Governor Appoints University of Miami Leader Dean Colson as Special Advisor on Higher Education

Governor Crist today appointed prominent attorney and University of Miami leader Dean Colson as Special Advisor to the Governor on Higher Education.  In this position, Mr. Colson will advise Governor Crist on all aspects of higher education and its governance, with a goal toward providing increased excellence in the state university system.

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Above:  Dean Colson

Governor Crist Appoints Dean Colson as Special Advisor on Higher Education

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Dean Colson of Miami as Special Advisor to the Governor on Higher Education. 

“With Dean’s 30 years of experience as one of Florida’s most well known business and community leaders, along with his leadership of the University of Miami, he brings a unique perspective on higher education and provides valuable insight into how we can improve Florida’s colleges and universities,” Governor Crist said.  “He will be a valuable partner in addressing the challenges facing our state’s institutions of higher education.”

Colson, 55, has served in various leadership roles at the University of Miami, including chairman of the board of trustees since 2004 and chairman of the university’s capital campaign since 2003.  Previously, he has served as chairman of the executive committee from 1999 until 2004, chairman of the academic affairs committee and the law school’s visiting committee. 

“Florida’s institutes of higher learning enrich our communities and our state,” Colson said.  “I look forward to serving Governor Crist as special advisor and helping make sure that Florida’s colleges and universities serve an important role in preparing the future leaders of our state and nation.”

In 2006, Colson served as chair of appointments for the Crist-Kottkamp Transition Team.  In 2002, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, where he served as chair from 2004 until 2005.  In 2000, Governor Bush appointed him to the State of Florida Commission on Ethics.

Colson has also served on the board of directors for many charitable organizations in South Florida, including the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, CHARLEE Homes for Children and Our Kids of Miami-Dade Monroe Inc.  He was president of the Orange Bowl Committee in 2003 and South Florida chairman of the Super Bowl XXIX Host Committee in 1995.  He chaired the 1999 and 2007 committees that successfully bid on the South Florida Super Bowls.

Colson received his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law, graduating magna cum laude in 1977, after earning a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.  He then served as a law clerk for the Honorable Peter T. Fay, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.  In 1980, Colson was a law clerk for William H. Rehnquist, then Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

As Special Advisor to the Governor on Higher Education, Colson will advise the Governor on all aspects of higher education and its governance, with a goal toward providing increased excellence in the state university system.