Subcommittee advances block of higher-education trustee appointments; Rudman opposed

The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee took up and advanced a large block of governor-appointed trustees for Florida colleges and universities. After public testimony and individual statements from many nominees, the committee approved the block by roll call and sent the names to the Ethics and Elections Committee, with two exceptions handled separately: Dr. Joel Rudman (Pensacola State College) received a negative recommendation after debate and public testimony, and Charles Kessler (New College of Florida) was reported favorably on a separate roll call.

The subcommittee heard in-person and remote testimony from nominees and local supporters across multiple institutions. Nominees who gave statements included Monisha Brown (Tallahassee State College), John Davis (Valencia College), Sarah Mackey (New College of Florida), Robbie Robstorff (Florida Gulf Coast University), Charbel Barakat (University of South Florida), Sherry Murphy (Florida Atlantic University), John Harrison (Florida Atlantic University), Scott McClanahan (Florida Atlantic University), Robert Lloyd (Daytona State College), Lawrence Antonucci (Florida Gulf Coast University), Jill Davis (University of North Florida), Charise Stewart (St. Johns River State College), Michael Barnett (Palm Beach State College), Tara Ezell (Santa Fe College), W.J. Sapp (St. Johns River State College), Neli Lipoli (Daytona State College), Randall Dye (Daytona State College), Joseph McClanahan (Florida Atlantic University), and others. Many of the nominees described local ties, prior service and plans for workforce and student success initiatives.

Public commenters addressed several nominations. Christopher Tingle spoke in support of Dr. Rudman. Another speaker, Romney White, testified against Dr. Rudman and described personal concerns and allegations she said were supported by an affidavit; she urged the committee to deny his confirmation. Senators debated whether Rudman’s prior remarks (made publicly before the hearing) — in which he said he might “give names” if opponents “come after” him at a confirmation hearing — created an appearance of trying to influence the Senate’s consideration. Senator Smith and Senator Leake said those comments effectively threatened or attempted to influence the committee; both said they would vote no on the confirmation. Senator Burgess and others said deciding the issue was difficult but ultimately agreed the comments boxed the committee and led them to vote no.

The committee conducted a block vote, excluding nominees that members asked to consider separately. Senators recorded a favorable recommendation for the block (those names will proceed to the Ethics and Elections Committee). The committee then took individual roll-call votes on the two separated nominees:

- Dr. Joel Rudman (Pensacola State College) — Negative recommendation to Ethics and Elections. Recorded roll-call on the motion: Senator Burgess — no; Senator Kalatiued — no; Senator Davis — no; Senator Leake — no; Senator Smith — no; Vice Chair Bradley — no; Chair Harrell — no. The committee’s negative recommendation will be reported to Ethics and Elections.

- Charles Kessler (New College of Florida) — Favorable recommendation to Ethics and Elections. Recorded roll-call: Senator Burgess — yes; Senator Collodiude — yes; Senator Davis — no; Senator Leake — yes; Senator Smith — no; Vice Chair Bradley — yes; Chair Harrell — yes.

The committee clerk noted one nominee, Lloyd Freckleton (Daytona State College), was not available at the hearing; the committee deferred consideration of that appointment and will follow presidential office direction on whether to schedule another hearing.

Committee staff said they would forward the favorable and negative recommendations and supporting hearing records to the next committee for consideration. Where nominees described college plans and local partnerships, many emphasized workforce training, student access and aligning programs with local employer needs as priorities.