Senate hearing examines Adam Kissel's controversial views on public university funding

A heated discussion on the future of public higher education in Florida unfolded during the Committee on Ethics and Elections meeting on April 22, 2025. Central to the debate was Adam Kissel, a nominee for the Board of Trustees at the University of West Florida, who faced intense scrutiny over his previous statements advocating for the privatization of public universities.

Kissel, a self-identified libertarian, reiterated his belief that the long-term goal should be to reduce government involvement in higher education. He argued that if universities could thrive independently, they should be allowed to do so without taxpayer support. "If a university gets so good that it can survive on its own without taxpayer money... let's make the university financially stable," he stated, suggesting a radical shift in funding models.

Senator Gates challenged Kissel on his past writings, which suggested that states could save over $126 billion annually by ceasing to fund public colleges. Gates pressed Kissel on whether he still believed that public universities should be defunded, to which Kissel responded, "I have not changed my mind." He maintained that while his views may seem politically infeasible now, they reflect a long-term vision for higher education.

The meeting also featured testimonies from community members, including Ray Jones, who praised the University of West Florida for its integrity and commitment to education. Jones expressed concern over Kissel's stance on veterans' programs and the potential impact on the university's mission.

As the committee prepares to vote on Kissel's nomination, the discussions highlight a significant divide over the future of public education funding in Florida. The outcome could set a precedent for how higher education is approached in the state, with implications for students, faculty, and the broader community. The committee is expected to make a decision soon, with many watching closely to see how this pivotal moment will shape the landscape of higher education in Florida.