J. Alex Kelly named finalist for Pensacola State College presidency

The Pensacola State College Presidential Search Committee has recommended J. Alex Kelly as the sole finalist to become the institution’s next president. Kelly currently serves as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.

The recommendation follows a national search process that drew 109 applicants. From that pool, the committee selected nine candidates for interviews and four for in-person sessions in Pensacola. Kelly is expected to replace Dr. Ed Meadows, who has led the college since 2008 and is set to retire at the end of 2026.

Zack Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and chair of the search committee, stated that Kelly possesses the “experience, character and leadership needed to guide PSC into its next chapter.” Kelly’s professional background includes serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis and Chief of Staff to the Florida Department of Education.

Kelly is scheduled to visit the campus in late September to participate in meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.