s wreaking absolute havoc on all of our public institutions.”

Forum Fiasco: Limited Space Fuels Frustration

The FAU Presidential Search Committee held three public forums for Hasner—one for faculty, one for students, and one for staff, donors, and community members.

However, the student forum was held in the Palmetto Palm Room, which only fit 28 attendees, leaving nearly 100 students waiting in the hallway or turned away entirely.

Students grew frustrated, shouting demands to move the forum to a larger space. One protester called the decision “laziness.”

Later that evening, the final forum for community members and donors was held in the much larger Majestic Palm Room, allowing over 100 attendees, including many students who had been denied entry earlier.

During the session, after Ostheimer took the mic to express student frustrations, students staged a walkout, chanting as they exited the room.

Hasner Responds to Opposition

Despite the protests, Hasner acknowledged students’ concerns and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue.

“I do hope that if I am the next president of this university that we have the opportunity for constructive engagement and that we have an opportunity for a constructive dialogue,” said Hasner.

Some students and faculty members, however, remain skeptical about whether his administration will reflect their concerns.

Still, supporters of Hasner see him as an experienced policymaker who can protect the Jewish student populous at FAU.

“[Hasner] will protect Jewish students, and anti-Semitism should not be on this campus,” said Shirelle Barroukh, an undergraduate International Business major, pointing to Hasner’s Jewish heritage and advocacy.

What’s Next?

With the Board of Trustees’ decision made, Hasner’s appointment now rests with the Florida Board of Governors, which has final approval authority. Given the Board’s strong ties to Florida’s Republican leadership, his confirmation is highly expected.

Interim President Stacy Volnick will remain in charge until Hasner officially takes office.

But with a deeply divided campus, Hasner’s presidency is shaping up to be one of the most controversial in FAU’s history.

How he navigates faculty concerns, student opposition, and his political reputation will determine whether he can win over a skeptical campus—or deepen the rift.

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