In less than four months, Ron DeSantis, the right-wing governor of Florida, will step down from his position. However, the criticisms of his eight years of relentless efforts to undermine higher education in the state will continue. DeSantis, known as an anti-'woke' figure, has embedded his ideology into higher education institutions by placing his closest allies in top university positions.
Continuing DeSantis's Influence in Universities
As DeSantis approaches the end of his term, he is working to ensure that his ideological changes in universities continue. His appointed candidates, mostly from his close loyalists, are currently serving in key positions at universities and colleges. One of the latest cases is Alex Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to DeSantis and Florida's Secretary of Commerce, who has been introduced as the sole finalist in the search for the presidency of Pensacola State College. This selection marks the twelfth instance of DeSantis's closest associates achieving such a position.
The Future of Higher Education in Florida
Although DeSantis's era is coming to an end, he has demonstrated how to intertwine politics with higher education by creating an ideological structure in universities. This move will not only impact the state of higher education in Florida but could also serve as a model for other states. Will these changes benefit students and universities, or conversely, lead to a weakening of academic independence?
