John Thrasher
John Thrasher
Honoring the Legacy of Florida State University President Emeritus John Thrasher: December 18, 1943 - May 30, 2025.
Thrasher served as Florida State University’s 15th president from 2014 to 2021 and as Associate Dean for Government Partnerships and a Professor of Law from 2021 to 2025.
As president, Thrasher focused his efforts on elevating FSU’s reputation as a preeminent research institution and led the university to recognition as one of the nation’s Top 20 public universities. In addition, he presided over a $1 billion fundraising campaign, advanced the university’s academic and research mission, and welcomed some of the best and brightest students in the university’s history.
In addition to his tenure as president, Thrasher had a successful career as a businessman, lawyer, lobbyist, and state legislator. Among his many achievements, Thrasher served as the 90th speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and was instrumental in the passage of significant criminal justice legislation. He also worked in private practice and served as general counsel of the Florida Medical Association for two decades.
Thrasher earned his bachelor’s degree in business from FSU in 1965. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal in Germany and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged as a captain in 1970, Thrasher returned to FSU, earning his law degree with honors in 1972.