At the 2003 FSU College of Medicine groundbreaking are( from left) Durell Peaden, Sandy D ' Alemberte, Myra Hurt and John Thrasher.
REMEMBERING JOHN THRASHER
DEC. 18, 1943 – MAY 30, 2025
Florida State University President Emeritus John Thrasher was an ardent and dedicated champion whose love for all things Nole was matched only by his love for his family and his fellow human beings from all walks of life.
Here at the College of Medicine, we feel that loss deeply, because we
also lost a beloved and loyal friend who played a key role in getting our college and its mission codified into state statute.
John was an FSU double alumnus, earning a business degree in 1965. He returned as a combat-decorated U. S. Army veteran in 1972 to earn a law degree and embark on a journey of public service. Through it all, he never forgot his roots.
As a successful attorney and lobbyist, he was a consensus-builder with a blend of charm and humility, treating people with respect regardless of circumstances or station. He exemplified servant leadership, and his faith guided his every decision.
As the child of parents who graduated from eighth grade and had no opportunity to go farther in school, he was keenly aware of the difference an education could make. A key part of his FSU legacy is his expansion of recruitment and retention programs for students from underserved populations.
As speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, he worked tirelessly to see the Legislature approve and then-Gov. Jeb Bush sign the legislation in 2000 that created us. Our mission to serve the underserved touched his heart.
Funeral services were private, but FSU will celebrate his life on Aug. 16 in a ceremony at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
John Thrasher was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace.