Photo courtesy Florida House: State Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch.

Some college president searches bring extraordinary attention (think New College of Florida). Others receive almost no attention. The search for Carol Probstfeld’s successor as president at State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee definitely falls into the latter. But a development this week could change that. 

The college announced three finalists for SCF’s next president, including state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch. It’s in some senses an unconventional choice, and in another way exactly what we’ve come to expect in the Sunshine State.

Now, there’s two more standard choices: Martyn Clay, Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus president, and Anthony Iacono, president of New Jersey-based County College of Morris. Both have experience working the community college system in Florida or in other states. 

Speaking to Gregory, he made clear he takes the competition seriously. He also dismisses any idea his political connections played a role in making the finalist list. “I think people would only have that criticism if they didn’t know everything in my background,” Gregory said.

Gregory publicized his 20-year military career during campaigns, but as he competes for a college administration job, he talked up the education aspect of his time on duty. Most relevant, he served as general counsel for the Air Mobility Warfare Center, an education institution in the armed forces. Gregory served as a course director or and was an instructor for seven other courses. He was also a JAG officer, and said that involved education the enlisted on a number of legal issues.

“I’m just honored to be considered for this position,” Gregory told me. “Serving as president of State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota is a very important role because of the service the college provides to community, both for students and as the economic engine of the community, to give a workforce and talent pipeline that businesses in Sarasota, Manatee and surrounding counties depend on.”

But one can’t quite shake the idea there’s more at play than a sudden interest by a lawmaker in becoming a college president, which takes us back to New College.

That presidential transition drew national attention for being so highly politicized. A new set of trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived and promptly fired President Patricia Okker. A lobbying firm signaled Richard Corcoran, a former Florida Education Commissioner and state House Speaker, would be interim president before Okker was even shown the door. Over coming months, the university went through every step in its formal search process in full public view, but it always felt Corcoran’s hire was a fait accompli.

A search that gained less attention happened at a South Florida State College, when a search with finalists in hand was effectively rebooted. As every prior finalist withdrew, the college dropped a requirement of a doctorate, then state Rep. Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, was announced as the lone finalist for the job.

Such upheaval certainly hasn’t been part of the search at SCF. Probstfeld announced her retirement after more than a decade on the job. Gregory, for what it’s worth, has a juris doctorate. Gregory acknowledged being nominated for the job, but already had interest. He declined to say if anyone urged him to apply. 

Time will tell if he’s fast-tracked into the job. Of course, it’s not terrible to have a lawmaker as college president, or unprecedented. Probstfeld was preceded as SCF president by former state Rep. Lars Hefner. And Corcoran, while remaining controversial among students and faculty, has demonstrated the financial boon possible for an institution when a president has a deep understanding of the state appropriations process and rolodex of friends in Tallahassee.

We’ll see where the process goes from here. There’s undoubtedly been an effort in recent years to put conservative leaders in head roles in higher education. If Gregory lands this gig, he would qualify. From there, we’ll just have to see what happens next.

Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor for SRQ MEDIA.

Photo courtesy Florida House: State Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch.