In a significant move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed five new members to the board overseeing the University of West Florida in Pensacola, including individuals affiliated with a notable conservative think tank.
Adam Kissel, who is a visiting fellow for higher education reform at The Heritage Foundation, is among the newly appointed board members. This organization has been influential in proposing Project 2025, a policy framework aimed at shifting American governance in a decidedly conservative direction. Kissel’s previous experience in the U.S. Department of Education under President Donald Trump provides him with valuable insights into educational reform.
Joining him is Scott Yenor, a political science professor from Boise State University. Yenor, who previously served as a visiting fellow on American political thought at The Heritage Project, brings a wealth of academic and practical experience to the board. The Heritage Foundation has long been a bastion of conservative thought, making their involvement particularly noteworthy in this appointment.
Also appointed to the board are Paul Bailey, an adjunct professor in the pre-law program at Pensacola Christian College, Gates Garcia, president of the private equity firm Pinehill Capital Partners, and Chris Young, founder of the personal injury law firm Perry & Young. Each of these nominees brings a unique set of skills and experiences that are expected to influence the governance of the University of West Florida significantly.
These appointments occur against a backdrop of political maneuvering that has characterized previous board assignments by Governor DeSantis. Two years prior, the governor appointed new members to the board of New College of Florida, a move perceived by some as an attempt to shift the small, progressive school towards more conservative values. While some nominations have faced opposition, the confirmation process remains a formality largely ruled by the Republican supermajority in the Florida Senate.
Governor DeSantis’s educational policies have been a cornerstone of his administration, characterized by controversial decisions such as the prohibition of instruction on certain topics and a broad restructuring of diversity programs within educational institutions in the state. These strategies have sparked widespread debate, reflecting the broader national conversation on education and governance.
The recent appointments by Governor DeSantis underscore an ongoing transformation in educational governance in Florida, aligning with broader efforts to impose conservative ideologies within academic institutions. The ultimate impact of these changes remains to be seen as the appointees await confirmation.
Source: Wsvn
