#United States #Finance #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Michael Brossart

Michael Brossart Joins Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College has officially announced the appointment of Michael Brossart as the new Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. Brossart, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience, will take on this pivotal role starting October 1, 2026. His appointment follows the retirement of Terry Dennis, who dedicated 37 years of service to the college.

A Strong Foundation in Finance

Brossart is not new to Florida Southern; he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and marketing, along with behavioral management, before embarking on his illustrious career. His professional journey began in municipal government, where he served as the finance director for the City of Lakeland beginning in 2013. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional acumen in financial strategy, budgeting, and capital planning, making him a trusted advisor to numerous city leaders.

In his new role at Florida Southern, Brossart will oversee crucial departments including human resources, information technology, campus safety, risk management, and other key administrative functions. He’ll work closely with President Jeremy Martin and the Board of Trustees to ensure the college's enduring financial stability and operational efficiency.

Bridging Experience to Higher Education

President Martin expressed confidence in Brossart's ability to navigate the complexities of higher education finance, drawing parallels between municipal governance and college administration. “Leading finance and administration on a campus is akin to running a small city,” Martin stated, emphasizing Brossart's extensive experience in managing city departments and infrastructure projects.

The transition aims to maintain continuity as Brossart will still serve as Lakeland's Finance Director until his full-time move to Florida Southern. This strategic overlap is designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition while bolstering operational stability within both organizations. Martin applauded Terry Dennis for his remarkable contributions to the college’s operations, noting, “Few people have shaped Florida Southern more than Terry Dennis.”

A Distinguished Career Ahead

Brossart’s extensive portfolio includes managing financial planning and budgets for 17 city departments and guiding long-range financial and capital planning initiatives. His tenure also involved extensive negotiation experience, overseeing collective bargaining and working collaboratively with local officials for community development projects.

Lakelands City Manager, Shawn Sherrouse, praised Brossart’s integrity and deep commitment to community service, remarking, “His leadership has helped shape the strength of our organization, and his impact will be felt for many years.” With several credentials to his name—including being a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Finance Officer—Brossart is poised to bring a wealth of expertise to Florida Southern College.

Looking Ahead

Florida Southern College, established in 1883, is recognized as the oldest private college in Florida and boasts a rich legacy of academic achievement. With over 70 undergraduate programs and notable graduate offerings in areas like business administration and nursing, the college continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in education. Brossart's strategic leadership is expected to significantly enhance the college's operational capabilities.

As Florida Southern College embraces this new chapter under Brossart’s leadership, the institution is set to continue its tradition of excellence well into the future. With a profound passion for education and a dedication to the community, Brossart’s arrival is anticipated to usher in an era of innovative financial solutions and steadfast administrative management.