Florida Atlantic: Meet the New Leader

Adam Hasner was appointed president of Florida Atlantic University unanimously by the Board of Trustees on Feb. 10. A longtime South Floridian, Hasner was raised in Palm Beach County and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010. During that time, he championed many meaningful initiatives for his “hometown university,” including Florida Atlantic’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Engineering East building and a medical simulation center — both on the Boca Raton campus — and the Office of Ocean Economy.

Hasner began his tenure as Florida Atlantic’s eighth president on March 10 and quickly immersed himself in university life. During his first few weeks, he visited all six campuses, spoke at several events, and even threw out the first pitch at an Owls baseball game and a St. Louis Cardinals spring training game in Jupiter. Despite his busy schedule, he took a few minutes to answer some questions for Florida Atlantic magazine.

Q: Welcome, President Hasner! You are no stranger to Florida Atlantic – your support of the University spans more than two decades. What attracted you to the opportunity to become president?

A: I’ve always had a passion for public service, dating back to my time in the legislature, and I continue to look for ways to make a difference and serve my community. I realized that the honor of being president of Florida Atlantic — my hometown university — would give me an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of thousands of students and others who are part of the university community.

Q: What strengths do you bring to the role of president?

A: I have an unmatched level of energy, tenacity and determination to see this university succeed. Having grown up in Palm Beach County, I have decades of experience serving this community, as well as the relationships and knowledge that allowed me to hit the ground running on day one. It could easily take someone from outside this area years, if not longer, to be able to understand the talent and resources that comprise this region.

Q: Speaking of growing up in Palm Beach County, where did you go to school and what activities were you involved in?

A: Both of my parents were public school teachers, so I have an appreciation for public schools myself. I went to Palm Beach Gardens High School, where I was involved in many activities, including baseball, basketball and football. From the age of 15, I knew I wanted to go into public service, so I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland – College Park, even though I didn’t know anyone there. Because of its proximity to Washington, D.C., I was able to intern on Capitol Hill. After graduating, I returned to Florida to further my education and received a law degree from Florida State.

Q: What are your top three priorities in your first six months as president?

A: My No. 1 priority is to elevate the prestige of Florida Atlantic to match the prestige and dynamism of our community and region. Second, I want to learn as much as I can about every part of the university: the impact that each area is making, the challenges it faces, and the potential opportunities. And third, we’re going to start the strategic planning process, which will involve getting everyone focused on where we want to be in the future — not just five years from now, but 25 years from now.

Q: Do you have any mentors who helped to shape your life or career?

A: Yes, my godfather, David. He’s been my dad’s best friend since college, and he has been like family to me for as far back as I can remember. He has provided me with a tremendous amount of advice and counsel, both personally and professionally, over the years. I am truly thankful that my dad sat next to him at orientation on his first day of college.

Q: What is the best life lesson or advice you’ve received?

A: When dealing with others, HALT if you feel Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. The first time I heard this advice was related to marriage, but it’s a good idea regardless of who you’re communicating with, to avoid negative interactions.