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Senate committee approves block confirmations for 16 higher‑education trustees
Summary
The Florida Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee recommended confirmation of 16 nominees to college and university boards in a single block vote after brief oral introductions; the committee advanced the group to the Ethics and Elections Committee by recorded roll call.
The Florida Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee on March 1 recommended confirmation of 16 nominees to college and university boards after hearing brief oral introductions from each nominee and then taking a single block vote.
The confirmations, taken together by motion of Senator Burgess and a second, were advanced to the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee by roll call. Chair Harrell called the roll, and the senators present voted to move the slate forward.
The nominees who presented in person or via remote connection described their backgrounds and priorities in three minutes each. Nominees included Ernest Ellison and Emery Gainey, both for the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees; Carlos Duarte, Alberto Tano, Jesus LaBena and George Thomas for Florida International University; Ronald Cristaldi for New College of Florida; Jonathan Satter for Florida Atlantic University; Richard Cole for the University of Florida; and trustees or trustees‑appointees for Pasco Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College and others. Several nominees emphasized workforce connections, community engagement and improving student access to degrees and credentials.
The committee followed its established procedure: nominees were sworn in individually, spoke to the committee, and answered brief clarifying questions when asked. No senator moved to hear confirmations individually; the committee proceeded to the block recommendation.
Votes at a glance: Senator Burgess moved to recommend confirmation of appointees on tabs 3 through 18; a roll call recorded affirmative votes from Senators Burgess, Kalatiud, Davis, Leake, Smith, Trumbull, Vice Chair Bradley and Chair Harrell. The motion was reported favorably and the slate was sent to Ethics and Elections for final consideration.
The committee chair said more nominees will be heard at a subsequent committee meeting.
