PBºN Episode - 58

Written By Live Digital Box

Summary

Adam Hner, the newly appointed President of Florida Atlantic University (FAU), discusses his background, vision for FAU, and experiences during his first seven months in office. A Palm Beach County native with deep roots in public service, Hner emphasizes his passion for community and education, stemming from his parents being public school educators. He outlines his strategic vision for elevating FAU's brand to match the prestige of the South Florida region, leveraging geographic advantages, and fostering strong community engagement. Hner highlights FAU's rapid growth, particularly in research and student competitiveness, and the critical role of athletics in building school spirit and national profile. He also discusses his advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, focusing on securing funding for key projects like the Interdisciplinary Health Services Building and the Florida Israel Institute. Hner describes his leadership style as high-energy, servant-oriented, and focused on empowering staff and faculty. His personal life includes a love for country music and his wife Jillian, who will soon be the "First Lady of FAU" and will implement a mentoring program for students. He envisions FAU as an engine of social mobility, preparing students for future challenges and making it the region's "hometown university."

Key topics

  • Adam Hner's Background:

    • Palm Beach County native, grew up in North Palm Beach/Palm Beach Gardens.

    • Parents were public school educators; father later joined family construction business.

    • Early involvement in public service: volunteered for Congressman Tom Lewis, Senate page in Tallahassee (15-17 years old).

    • Attended University of Maryland, interned on Capitol Hill.

    • Graduated law school, worked in healthcare (mergers and acquisitions).

    • Served four terms in Florida House of Representatives, two terms as Majority Leader.

  • FAU Presidency:

    • Newly appointed President of FAU; 7 months in role.

    • Describes the role as the "dream job of a lifetime."

    • Views education as a pathway to a successful future.

    • Leverages political and legislative experience to advocate for FAU as a state-funded institution.

    • Emphasizes making an impact in his hometown and throughout the South Florida region.

  • First Seven Months as President:

    • Described as "exciting, engaging," and a "joy" every day.

    • Focus on learning and engagement with students, researchers, faculty, and the community.

    • Role as "brand ambassador" for FAU, raising awareness and encouraging engagement.

    • Surprised by the depth and breadth of FAU's research and knowledge.

    • FAU designated as a Carnegie R1 top-tier research university.

  • Leadership Style:

    • High energy, leading through influence, not authority.

    • Servant leadership: supporting staff and faculty to achieve success.

    • Listening, observing, communicating a clear vision.

  • Strategic Vision for FAU:

    • Elevating FAU's brand and reputation to match the prestige of the South Florida region.

    • Leveraging geographic advantages:

      • Ocean research, two homeland-secured ports (Dania Beach, Harbor Branch).

      • Jupiter campus: Wilks Honors College, FAU Brain Institute, Mox Plonc Institute, Scripps Research Institute.

    • Connecting with regional companies for internships and career opportunities ("hire an owl").

    • Philanthropy: transformational gifts (e.g., $20 million Wall Holocaust Studies building and museum).

    • Differentiation: focusing on strengths like neuroscience, entrepreneurship ecosystem, ocean engineering, AI and connected autonomy.

    • FAU received 57,000 applications for 4,400 seats in Fall 2025 (most academically competitive class in 61-year history).

  • Maintaining Momentum and Quality:

    • Florida's population growth contrasts with "enrollment cliff" faced by universities in other states.

    • Ability to raise admissions standards and competitiveness.

    • Growth in student population (31,000 students, 25,000 undergraduate, 6,000 graduate).

    • Attracting and retaining top faculty.

  • Student Experience:

    • FAU's historical foundation in innovation and access (pioneering distance learning).

    • Transitioned from a commuter university to a more traditional college experience with increased on-campus housing (5,000+ dorm beds).

    • Challenges include lack of affordable on-campus housing and off-campus affordability.

    • Lively Greek system and strong sense of community.

  • Athletics:

    • Unifying force for the university and community.

    • Men's basketball's Final Four appearance in 2023 was a significant moment.

    • Navigating the "wild west" of college athletics (NIL, player transfers).

    • Football (25th season, Coach Kitley) and other successful sports (women's softball, tennis, beach volleyball won conference championships).

    • Goal: make FAU "your hometown university" and the Owls "your hometown team."

  • Economic Impact:

    • FAU is a major player in South Florida's economy.

    • Aims for FAU to be synonymous with the region's growth and success (like Stanford in Silicon Valley).

    • Connecting with corporate partners in marine, life sciences, finance, etc.

    • Preparing students for future jobs and providing skilled workforce.

  • Advocacy in Tallahassee:

    • Acts as FAU's top lobbyist.

    • Successful 2024 legislative session:

      • Funding for Interdisciplinary Health Services Building to grow medical and nursing colleges.

      • Funding for A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School (top K-12 program).

      • Designation as home for the Office of Ocean Economy.

      • Funding for the Florida Israel Institute (educational, research, business, cultural exchange with Israel; welcoming environment for Jewish students).

  • Alumni Engagement:

    • Building connection with a young, growing alumni base (over 211,000 graduates).

    • Utilizing the Flaggler Credit Union Stadium and Forkas Alumni Center.

    • Engaging regional and national alumni clubs (e.g., Washington D.C. alumni event).

  • Personal Insights:

    • Mentored by his godfather, a Marine, successful businessman, lawyer, author, and poet.

    • Enjoys country music (Rascal Flats) and college sports with his wife, Jillian.

    • Jillian will be the "First Lady of FAU" and will implement a student mentoring program after her 10 years as CEO of Take Stock in Children.

    • Listens to podcasts at 2x speed.

  • Future Vision for FAU's Leadership:

    • To be remembered for consistent energy and enthusiasm.

    • Continue building on successes: R1 research, Carnegie opportunity university (one of 21 universities with both designations).

    • Focus on leveraging geographic advantage, differentiation, and reputation.

    • Preparing students for future workforce challenges, including AI and robotics.

    • Ensuring students are educated citizens and prepared for successful lives.

    • Motto: "Where Tomorrow Begins."

Live Digital Box
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PBºN Episode - 25