Senate committee rejects UWF trustee by 5-4 vote

I'm your huckleberry

The Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections this morning held a confirmation hearing for University of West Florida Trustee Adam Kissel. The panel rejected the West Virginia resident by a 5-4 vote, effectively ending his chances to be confirmed by the Florida Senate.

His Testimony

Kissel opened by highlighting his Florida roots, noting his family’s nearly 40-year history in the state and his 1990 graduation as valedictorian from Countryside High School. He emphasized his professional experience in higher education, including positions at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the Charles Koch Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education during President Trump’s first term.

During questioning, Kissel faced scrutiny over his views on public university funding. Committee Chair Senator Don Gaetz referenced Kissel’s previous writings advocating for the privatization of public universities, asking whether he still maintained those positions. Kissel characterized these views as long-term libertarian ideals while asserting they don’t conflict with supporting increased funding for UWF in the near term.

Senator Tina Polsky questioned Kissel about free speech, academic freedom, and his connections to the Heritage Foundation, particularly regarding Project 2025. Kissel clarified that while he agrees with the education chapter’s content, he wasn’t an author of the project.

Senator Daryl Rouson inquired about Kissel’s experience with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to which Kissel responded that UWF could emulate HBCUs’ success in STEM education.

Throughout the hearing, Kissel highlighted his commitment to improving UWF’s graduation rates, enhancing free speech protections, and leveraging his national donor network to benefit the university.

Save UWF

Two former University of West Florida leaders expressed strong concerns about Kissel.

Suzanne Lewis, who served 14 years as a trustee, including four years as board chair, questioned whether Kissel could properly learn about “the community, the commitment, the faculty, the staff” to effectively serve.

She emphasized the board takes over 100 actions annually affecting academic programs, accreditation, and budgets, stressing these decisions should be “not ideologically based, but what is best for the broader community.”

Dr. Judith Bense, UWF President Emeritus, focused on the issue of trust. She expressed that the UWF community struggles to trust Kissel regarding funding and university operations. Unlike previous trustees who “worked their way up through the system,” Bense noted Kissel lacks institutional knowledge.

Bense pointed out the university community had been told to “buckle up” for changes, suggesting an “ideological conservative position is being imposed” on the institution. She concluded that Kissel “is not a good fit and should not be a University of West Florida trustee.”

Committee Discussion

After the public comments, the senator discussed Kissell and how they would vote.

Senator Tina Polsky kept her remarks concise, stating she would honor the request from UWF representatives while echoing sentiments about trust expressed by a former president.

Senator Erin Grall strongly supported Kissel’s nomination, arguing that his transparency about his opinions was an asset rather than a liability. She emphasized that Kissel’s openness allows for constructive dialogue among board members and noted his expertise on accreditation issues would be valuable to the university.

Senator Jay Collins aligned with Grall’s position, emphasizing that effective boards benefit from diverse perspectives rather than homogeneous thinking. Collins suggested that Kissel’s unique skillset would help “fill gaps” on the board and contribute to the university’s growth and development.

The final vote was 5-4 against Kissel.

“By your vote, Mr. Kissel is not confirmed and his name will not be forwarded to the Senat,” said Sen. Gaetz before adjourning. “We thank all of you for attending.”

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Senate committee rejects UWF trustee by 5-4 vote

His Testimony

Save UWF

Committee Discussion

Rules for Comments

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