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Explore the John Thrasher Tribute website.

John Thrasher, who propelled his cherished alma mater to new heights as Florida State University’s 15th president following a distinguished tenure in law and civic service, will be revered for his unwavering leadership, compassionate spirit, and steadfast faith.

Thrasher, 81, passed away on Friday, May 30.

A decorated U.S. Army veteran, a titan in Florida politics, and lifelong FSU Seminole, Thrasher held the presidency at FSU from 2014 to 2021. His tenure signified an era of unprecedented progress for the university, including a rise to No. 18 among public universities in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, a successful $1.16 billion fundraising initiative, and significant advances in academic achievement, student success, and research.

“John’s passion for Florida State University was genuinely uplifting,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “As an alumnus, lawmaker, trustee, and president, he dedicated his life to enhancing FSU’s national standing and assisting the university in achieving new heights in student success, academic distinction, and research. Jai and I feel incredibly privileged and thankful to have known him and will always treasure the moments we shared at university gatherings, on the golf course or over a meal. John had an extraordinary capacity to unite individuals with his warmth, humor, and undeniable charm.”

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 18, 1943, Thrasher was brought up in Jacksonville. He joined FSU in 1961 as a 17-year-old freshman and was the first in his family to complete high school and pursue college. He met Jean during a summer break, and they wed in 1964 during his final year of college. He claimed he received his best grades that year.

After obtaining his business degree in 1965, he served in the U.S. Army, earning the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. Subsequently, he returned to Florida State to acquire a law degree in 1972.

His professional journey covered law, government, and education. For two decades, he acted as general counsel to the Florida Medical Association and co-founded The Southern Group, a well-known governmental relations firm. Thrasher’s political journey began with the Clay County School Board and progressed in the Florida House of Representatives, where he was unanimously elected Speaker in 1998.

While serving in the Legislature, he played a pivotal role in enacting the legislation that founded the FSU College of Medicine — which, at that time, represented the nation’s first new medical school in 20 years. A building at the college bears his name.

He later served in the Florida Senate and led the Republican Party of Florida. In higher education, he was appointed the inaugural chair of FSU’s Board of Trustees in 2001 and remained on the board until 2006.

Thrasher assumed the presidency of FSU in 2014 at age 70, describing his position as his “dream job.” Under his guidance, the university made significant investments in initiatives focused on student success, saw an increase in graduate enrollments, and reached historic milestones in faculty hiring, research funding, and national acclaim.

Ed Burr, former FSU Board of Trustees member, remarked that Thrasher’s impact would resonate for generations.

“President Thrasher was an extraordinary individual and an exceptional leader,” Burr stated. “He cherished Florida State University and made a remarkable positive influence on the entire FSU community.”

Having parents with only an eighth-grade education, Thrasher recognized the transformative potential of education, and as president, he promoted initiatives aimed at student success throughout the university. These efforts yielded unparalleled graduation and retention rates for FSU, placing it among the Top 15 public universities in the nation.

Thrasher was especially fervent about supporting first-generation students and aimed to bridge the gaps in graduation and retention rates among undergraduates, including Pell Grant recipients and those being the first in their families to pursue higher education. He allocated funding to increase over 100 new placements in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement program, which has gained national recognition for its contribution to FSU’s success in graduating underrepresented students.

Prospective students and their families took note of FSU’s rising reputation along with its affordable pricing — and applications for admission of first-year students doubled during Thrasher’s administration.

Under Thrasher’s leadership, the university successfully launched Raise the Torch: The Campaign for Florida State — its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date. This campaign was prominently highlighted by a $100 million donation from Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation — the largest single contribution in university history — aimed at establishing what is now the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. The funds raised during the campaign also created or enhanced more than 1,300 student scholarships and supported nearly 100 professorships.

The university underwent significant physical transformation during Thrasher’s presidency, and he frequently expressed his desire to never see the sun set without a crane on the campus skyline. Throughout his time, FSU initiated the process of securing essential legislative funding for Legacy Hall, the upcoming home of the College of Business; broke ground on the new Student Union and the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building (IRCB); acquired legislative backing for and celebrated the opening of the Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science Building; and commemorated the launch of four new residential halls, the Black Student Union, and the newly renovated Seminole Legacy Golf Course — the first Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course in North America.

“John Thrasher embodied
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servant leadership — steadfast integrity, empathy, and an immense dedication to the university he cherished so profoundly,” stated Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Kyle Clark, who was part of Thrasher’s cabinet throughout his presidency. “He prioritized personal connections above everything else. He was more than merely a president; he acted as a guide and a companion to countless individuals. We will long for his joyful demeanor, his genuine laughter, and the generosity he showed to everyone.”

Thrasher’s spirituality was a subtle yet persistent influence in his existence. He frequently contemplated his modest origins and attributed his accomplishments to three elements: God, Jean, and Florida State. He was deeply moved by the principles of humility, equity, and kindness — values that molded his conviction in aiding others.

In his role as FSU president, the aspect he relished the most was the time spent with students. He and Jean treasured the bonds they formed with students over the years and took pride in witnessing them realize their aspirations of obtaining a Florida State degree. He particularly enjoyed engaging with students about matters that mattered to them, serving ice cream at the yearly President’s Ice Cream Social, snapping selfies at Westcott Plaza, and shaking hands with graduates during commencement.

FSU Provost Jim Clark, who held the position of dean of the College of Social Work during Thrasher’s administration, characterized him as a leader who infused passion into every choice and never overlooked the students who were the core of it all.

“John led with compassion, warmth, and humor,” the provost remarked. “He ensured everyone in the FSU community felt acknowledged and appreciated, and the university community relied on his consistent presence during both joyous and challenging times. We learned immensely from simply observing his model of genuine, reflective, and caring leadership.”

Thrasher truly cared for individuals. He had a talent for making people comfortable and ensuring everyone felt valued, regardless of their position. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a quip. Even those who had differing opinions were won over by his receptiveness and openness to considering various perspectives.

Throughout the years, Thrasher garnered several awards in acknowledgment of his leadership and dedication. Among the many accolades, he was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017 and the FSU College of Business Hall of Fame in 2016. He received the Tallahassee Urban League Legend Award and was named the Tallahassee Democrat’s Person of the Year in 2015.

At Thrasher’s retirement event in 2021, former FSU Board of Trustees Chair Allan Bense, who guided the board during the search that concluded with Thrasher’s appointment, offered this honor:

“You will be remembered among the finest of those who have guided this university,” Bense said. “Your legacy will be one of tremendous impact. It will be recognized for its fairness, respect for faculty, staff, students, and a deep veneration for the traditions of this esteemed university above all. But mainly, you will be celebrated for your humility.”

In a message to the FSU community upon his retirement, Thrasher shared his appreciation for the chance to serve and pride in the culture of excellence the university had fostered. He was pleased with the strong groundwork his leadership team had established alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

After stepping down, Thrasher returned to The Southern Group. He also remained a dynamic participant in the FSU community, serving on the faculty of the College of Law and the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, frequently guest lecturing in classes throughout the campus.

Florida State University honored Thrasher’s legacy in 2022 with the unveiling of his portrait, now displayed in the Westcott Building, home to the Office of the President. In 2023, the university placed a bronze statue of Thrasher at Westcott Plaza, capturing him at his best — smiling and greeting new graduates.

During the statue unveiling, Thrasher reflected on the influence FSU had on his own life.

“This is a transformative place,” he said. “It altered my life, and I am certain it has transformed the lives of countless students who have been here and will continue to arrive.”

Thrasher is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, affectionately known to many students as GiGi; their children, Jennifer Jordan (Don), Jon (Millie) Thrasher, and Julie (Mark) Weinberg; and eight grandchildren — Ashley Williamson (Matt), Will Jordan; Mason, Merritt, and Maddox Weinberg; Walker, Rebecca, and Jacob Thrasher.

A private interment has been arranged in Orange Park, Florida, and a celebration of life is scheduled for August 19 at Florida State University’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

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