Florida State University President John Thrasher began his fourth year in the job Wednesday with his annual “State of the University” address to the faculty senate. Thrasher discusses FSU’s progress, its climb in national rankings, plans for new hires and the death of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old fraternity pledge who died at an off-campus party, along with the introduction of new head football coach Willie Taggart.
Story highlights:
- “The most tangible evidence of our success came in September, when U.S. News & World report ranked FSU the 33rd best public university in the country. To move more than 10 spots in two years is an incredible leap. No other top 50 university improved as much as we did.” -FSU makes a big jump in national rankings, a metric used by the state university system governing board, the Florida Board of Governors, to help determine which schools get additional state funding each year.
- “No university wants to be thrust in the national spotlight for a reason as heartbreaking and tragic as this. But we’re taking a lead role in changing the culture of Greek life and indeed campus life here and around the country.” -Thrasher talks decision to suspend Greek life and ban alcohol at student events in the wake the death of Andrew Coffey.
- “Many of our campus community are concerned about the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA. Last year I told you I joined 600 higher education leaders across the nation in support of DACA and I want to assure you that my position has not changed one iota.”
