Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., now considering a third try for the presidency, will be headed to the First Coast in April to keynote a graduation ceremony.
Jacksonville University (JU) announced on Wednesday that Romney will give the commencement address and receive an honorary degree at the April 25 ceremony.
We are delighted to offer our students the opportunity to hear from one of the leading figures in industry and public service of the past three decades, said JU President Tim Cost. Gov. Romney has established an outstanding track record of accomplishments, and is sure to offer insight and inspiration to our campus community.
In recent weeks, Romney has raised his profile and has expressed being open to a third presidential bid. While he did not win Florida in the general election against President Barack Obama, Romney carried the Sunshine State in the Republican primary during the 2012 election, effectively ending the momentum of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., after he won the South Carolina primary. Back in 2008, Romney placed second behind U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in the Florida presidential primary.
Romney could have more competition in 2016. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., announced last month that he is exploring running for the Republican presidential nomination and, earlier this month, launched the Right to Rise PAC to further that goal. Currently touring the nation to market his new book, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has opened the door to a presidential campaign. U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who had been Romneys running mate back in 2012, announced earlier this month that he would not run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
Over the years, JU has focused on bringing political leaders to the First Coast, including President Gerald Ford after his White House tenure, President Lyndon Johnson during his days as John F. Kennedys vice president, U.S. Secretaries of State Dean Rusk and Colin Powell and third party presidential hopeful Ross Perot.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
