By Lisa Metcalf
FAU Public Affairs
Florida Atlantic University’s Board of Trustees unanimously named Anthony Barbar as the new chair and Tom Workman as the new vice chair of the University’s governing board.
“Both Trustees Barbar and Workman have been wonderful, dedicated leaders within the Board of Trustees. As alumni of this University, they fully understand the important role that FAU plays in all students’ lives,” said FAU President Mary Jane Saunders. “I look forward to working with them as we continue to grow FAU and its excellent academic programs.”
Barbar, of Boca Raton, graduated from FAU in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in international business. A Trustee since 2008, Barbar served as chair of the Board’s audit and finance committee.
“I am honored and humbled to have been elected to lead the FAU Board of Trustees,” said Barbar, who also served as past president of the FAU National Alumni Association, and is active in many charitable and community organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, CoreNet Global, Sheridan House Family Ministries, the Council of 100, and Boca Raton Community Church. “This is an exciting time and I look forward to working with President Saunders and her administration to keep FAU moving higher.”
Workman, of Boca Raton, graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from FAU’s College of Business. He has served in leadership capacities with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and on the boards of several banks and various nonprofit organizations. He also has served as president of the FAU National Alumni Association, as treasurer, finance committee chair and executive committee member of the FAU Foundation, and as chair of the Board of Trustee’s strategic planning committee.
FAU’s BOT governs and sets policies for the University in accordance with the laws of Florida and the policies of the Board of Governors. The trustees are responsible for cost-effective policy decisions appropriate to the university’s mission, the implementation and maintenance of high-quality education programs, the measurement of performance, the reporting of information and the provision of input regarding state policy, budgeting and education standards.
The 13-member board is comprised of six members who are appointed by the governor, five by the Board of Governors, in addition to the student body president and the president of the University Faculty Senate. The gubernatorial and Board of Governors appointees must be confirmed by the Florida Senate.