<p>Many alumni want Mark</a> S. Wrighton who is an FSU alumnus.</p>
<p>Other names mentioned:</p>
<p>Mark</a> H. Thiemens
Sylvia</a> Earle</p>
<p>Provost Larry Abele would be a good interim president.</p>
<p>At 74, and with not a lot of leadership experience, Dr Sylvia Earle is not the right person for this particular time at FSU.</p>
<p>Dr Wrighton–wish he had not been associated with the Phyllis Schlafly fiasco. Otherwise, a worthy scientist and leader. But it’s a mess out there for presidents of state universities. Not sure he would want to take this on given the cuts state U’s face in the next few years.</p>
<p>Well, it’s no cake walk but hopefully a president the trustees hire would face the challenge and move forward. If they are too afraid, maybe they’re wrong for the job. I think this could be a great time to establish clear priorities to elevate STEM. FSU still wants to join the AAU.</p>
<p>Even with the sad state of affairs in Florida, I would bet it would attract a lot of interest.
Let’s not forget a lot of other states are hurting also.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it will probably turn into another political fiasco with some well connected political crony being chosen.</p>
<p>Hope I am proven wrong, but …</p>
<p>I am sick to death of state politicos running universities! TK was a passionate FSU supporter, but the school really needs a strong and ambitious nationally regarded research leader.</p>
<p>UF learned this lesson after Criser.</p>
<p>Wrighton is the leading candidate from what I hear. He’d be great!</p>
<p>I am the father of a high school senior that will be applying to FSU. With a newly vested interest in the school’s future, I would love to see Wrighton as FSU’s next president. </p>
<p>Wrighton’s resume is very strong and his experience at Wash U confirms his abilities. With respect to his ties to the Schlafly situation, I wonder just how close he was to this matter. As Chancelor of the university, he must have been involved in the process, but it remains to be seen if he was a promoter of Schlafly. Wrighton’s academic background and his promotion of Stem Cell research lead me to believe that he is a forward thinking man.</p>
<p>FSU needs the strongest leadership to face its challenges. If FSU is to step up and become truly world class, academic rigor must be stiffened. With time and proper leadership, FSU could enter into the top tier of universities.</p>