‘He fought the good fight. His legacy will continue on for generations,’ one colleague said.
Watch: Interview with Florida State University President John Thrasher
FSU President John Thrasher speaks about conference realignment, the state of Seminoles football, Bobby Bowden, Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart and more
Andre C. Fernandez, Tallahassee Democrat
John Thrasher – a towering figure in Florida politics and higher education whose decades of public service left a lasting imprint on the state – has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced May 30. He was 81.
Thrasher, a longtime Republican who came to power when the GOP began its takeover of state government in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was Florida House speaker and a state senator. He was a partner with The Southern Group, the lobbying firm he helped found, 2001-09 before being elected to the Senate.
Thrasher served in the House from 1992 to 2000, the final two years as speaker. He was chair of the Senate Rules Committee and chaired former Gov. Rick Scott’s reelection campaign. Thrasher was nominated for the FSU presidency by Sandy D’Alemberte, a Democrat who was president of the university 1994–2003. He was president 2014–21.
He was president during the November 2014 shooting on the school’s Tallahassee campus. A gunman went into the university’s Strozier Library just after midnight and opened fire, injuring three before he was quickly shot and killed in a hail of bullets by Tallahassee and FSU police.
Thrasher rejoined The Southern Group after retiring from FSU. He was later replaced by current President Richard McCullough. In retirement, Thrasher – a lawyer by training – also was listed as a professor at Florida State’s College of Law.
“Thrasher earned his bachelor’s degree in business from FSU in 1965,” his FSU Law bio says. “After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal in Germany and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged as a captain in 1970, Thrasher returned to FSU, earning his law degree with honors in 1972.”
Calling him “a truly great Floridian,” McCullough said in a statement that “John’s love for Florida State University was truly inspiring. As an alumnus, legislator, trustee, and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU’s national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence, and research.
“… We feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him, and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course, or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm,” he added. “His legacy will live on in the spirit of Florida State and in the lives of all those he touched.”
Thrasher named Tallahassee Democrat’s 2015 Person of the Year
For a story when the Democrat named him Person of the Year for 2015, the newspaper said no other nominee for the honor “faced such daunting challenges and met them with such tenacity, integrity and success.”
Here’s more from that story:
“Not an academic — as was the top advertised requirement for the job — Thrasher, 72, surrounded himself with people who were and got out of their way. He answered the faculty’s longtime call for market equity raises to recognize their value and enable FSU to compete for talent with other top-notch institutions.
“He publicly condemned bad conduct by members of FSU’s lauded football team and championed better ways to support victims of sexual violence in the wake of the Jameis Winston rape allegation — all the while facing excoriating criticism by national media outlets.
“He boldly differed with members of his political party in opposing the current push to allow guns on campuses.
“He connected with students and every-day employees just as he did as one of the Florida Legislature’s most powerful leaders – by listening and taking the time to know them by name.
“Then there was the $100 million donation he secured from the family of businessman Jim Moran to create a brand new college devoted to interdisciplinary entrepreneurialism. The enormous, unprecedented gift stands to change the face of FSU and Tallahassee for years to come.
“Amid the tumult of his choice as president, former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz wrote in an October 2014 Tallahassee Democrat column: ‘My prediction is that, years from now, even some of the critics will be proud to say they attended or taught at Florida State University during the glory days of John Thrasher’s presidency.’
“During an interview … Gaetz, who considers Thrasher one of his closest friends, recalled his words a year (prior). ‘I’m glad, of all the predictions we politicians make, I was right about this one,’ he said. “I knew I’d be.’ ”
In an exit interview with the Tallahassee Democrat after retiring from FSU, Thrasher said he hoped his legacy would be one of student success.
“I came from a pretty poor background. I was the first person in my family to not only go to college, but the first person in my family to graduate from high school. Education comes to me as an extraordinarily important thing,” he said.
“When some student comes to Florida State University, my job is to make sure they get the best chance they can to achieve their hopes and dreams and go out and make a difference in the world.”
Statement from the Thrasher family
“It is with great sadness that the family of former Florida State University President John Thrasher, 81, shares notice of his passing.
“President Thrasher, who also served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and as a member of the Florida Senate, passed away this morning (May 30), surrounded by his family in Orlando, Fla.
“A private burial has been planned in Orange Park, Fla., with a celebration of his life to be held at Florida State University’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee, Fla., on the 19th of August.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits, and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and Cornerstone Hospice.”
Condolences come in over social media
“My Speaker, my President, my boss, my mentor, my friend. John Thrasher – enter into your well deserved rest.” —Kathy Mears, current Assistant Florida Agriculture Commissioner, former government-relations director to Thrasher at FSU.
“The Senate was just notified by the Thrasher family that our beloved friend and former colleague, Senator John Thrasher, has gone home to be with the Lord. Our prayers are with Jean and the entire family.” —Florida Senate X account.
“Katie and I are heartbroken by the passing of former FSU President John Thrasher — a statesman, veteran, and true leader. John was a champion for FSU and served Florida and his country with honor. His legacy of service and commitment to education will live on for generations. Our prayers are with his wife Jean and their family. RIP” —Former Florida CFO and now U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis.
“Casey and I are sad to learn that John Thrasher has passed away. John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family.” —Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of John Thrasher—a dedicated public servant, passionate leader, and proud Seminole. His legacy at Florida State University and across the state of Florida will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” —First Lady Casey DeSantis.
“John Thrasher made a huge impact on the @FloridaGOP over the years, from his time in public office to his willingness to step in and Chair the party during a difficult time. Florida is better for his service. My families prayers go out to the Thrasher family.” —Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power.
“It has been an honor for myself, along with our team, to serve John Thrasher. Matthew 25:23 – ‘His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ” —Bascom Communications in Tallahassee.
“My heart is saddened to hear about the passing of an incredible statesman, John Thrasher. While we cheered for different teams, politically and collegially, he never let that impact our friendship. He was a great leader, true public servant and a terrific human being.” —Former Agriculture Commissioner and now Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried.
“Florida lost a good one today. When I was first elected, former Sen. & FSU President John Thrasher gave me a tour of campus and shared advice I’ll never forget: “The Senate is where the grownups sit and negotiate — so be one of the grownups in the room and go do good.” A true statesman, and a good man. Rest well, sir.” —State Sen. Shevrin Jones.
“The Lion of the Senate has passed. John Thrasher was a great mentor and friend. He fought the good fight. His legacy will continue on for generations.” —Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
“@FLSenate President. Speaker of the House. @FloridaGOP Chairman. President of @FloridaState. I doubt we will ever see a career like John Thrasher’s again. Rest in peace my friend. Job well done.” —State Sen. and former Florida GOP chair Blaise Ingoglia.
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Florida Speaker of the House and FSU President, John Thrasher. John’s incredible leadership touched many throughout our state. Floridians will feel the impact of his service for many years to come. Join me in praying for his family during this time and remembering his commitment to pushing Florida forward. It was truly a life well lived.” —Former Florida Attorney General and now U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.
“John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through. We take comfort in the truth that John loved the Lord and is at this moment rejoicing with him in paradise.” —Florida Senate President Ben Albritton.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of one of Florida’s most transformative leaders. Our firm would not be where it is today without John’s relentless drive and vision. While we will miss his presence every day, we are committed to continuing his legacy.” —Paul Bradshaw, founder and chairman of The Southern Group.
This story contains previously published material. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL.
