FSU forms direct support organization to align athletic department with Seminole Boosters

Florida State has reorganized its athletic department and booster club by forming the Florida State University Athletics Association, a direct-service organization formally established Friday by the university’s board of trustees.

FSU said the move will allow the athletic department and Seminole Boosters Inc. to “provide greater alignment, transparency, coordinator and efficiency for athletic-related fundraising, operations, marketing and management.”

“The reorganization of the Seminole Boosters and our Athletics Department will enable FSU to build on the historical success of both organizations,” said board chairman Ed Burr. “The creation of FSUAA will ensure that the priorities, mission and focus of the boosters, athletics and the administration will be aligned.”

Previously, they weren’t. The boosters had more power at FSU than most comparable athletic departments.

Friday’s move is designed to change that. The FSUAA — expected to be fully formed this fall — will oversee everything surrounding athletics, including scheduling and facilities.

The new organization will have a five-person board, with FSU’s president serving as its chair. The school’s NCAA Faculty athletics representative and the Seminole Boosters’ chair will also serve on the board, and FSU’s athletic director will be the group’s CEO.