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Politics

Frank Brogan Waves Goodbye to Florida University System, Heads to Pennsylvania

August 6, 2013 - 6:00pm

Frank Brogan is leaving his post as chancellor of the Florida University system and heading to Pennsylvania, where he will be serving as the chancellor for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

He was unanimously hired by a 15-0 vote on Wednesday by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Educations Board of Governors.

Pennsylvanias public university system is the 13th largest in the country with 115,000 students. Floridas is the second largest in the country with over 335,000 students.

Brogan will be bringing in an annual salary of $327,500, which is the highest-paid job in state government. His last day as chancellor in Florida will be Sept. 30. Hell take over as chancellor of the Pennsylvania system the very next day on Oct. 1.

Brogan left his mark on Floridas education system from bottom to top. He came from humble beginnings as a fifth grade teacher at Port Salerno Elementary School in Martin County and moved up the ranks, becoming an assistant principal then principal of Murray Middle School until he finally was elected to two terms as the superintendent of Martin County.

He kept moving up the ladder in Floridas education system, becoming commissioner of education, but left his position when he became lieutenant governor under Jeb Bush, who prioritized education during his eight years as governor.

Brogan returned to Floridas education system when he took over as Florida Atlantic Universitys president in 2003, then continued upward to take the position of chancellor of the University System of Florida.

Since Brogan took the reins of Floridas university system, enrollment increased by 7 percent, the number of degrees produced went up 12 percent and Florida saw record high attainment in graduation rates, national rankings and research.

His work in Florida gathered a great deal of praise across the state.

"Florida's education system has benefited from his hard work and his commitment to providing every Florida child with a quality education," said Gov. Rick Scott. "His service will be greatly missed by education leaders throughout the state. I have no doubt, however, that he will continue working to provide families with more opportunities, so they can live their version of the American dream."

"The Florida Council of 100 would like to offer our sincere thanks to Frank for all the years of public service he has given to the state of Florida, wrote the Florida Council of 100 in a statement released Wednesday. Frank has served effectively and enthusiastically in many key leadership roles in our state, and he will be genuinely missed.

Brogan is the second high-ranking Florida education official to leave office in a week, raising questions about the future of Floridas education system. But as Brogan departs, he seems to believe the state is still headed in the right direction.

Floridas university system is on a clear path toward greater prominence and relevance thanks to the support and dedication of the Board of Governors, university leaders, faculty and staff, Brogan said. It's never easy to leave a place you love, but it is so much easier knowing that Florida is poised for a bright future."

Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen at allison@sunshinestatenews.com.

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