Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly Named Sole Finalist for Pensacola State College President
Pensacola State College has selected Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, an appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis, as the sole finalist for its next president, continuing a pattern of political figures taking leadership roles at Florida's colleges.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 31, 2026 — Pensacola State College has identified J. Alex Kelly, Florida’s current Secretary of Commerce, as the sole finalist for the institution’s next president. Kelly was appointed to his current state role by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The selection of Kelly by Pensacola State College continues a notable trend observed within Florida’s higher education system, where individuals with backgrounds in politics and government have increasingly been appointed to lead state colleges.
The specific timeline for the final decision-making process, including the effective date of the new presidency or any potential transition period, was not immediately available. Details regarding the search committee’s deliberations or the number of initial applicants were also not provided in the summary of the trend.
As Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly oversees the state’s economic development initiatives. His appointment as the sole finalist for the presidency of Pensacola State College places him in a prominent leadership position within the community college system. The pattern of political figures assuming presidencies at Florida colleges is a recurring theme, reflecting a broader shift in the recruitment and selection of academic leadership.
Further information regarding the college’s selection process and the next steps for J. Alex Kelly’s potential appointment is anticipated to be released by Pensacola State College.
Story summarized from the original created by By Lucy Marques, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
