FSU faculty senate approves resolution against Thrasher

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State University's Faculty Senate, representing about 2,000 members, has made official its opposition to state Sen. John Thrasher becoming the school's new president.

Professors long have criticized Thrasher's candidacy, but Wednesday's resolution is the most high-profile opposition to date.

Faculty members spent two hours debating the topic before voting nearly 2-to-1 to encourage the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and FSU Board of Trustees not to recommend the influential politician for the job.

"(Thrasher) loves FSU, but he doesn't have the qualifications to lead a major Research I university and that's all that this is about," said music professor Michael Buchler, who led the effort.

Thrasher is one of four finalists for the job but the only one who has never worked in higher education. A final decision on the new president is expected Sept. 23.