The deadline to apply to be Pensacola State College’s next president is fast approaching, Jult 31. After reviewing the post’s job requirements, I think many of us qualify, including me. Here’s the first draft of my application letter.
You can apply online here.
July 29, 2026
Pensacola State College Search Committee
c/o Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting
Subject: Application for President of Pensacola State College
Dear Search Committee,
I am writing to formally throw my hat into the ring for the presidency of Pensacola State College, a position for which I am, by the letter of your job posting, spectacularly overqualified and, by its spirit, perhaps exactly what you are looking for in the college’s next leader.
Per your listing, a bachelor’s degree “or equivalent work experience” will suffice. I possess a bachelor’s degree, twenty-five-plus years of equivalent work experience, and a filing cabinet full of public records requests that I believe count double.
You require executive leadership experience in higher-ed, business, the military, or state/federal government. I have run an independent news operation since 1999, which I am told is technically a business, occasionally feels like a war, and has never once been mistaken for a functioning government agency though I’ve covered plenty that qualify.
On your two non-negotiables, I believe I am uniquely positioned:
State education policy experience: I have read more PSC board minutes, FLDOE press releases, and Tallahassee budget riders than any sane person should admit to in a cover letter. I once stayed awake through an entire Senate Ethics and Elections Committee meeting. I have thoroughly covered the state’s voucher system and the boards of trustees for Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida.
State budgetary process experience: I have covered more millage-rate standoffs than I care to count and can explain a TRIM notice to a room of confused retirees without anyone crying. That has to be worth something. I also reported on how Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier diverted $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to political committees.
I am prepared to submit my letter, résumé, and three references by your generous July 31 deadline. However, my references may be on vacation, following UWF President Manny Diaz’s example of taking July off to explore Alaska.
Should the committee already have a preferred candidate in mind whose résumé runs through the Department of Education, the Florida Legislature or Gov. Ron DeSantis’ donor list, I understand completely and will not take it personally. I would, however, appreciate an exit interview. On the record.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Outzen
Publisher, Inweekly
Creator of Rick’s Blog
Host, Rick’s Blog Live and We Don’t Color on the Dog
Professional Asker of Uncomfortable Questions
P.S. — I already know where all the bodies are buried, and unlike Diaz, I will show up for work before 11 a.m. Both are worth extra credit.
Rick for President!
Nailed it!
Go for it Rick! You would be an interesting pick and probably have more institutional knowledge, after covering PSC for decades, than many staff possess