May 7, 2012
(Received May 7, 2012)
Tallahassee, Fla.—With the executive charge to accelerate reform of the State
University System, Governor Rick Scott today created the Blue Ribbon Task Force on
State Higher Education Reform.
“The state has a vested interest in ensuring its higher education system produces worldclass
talent to serve as engaged citizens and meet the demands of Florida’s emerging
knowledge-based economy,” said Governor Scott. “It’s time to assess the progress of
prior reform efforts and identify strategies to improve efficiencies and enhance the
system’s effectiveness as an economic catalyst.”
The creation of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on State Higher Education Reform follows
the Governor’s recent collaboration with the Florida Legislature to expand funding for
education by $1 billion. The focus on higher education reflects the Scott Administration’s
emphasis on expanding Florida’s competitive advantages needed to grow the economy
and create jobs.
Governor Scott’s executive order outlined expectations that the Blue Ribbon Task Force
will focus on the State University System’s governance model, particularly the
interaction between the Board of Governors and the individual universities. Final
recommendations are to be delivered by October 31.
Governor Scott announced the Blue Ribbon Task Force’s chair, Dr. Dale A. Brill, will be
joined by six members, two selected by the Senate President Mike Haridopolos and
Senate President Designate Don Gaetz, two selected by House Speaker Dean Cannon
and Speaker Designate Will Weatherford and two selected by the Chairman and Vice
Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dean Colson and Mori Hosseini.
Dr. Brill currently serves as the president of the Florida Chamber Foundation and is a
former full-time member of Florida State University’s faculty and previously served as
the Director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.
“Dr. Brill’s background combines knowledge of higher education and its role as a
catalyst for economic development,” said Governor Scott. “He is a proven consensus
builder who will drive the strategic thinking necessary to make a comprehensive
assessment and action-oriented recommendations.”
Progress of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on State Higher Education Reform can be
monitored on the web at www.FLHigherEd.org and www.facebook.com/FLHigherEd, as
well as Twitter feeds available by following @FLHigherEd.