Latest news with #JohnThrasher
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tallahassee mourns retired FSU president John Thrasher, recalls him as listener, unifier
The hallmark of John Thrasher's 30-plus years in Tallahassee is that a town built on hard-knuckle politics holds much warmth and admiration for a former leader of the state's Republican Party who went on to become a beloved president of Florida State University. In a town where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2–1, contemporaries of the Republican former House Speaker and state senator extolled Thrasher's leadership skills and commitment to do what was right. He died May 30 after a battle with cancer; he was 81. 'John had a very simple agenda, to do what was right and fair,' said former state Sen. Bill Montford, a Democrat from Tallahassee. The two had similar north Florida upbringings and both were the first in their families to attend college. They sat next to each other on the Senate floor for four years, and both would continue careers in education after politics. 'It was clear that he and I had the same respect for public education and the importance it was to a better life. And John Thrasher knew there was no better avenue to helping our fellow man than education,' said Montford, CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. From May 30: John Thrasher dies; was FSU president, House speaker, Florida GOP titan The word 'mentor' is frequently mentioned when current and former lawmakers are asked about Thrasher. Friends, colleagues, former employees and FSU alumni lauded him as a person of integrity, a visionary statesman in the many positions he held in Tallahassee after first being elected to the Florida House in 1992. Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, had known Thrasher for 40 years, back to when he served on the Clay County School Board and she was a legislative aide to former Sen. Mattox S. Hair, D-Jacksonville. 'He was extraordinary in every role he took on. He took FSU to dizzying heights with research, fundraising, and the extraordinary connections he made with students and people throughout Tallahassee,' Tant said. She called Thrasher a 'leader's leader.' Mary Coburn got a close look at Thrasher's leadership skills when he was first appointed FSU president. She was the vice president for student affairs when a campus uproar erupted to try to derail Thrasher's appointment. The secret to how Thrasher won over the FSU community, Coburn said, was, 'he was a fantastic listener.' At the time of the appointment, Thrasher was chair of the powerful Senate Rules committee, the last stop for bills before the chamber floor. Thrasher supporters recruited him to help with the university's $1 billion 'Raise the Torch' fundraising campaign – he had raised more than $50 million in one year as RPOF chair. But students and faculty objected to the appointment of a president without an academic background. Coburn arranged a meeting between the incoming president and his on-campus detractors to quell what was becoming a Seminole uprising in hopes of providing "closure" for the protesters. Earlier that year, Thrasher had proposed splitting the FAMU/FSU School of Engineering into separate facilities. His opponents even used the aborted proposal to question whether he was prejudiced and his appointment a Trojan horse for an attempt to 'corporatize' education. 'There was a lot going against him as someone who had held so many political offices. They hurled some really vicious stuff at him,' Bob Holladay, a Tallahassee State College history professor, said about the meeting. For more than an hour, Thrasher sat, listened, and took notes on why people thought he was not qualified. 'He didn't try to argue ... He didn't say why he disagreed with them, that he wasn't the person they said he was. He just was a sounding board for them, and I think that really sort of put an end' to the opposition, Coburn said. Coburn served five FSU presidents as an associate dean or VP, including two others who were former lawmakers: Sandy D'Alemberte and T.K. Wetherell. She said Thrasher had a unique willingness to engage with others in sincere discussion: 'I never had a president who was so willing to listen and sort of change their point of view based on hearing other people's point of view. Very willing. I witnessed him over and over again modifying his point of view based on feedback.' The ability to really hear what others were saying served Thrasher well in overcoming a series of challenges he faced in the early years of his administration. In addition to the initial opposition, there was a shooting at Strozier Library, a fraternity-related hazing death, diversity and inclusion issues tied to the city and university's racial history, and the goal of FSU achieving status as a preeminent research institution. Caught in a web of circumstances, Montford said Thrasher responded like a boat captain in troubled waters, fixed on a lighthouse beacon to safely reach the shore. 'John stepped up, took care of the students and faculty, and, as always, he followed his guiding light – to do what was right and fair. If more of us would do that, this country, this state, would be better off,' Montford said. Thrasher broke with an effort by members of the political party he once headed by opposing a push to allow guns on campuses. He condemned conduct by members of FSU's lauded football team and championed better ways to support victims of sexual violence. Thrasher assembled a team of academics that elevated FSU's academic reputation to a Top 20 Public University ranking. And he secured an unprecedented gift of $100 million from the family of businessman Jim Moran to create a college devoted to entrepreneurialism. Coburn said after people got to know Thrasher, she could not go anywhere with him without students, parents, alumni, and others stopping to ask to take a photo with the FSU leader. 