Lt. Gov. Brogan applies for FAU post

The Florida Atlantic University board may pick a new president by Jan. 31.

By LUCY MORGAN, Times Tallahassee Bureau Chief

© St. Petersburg Times
published January 16, 2003

TALLAHASSEE -- Eight days after he was sworn in for a second term, Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan on Wednesday formally applied for a new job. He wants to be president of his alma mater, Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Brogan said he intended to remain by the governor's side another four years when they were re-elected in November, but "suddenly and unexpectedly" he was presented with a unique opportunity.

Gov. Jeb Bush indicated Wednesday that he will move quickly to replace Brogan if, as expected, he gets the FAU post.

After first saying he might wait months to replace Brogan, Bush said he will name a lieutenant governor "within a relatively short period of time."

Speculation on a replacement has included Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood, who already has accepted the governor's appointment to be secretary of state beginning next month; former Secretary of State Jim Smith; former House Speaker John Thrasher; former state Sen. Ken Plante; former Pinellas legislator Peter Dunbar; and Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples.

Brogan, noting that he was the first in his family to go to college, said he wants to be part of the education network for the next generation.

"If I am chosen to lead Florida Atlantic University, you can rest assured that I will do so with every means and resource available," Brogan said in a letter to the university's board of trustees.

Today is the deadline for applications. A decision is expected Jan. 31.

Brogan listed as references Bush; Senate Appropriations Chairman Ken Pruitt; Sen. Ron Klein, D-Delray Beach; and the presidents of Florida International University and two South Florida community colleges.

Brogan said he thinks his work as a teacher, principal, school superintendent, education commissioner and lieutenant governor give him the background to serve.

Brogan, 49, was expected to run for governor in 2006, but said he will not run if he gets the FAU post.

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