Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education approved the appointments of Zack Smith and Adam Kissel to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, but not without questions and objections from Sen. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville). The Heritage Foundation-connected appointees face Sen. Don Gaetz’s Ethics and Elections Committee on Monday, March 2.
Zack Smith: Heritage Foundation Ties Draw Scrutiny
Zack Smith, a Heritage Foundation attorney, opened his testimony by touting the university’s recent momentum — record enrollment, a groundbreaking for a new stadium, and expanded military and nursing programs.
- “As someone whose dad graduated from the University of West Florida, as someone who’s had the privilege of teaching at the University of West Florida, it’s been an honor to serve on the UWF Board of Trustees,” Smith said.
Day Job Problem: But it was his day job that drew pointed questions from Sen. Davis, who pressed Smith on his role in developing Project 2025 — the Heritage Foundation-backed policy blueprint for the Trump administration.
- Smith acknowledged his involvement: “I am, as an interpreter, yes ma’am.”
Davis zeroed in on two specific Project 2025 positions — the privatization of student loans and the elimination of Title IX protections for LGBTQ students and women. Smith deflected on the loans question, saying only that he supports “students taking advantage of any resources available to them.” On Title IX, he pledged that “everyone should be treated equally when they’re seeking educational opportunities at the University of West Florida.”
Duelling Boards: Committee Chair Sen. Gayle Harrell also questioned whether Smith’s simultaneous service on the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees — confirmed by this same committee last spring — would create a conflict of interest, given the overlap in nursing and workforce programs between the two institutions.
- Smith dismissed the concern, arguing the schools “tend to serve different student populations” and noting that dual board service is not uncommon around the state.
Davis remained unconvinced. “I’m just really uncomfortable with this confirmation as it relates to the connection with the Heritage Foundation,” she said before casting the lone no vote. “I would hope that he would have the gumption to ensure that there’s a safe and inclusive campus for all students.”
Smith was approved — with Sen. Davis as the lone “No” vote — and will advance to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Kissel Returns After Last Year’s Failed Confirmation
Adam Kissel’s reappointment carried more history. The committee declined to confirm him last year over statements he made about privatizing public universities and his writings on accreditation and the GI Bill. He was subsequently confirmed in a different committee setting.
- This time, Kissel came prepared to defend his record, rattling off a list of accomplishments during his first year on the board — including leading UWF to adopt an institutional neutrality policy, pushing for a FIRE “green light” free speech rating, and championing accreditation reform to allow students to transfer credits from any recognized institution.
“The University of West Florida is stronger than ever,” Kissel said, also crediting Smith and former Chair Rebecca Matthews for landing new President Manny Diaz.
GI Bill: Davis revisited the GI Bill controversy, referencing statements attributed to Kissel in which he allegedly called funding the GI Bill “one of the worst mistakes.” Kissel pushed back hard.
- “Those words were not my words at all,” he said. “The critics who fed those lines that made it into your briefing book — those critics are grossly misinformed about history.” He explained the article in question was actually about how the original GI Bill created an opening for fraudulent colleges to exploit veterans, prompting the expanded accreditation system.
Davis pressed him to go on record: “I just want to make sure I hear you say that you did not say or are not in agreement with the statement that funding the GI Bill was one of the worst mistakes.”
Kissel obliged: “You are totally correct. That was a complete misrepresentation. I have the opposite view.”
Davis voted no regardless, urging the committee to “vote him down again” as it had the previous year. The rest of the committee disagreed, approving Kissel’s reappointment.
Both men will now head to the full Ethics and Elections Committee for final confirmation.
DeSantis Whipping Up Votes
Breaking News: Gov. Ron DeSantis has won Senate President Ben Albritton’s support of Kissel and Smith. Even if the Ethics and Elections Committee rejects the pair, the appointments will brought to the Senate floor for a vote. Their approvals appeared to be done deals.
