Florida Atlantic University’s Interim President Stacy Volnick’s tenure, initially expected to last only a few months, has been extended yet again, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the university’s search for a permanent president. The Board of Trustees voted on Monday, Sept. 30, to extend Volnick’s appointment until the end of 2025 or until a successor is appointed. This decision comes amidst a second attempt to find a new leader, following the controversial halt of the first search process over a year ago.
Volnick, who took office in January 2023, has received high praise for her leadership. The Board of Trustees rated her performance as “exceptional,” the highest rating possible, and awarded her a 5% salary increase, raising her annual salary to $551,250 from $525,000. Additionally, she was granted a $100,000 bonus, which is 19% of her current salary. This bonus exceeds the typical 15% limit for university employees but was justified by the board’s written explanation of her exceptional performance.
The extension of Volnick’s contract comes as FAU prepares to restart its search for a permanent president. The initial search was derailed when state Rep. Randy Fine, a conservative lawmaker, who had the backing of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was not included in the finalist list presented by FAU’s search committee in July. Shortly after, the state university system leaders halted the search, citing concerns over compliance with government-transparency rules.
The university’s leadership and stakeholders hope that the second search will be more successful and less contentious, allowing FAU to move forward with a permanent president in place. In the meantime, Volnick’s continued leadership is seen as a stabilizing force for the university, ensuring its operations and strategic initiatives continue without disruption.