Honoring the Life and Legacy of President John Thrasher

On August 19th, 2025 , members of Burning Spear gathered in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall to celebrate the remarkable life of our beloved past president, Dr. John Thrasher. The ceremony was not only a reflection on his extraordinary accomplishments as Florida State University’s 15th president, but also a testament to the warmth, humility, and faith that defined his character.

John Thrasher’s journey with Florida State began in 1961, when he arrived on campus as a

first-generation college student. From those early days, his devotion to FSU never wavered. He earned a business degree in 1965, later returned for his law degree, and in the years between became a decorated Vietnam veteran awarded two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation Medal. His service to country, community, and alma mater was grounded in values he carried throughout his life: faith, family, and an unshakable love for Florida State University.

Over the course of a distinguished career as a lawyer, legislator, and statesman, Thrasher rose to the

highest levels of leadership. He was unanimously elected Speaker of the Florida House in 1998, played a pivotal role in creating the FSU College of Medicine, and became the university’s first Board of Trustees chair. In 2014, he received what he called his “dream job” when he was named president of Florida State.

His seven-year presidency marked an era of progress and pride. Under his leadership, FSU climbed into the Top 20 among public universities, completed a historic $1.16 billion fundraising campaign, set records for graduation and retention rates, and broke ground on major projects including new residence halls, a new Student Union, and Legacy Hall, the future home of the College of Business.

Yet for all these achievements, President Thrasher was remembered most for his joy in connecting with people. Whether shaking every hand at commencement, chatting with staff on a walk across campus, or taking selfies with students at Westcott Fountain, he embodied the accessible, servant-hearted leadership that defined his

career.

Former Governor Jeb Bush, who delivered the eulogy, called Thrasher “the epitome of a servant leader,” a man who deflected praise, shared credit, and led with kindness. Others remembered his booming laugh, his deep faith, his devotion to Jean (his wife of 60 years) and the pride he took in his children and grandchildren. His family spoke movingly of him not as a public figure, but as “Papa,” the heart of their family and a steady source of love, wisdom, and joy. As FSU President Richard McCullough reflected, “John Thrasher was a giant in Florida politics and a true statesman. In every role he brought wisdom, integrity and a steady hand. His deep faith guided him in everything that he did. It inspired him to serve others, to strive for the greater good.”

Today, a bronze statue of President Thrasher stands in Westcott Plaza, smiling with an outstretched hand, as if greeting the very students he so loved to serve. For Burning Spear, his memory is not only honored in bronze but carried forward in the lives of all who continue his mission of service, tradition, and progress.

President Thrasher’s life calls us to lead with humility, to love without reservation, and to serve with

unwavering devotion. His legacy is woven into the story of Florida State University, Burning Spear, and the countless lives he touched.