Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role

September 2, 2026 – Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected nine candidates for interviews and brought four highly qualified applicants to Pensacola for a second round of interviews, in-person, before recommending Mr. Kelly as the finalist.

The committee, comprised of members of the Pensacola State College district board of trustees, made its recommendation during its final meeting August 29, following a national search for the College’s next leader. Throughout the search process, Mr. Kelly articulated a clear vision for Pensacola State College and demonstrated a strong understanding of the College’s role in creating opportunities for students, meeting regional workforce needs and supporting communities across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

“Alex distinguished himself throughout this process as a thoughtful, diligent and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Pensacola State College,” said district board of trustees chair Zack Smith, who chaired the presidential search committee. “We believe he brings the experience, character and leadership needed to guide PSC into its next chapter and strengthen the College’s role in preparing students for the workforce needs of our region and to become productive citizens.”

Mr. Kelly will visit Pensacola State College in late September for meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff and community members. Additional information about the visit and opportunities to meet Mr. Kelly will be announced as details are finalized. Following the campus visit, the district board of trustees is expected to consider his appointment as president.

Mr. Kelly brings extensive leadership experience spanning education, economic and workforce development, public policy and state government. He currently serves as secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce, where he leads the state agency responsible for economic development, workforce and community development programs.

Proven Experience

During his career, Mr. Kelly has held senior leadership roles in education, economic development and state government. He has served as deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office, a position he held beginning in 2021, and as chief of staff to then-Florida education commissioner Richard Corcoran. In addition to other numerous key leadership roles, he previously served as vice president for the Foundation for Excellence in Education and as chief of staff for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Earlier in his career, Mr. Kelly held several positions in the Florida Legislature, including chief analyst for the House Select Policy Council on Strategic and Economic Planning.

“I am incredibly grateful to be selected as the recommended finalist to lead Pensacola State College,” Mr. Kelly said. “I have gained a tremendous appreciation for the College, the dedication and thoroughness of the board of trustees, the opportunities PSC creates for students and the important role the College plays throughout Northwest Florida. I look forward to visiting campus and hearing directly from students, faculty, staff and community members.”

Pensacola State College is a public institution of higher education serving students across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, career and technical programs, workforce training, and continuing education across a range of academic and professional fields. Founded in 1948, Pensacola State College operates multiple campuses and centers throughout Northwest Florida and provides educational pathways for students preparing to enter the workforce, transfer to four-year institutions, or advance their careers.

Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search

Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire OSU system shares a commitment to our students to not only provide the highest quality education in the classroom, but to prepare them for success after they graduate,” OSU president Jim Hess said. “As a three-time OSU graduate, Dr. Roberts understands that commitment well and is ready to help pave the way for the next generation of Cowboys.”

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.

Mr. Daugherty is Myers McRae’s president. He has an extensive background in higher education administration, having served 28 years in public and independent institutions. Throughout his career in higher education, he had personnel responsibilities and served on numerous search committees for professional staff and administrators for the institution.

Mr. Daugherty has conducted hundreds of searches for schools across the nation, including presidential searches for the University of Montana Western, Northwest Missouri State University, McDaniel College, Oakwood University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Wichita Area Technical College, and the Georgia Independent College Association.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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