'Those are my really pleasant memories about John ... It was wonderful bringing him to student events because of (how they) responded to him. He loved students, was really compassionate and cared about them and how they were doing ... He just had a warmth about him that made people want to be with him,' Coburn said. While Thrasher is best known locally as a president of Florida State University, the campus is but a mile from the state Capitol where he built a legacy as a friend and confidant, a power broker who nonetheless was always willing to help. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former Republican Senate President, called Thrasher the "Lion of the Senate' and a mentor. Senate President Ben Albritton released a lengthy statement recounting Thrasher's love and devotion to his spouse Jean and their children and grandchildren. He said Thrasher's record of public service was a statement of 'integrity, perseverance and strength.' And Albritton recounted how Thrasher always exhibited timeless principles of honor and acted as a gentleman while his life took him through the battlefields of Vietnam, the local politics of Clay County, committee rooms in the Florida House and Senate, and the campus of Florida State. 'His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and passion for education,' Albritton wrote in a memo to the Senate. Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, said he was struck by Thrasher's patriotism and commitment to public service when Thrasher invited Jones to stop by FSU after Jones was elected to the Senate in 2020. He, as Thrasher had done a decade before, was moving from the Florida House to the Senate. 'He shared advice I'll never forget,' Jones said. ' 'The Senate is where the grownups sit and negotiate – so be one of the grownups in the room and go do good' ... He was a true statesman and a good man,' Jones said. In an exit interview with the Tallahassee Democrat after retiring from FSU, Thrasher said he was raised in what he called 'pretty poor' circumstances. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and the first to go to college. 'Education comes to me as an extraordinarily important thing," he said in a discussion of his legacy. "When a student comes to Florida State University, my job is to make sure they get the best chance they can to achieve their hopes and dreams and go out and make a difference in the world." A private burial is planned in Orange Park, with a celebration of life to be held at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee on Aug. 19. Details will be forthcoming. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@ and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'A good man': John Thrasher remembered as FSU leader, statesman
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher Dies
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Thrasher, 81, served in the House and the Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor's and law degrees. During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush's overhaul of the state's education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance. 'I am heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I am praying hard for the wonderful Jean and his children and grandchildren,' Bush said in an email Friday morning to The News Service of Florida, referring to Thrasher's wife of 60 years, Jean. Thrasher, with Bush's backing, was elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida in 2010 after its former chairman, Jim Greer, was forced out amid a probe into the party's finances. Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government. Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. 'The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice,' the statement said. In addition to his wife, Thrasher is survived by daughter Jennifer Jordan and her husband, Don; son Jon Thrasher and his wife Millie; and daughter Julie Weinberg and her husband Mark. He also was a 'proud and devoted grandfather' to eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email. Accolades for Thrasher, who represented parts of Northeast Florida in the Legislature and was fiercely devoted to FSU, poured in after the announcement of his death. Thrasher's bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background. But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, became a widely respected president. Thrasher's presidency, which lasted until 2021, 'marked a period of historic momentum for the university,' according to FSU President Richard McCullough. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence and research,' McCullough said in a statement. 'Jai (McCullough's wife) and I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor and unmistakable charm.' Thrasher was 'one of the greatest men I've ever known,' Gus Corbella, a lobbyist who served as director of the House Majority Office during Thrasher's two-year term as speaker, told the News Service in a text. 'He was a mentor to me more than just in public service, but also as a shining example of what a man of integrity, courage and conviction can be in this often challenging world. He was a gentleman of the highest order worthy of every respect accorded to him,' Corbella said. Kathy Mears, who has held a series of high-level staff positions in the Legislature and state government and served as Thrasher's government-relations director at FSU, offered similar praise. 'No words can adequately capture the deserved honor Florida owes to John Thrasher,' Mears said. 'He was a gentleman warrior. He led with quiet strength and firm resolve. He did so much good for so many — as a lawmaker, as a leader, as a mentor, but most of all as a friend.' Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also praised Thrasher, who served in Vietnam and was elected to the state House in 1992 from Clay County. After a time out of the Legislature following his term as speaker, Thrasher joined the Senate by winning a special election to succeed the late Jim King, R-Jacksonville, in 2009. 'John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family,' the governor said in a post on X. Thrasher 'made a huge impact' on the state GOP 'from his time in public office to his willingness to step in and chair the party during a difficult time,' Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power said in an X post. 'Florida is better for his service,' added Power, calling Thrasher 'a legend.' Senate President Ben Albritton also lauded Thrasher, who after leaving the House helped found The Southern Group, one of the capital city's most influential lobbying firms. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry. His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education. From the battlefields of Vietnam where he returned as a highly decorated officer, to years of honorable service as speaker of the House, Rules (Committee) chair of the Senate and president of Florida State University, John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through,' Albritton said. The family will hold a private burial for Thrasher in Orange Park. A celebration of life is scheduled on Aug. 19 at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry,' Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. 'His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research.' A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
John Thrasher, former Florida State president and state House speaker, dies at 81
John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and longtime state legislator, died on Friday. He was 81. Thrasher, who served as speaker of the Florida House and as a member of the Florida Senate, died Friday morning in Orlando, his family said in a statement. He had been battling cancer, according to a social media post last month from his former lobbying firm. 'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. Thrasher, a Republican, was a member of the Florida House from 1992-2000, serving as speaker during his last two years. After leaving elected office, he went on to co-found The Southern Group lobbying firm. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2009 and stayed there until 2014. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry," Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said in a statement. "His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education.' Thrasher served as president of Florida State University from 2014 to 2021. He earned a business degree from the school in 1965, before joining the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Following his military service, Thrasher returned to Florida State to earn a law degree in 1972. 'John's love for Florida State University was truly inspiring,' current FSU President Richard McCullough said in statement. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research." A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, near Jacksonville. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Aug. 19 at Florida State in Tallahassee.
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Who was John Thrasher? Former FSU president and Florida Republican leader dies at 81 after cancer battle
John Thrasher, a major figure in Florida politics and education, has died at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer. His family announced his passing on May 30. John Thrasher's career spanned decades in public service. He was a Republican who rose to prominence in the 1990s, serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000. He was House Speaker for his last two years in office. Later, he was elected to the Florida Senate and chaired the Senate Rules Committee. He also played a key role in former Governor Rick Scott's re-election campaign. In 2014, Thrasher became president of Florida State University (FSU), a role he held until 2021. His time as president was marked by a tragic shooting at the FSU Strozier Library, where a gunman injured three people before being shot by police. Thrasher was known for his commitment to FSU, where he studied business as an undergraduate and later earned a law degree. He was also a Vietnam War veteran, receiving two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation Medal during his service. After retiring from FSU, Thrasher returned to The Southern Group, a lobbying firm he had helped establish earlier in his career. He also taught law at FSU as a professor. 'John fought the good fight,' one of his colleagues said. 'His legacy will continue on for generations.' The statement read, "It is with great sadness that the family of former Florida State University President John Thrasher, 81, shares notice of his passing. President Thrasher, who also served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and as a member of the Florida Senate, passed away this morning (May 30), surrounded by his family in Orlando, Fla. A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, Fla., with a celebration of his life to be held at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee, Fla., on the 19th of August." "A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, Fla., with a celebration of his life to be held at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee, Fla., on the 19th of August. The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits, and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and Cornerstone Hospice," concluded the statement. Thrasher is remembered as a dedicated public servant whose work shaped Florida's political landscape and left a lasting impact on higher education in the state.
