It's official: Frank Brogan, former lieutenant governor under Jeb Bush, wants to lead Florida's state university system. See below the letter he sent this morning to faculty and students at Florida Atlantic University, where he has been president since 2003.

The Board of Governors committee leading the search will review and discuss the 11 applicants during a conference call on Monday. From the list, the committee will choose a smaller group to interview in person on July 17 in Tampa. The committee will later that day recommend a chancellor to the full Board of Governors, which is expected that same afternoon to make the final choice.

The letter:

A message from President Frank T. Brogan

To the University Community:

It is with mixed feelings that I write to you today. As you may be aware, there has been some speculation during the past few weeks on whether I would consider serving as the chancellor for the State University System of Florida.

I have been approached by many influential people throughout the state regarding this opportunity, but only after much reflection and discussion with my family did I decide to pursue the opportunity and convey my intent to the individuals conducting the chancellor search.

I have spent my career working to improve our educational system - first as a teacher, later as a principal, superintendent and commissioner of education. As lieutenant governor, I also made education a top priority. And during my six years as president here, at my alma mater, I have strived to increase our academic standards, elevate our research standing and provide to our students the highest quality education possible. The state's public higher education system is also poised to grow in stature and give to all of the state's students the best opportunities available - that's why I made the decision to seek this new position. It is another way for me to continue my dedication to education should I be selected to serve.

The decision to pursue the chancellorship was not an easy one. I enjoy serving as FAU's president immensely, and not a day goes by that I don't consider myself enormously blessed to work with such fine students, faculty and staff. It is my honor to be a part of the FAU family.

The chancellor's search process, including interviews, is expected to take place this coming week, and I will share the outcome of this process with you; however, my priority remains FAU and its continued success.

Thank you for your time and for your continued dedication to FAU.

*

UPDATE: Gov. Crist on Brogan as a chancellor candidate:

"I think the world of Frank Brogan. He's been a great president at Florida Atlantic, he was a great education commissioner, and he''s a dear friend. I think he would do an outstanding job."