FRANK T. BROGAN RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE

FAU Pres. John Kelly and COE Dean Valerie J. Bristor perform hooding ceremony for Frank T. Brogan

by Teresa Crane | Wednesday, Jan 02, 2019

Frank T. Brogan, ’81 , the U.S. assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education, received an honorary doctoral degree on Thursday, Dec. 13 during FAU’s 1 p.m. commencement ceremony. Brogan was hooded by FAU President John Kelly and COE Dean Valerie J. Bristor in the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium.

Brogan led FAU as its fifth president from 2003-09. Under his leadership the institution underwent a major transformation, which included the launch of FAU High School; the establishment of the then-Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science (now an independent LCME-accredited medical school); the acquisition of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; and the initiation of key partnerships with Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Florida Institute.

Brogan then went on to serve as chancellor of Florida’s State University System from 2009-13, as well as chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education until 2017. He also has served as commissioner of education and lieutenant governor of the state of Florida. Brogan began his career in the Martin County School District as a fifth grade teacher, later serving as an assistant principal, principal and superintendent of schools. He currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife, Courtney, and their son, Colby John.

“This tremendous honor reminds me of the great contributions FAU has contributed to my life not only having been president, but also a student of this wonderful institution,” Brogan said.