Thread by @JimRosicaFL

Now panel talks to Michael K. Young, president emeritus and professor of law and professor of public policy, Texas A&M University.
Part of interviews by panel seeking to recommend a new president for @floridastate
Pick will be made by State U. System's Board of Governors

@floridastate Young starts by disclosing, pulling out of his pocket, that he bought a Seminoles Soccer T-shirt. "I won't wear it here but I will wear it home." Says it's exciting to be here. Impressed by the sense of ambition he feels here. But says moving from top 20 to top 10 "isn't easy."

@floridastate FSU past due for Capital campaign, help universities "ask who they are, what their strengths are," Young says.
Could get more "earned media," i.e. news coverage (at least second candidate now to suggest FSU isn't telling its own story well enough).

@floridastate Tips on (giving and getting): People who give money, esp. big money, want "to be engaged." They want to be excited about what's happening at a university. Young's point: They want to know a return on their investment.

@floridastate Young moves on getting best students: FSU is on right track "with so many interdisciplinary programs." Grads these days may end up having 3 different careers, he says. Also, rethinking amount of $$ available for scholarships, etc.

@floridastate Young says it's hard to get in to the AAU, the good news is FSU is on right path w current research, focus on student success. Just a matter of knowing what numbers and statistics matter and keep hitting them.

@floridastate More from Young, on student and faculty diversity: A president has to drive the sense of commitment and has to follow through on promises.
That includes initiatives to bring people in, keep them. "You have to start recruiting early," like 8th and 9th grade, also go to churches.

@floridastate Young on student athletes: "It can give you great visibility or it can blow up in your face." You have to watch their grades like hawks, you have to watch their behavior outside school, but remember they're kids, some will make mistakes, to which "you can control your reaction."

@floridastate Young says public universities have a responsibility in job creation, preparing grads to work: Grads need to know how to write, work collaboratively, solve problems. Students need to know what's in the book AND what does it mean in "real world." Need some tech/science, too.

@floridastate In 5 years as FSU president, Young thinks success would be stay on trajectory FSU is on. Will build on student focus, emphasis on research, develop internat'l reputation as a place that makes a difference. And win another nat'l championship, he jokes.

@floridastate Next up: Mary Ann Rankin, former senior vice president and provost, University of Maryland, College Park.
New thread coming later. Chair Sasser notes we're ahead of schedule. Rankin was not due up till 4pm ET.

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