TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education voted Wednesday to reject the confirmation of Adam Kissel, a member of the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January.
Kissel’s future on the board remains uncertain, as DeSantis has the authority to reappoint him.
Former UWF President Judy Bense, who attended the meeting, commented on the decision.
“As you probably know, regardless of what happens, the governor probably will reappoint them all,” Bense said. “Today, we can say we won a skirmish with Mr. Kissel.”
Kissel, a member of the conservative Heritage Foundation, faced questions during the confirmation hearing regarding his views on higher education funding, the military and the GI Bill, and his stance on Project 2025, a policy initiative from the Heritage Foundation. While Kissel said his name is not listed in the Project 2025 document, he acknowledged reading the education section and stated that he “agrees with everything in it.”
If reappointed, Kissel would need confirmation from both the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education and the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee before a full Senate vote. If approved, he would serve a term of up to five years.
Meanwhile, UWF Board of Trustees Chair Scott Yenor, a controversial appointee, has not yet been brought up for a committee vote. If he is not formally confirmed, DeSantis can continue to reappoint him annually.
The committee confirmed trustees Rachel Moya, Rebecca Matthews, and Ashley Ross, advancing them to the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. Appointee Gates Garcia was scheduled for a confirmation hearing but was not brought up for a vote. Paul Bailey and Chris Young remain listed as committee appointees but have not yet been placed on an agenda.
The Voyager will continue to provide updates as the story develops.
