Thread by @JimRosicaFL

Last for the day: Randy Hanna, dean and CEO of FSU Panama City.
He is the last interview among the candidates to be the next @floridastate president.
Hanna talks about his four postsecondary degrees from FSU, developed critical thinking skills, lifelong love of learning.

@floridastate Hanna said he's proud to be labeled a "traditional" candidate, meaning he's coming from higher ed, but also mentions his private biz experience, running a law firm.
"I've prepared my entire life for this job...and I'm ready."

@floridastate Hanna said he is focused on student success above all metrics, though he admits there will be questions about rankings, research, AAU, etc.
Part of that is making sure classes are sized properly. He suggests students do better when classes aren't too big.

@floridastate Hanna on fundraising: Too numerous to list all. He helped create a free tuition fund for struggling students, found money for mechanical engineering endowed faculty, among others. Founded a Center for Academic Success, got it funded.
"I think we've done a darn good job."

@floridastate "On the fundraising side, we need to do more on the corporate and foundation side," while maintaining level of alumni giving, Hanna said.
(I should mention Hanna was in charge of FSU-PC when it was smacked by Hurricane Michael.)

@floridastate Hanna on students: "We need to put more into the student experience," boost the honors program, do more to attract the top students. That may mean better financial packages; there are still a lot of 1st gen college kids.

@floridastate Hanna on finding money: Reels off a list of grants FSU-PC is chasing.
Agrees, however, that FSU needs more research funding.
"I know how to bring people together for a shared vision," he says.

@floridastate Hanna on AAU membership: Important to aspire for AAU status, "it is there that you are recognized as a true leader"..."if we're going to get in...we'll have to raise money...not just research" but publications, other prestigious memberships.

@floridastate Hanna reminds panel that next FSU pres will have to hire a new VP of research, the current one is retiring (or maybe has already). So that person will be pivotal in leading the drive to increase research and get into AAU.

@floridastate Hanna on diversity: Helped his law firm become one of the most diverse in the state, Bryant Miller Olive. "I'm very proud of that when I was managing partner."
In business world, "it has to be intentional."
But he says at FSU-PC, diversity is a problem, only 6% Black students.

@floridastate He also has a problem attracting minority faculty at FSU-PC, he says.
"You need strong packages for them...it's a work in progress and it's something I'm committed to." "Students do better where they're comfortable" knowing teachers have lived their experiences.

@floridastate Hanna on Division I athletics: He's a strong supporter, provides opportunity (athletic scholarships) for some who otherwise would not go to college.

@floridastate Hanna says he'll move the school closer to AAU membership and top 10 status in 5 years, but will also ask the Legislature for more money to help do that.
"This is still the greatest place for students to go."
Strong institution: "I would love to lead it."

@floridastate Hanna is the only candidate to get a round of applause from the search committee after his interview.
As a postscript, he talks about PC students who were displaced for months after Michael. "We tried to maintain engagement." Now, PC is looking at record enrollment.

@floridastate That's it for today. The committee reconvenes Saturday with candidates Richard Corcoran, Giovanni Piedimonte, and David Coburn. They're in recess till then.
Good night!

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