Meet Flagler College’s President

Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., joined the staff of Flagler College in 1971 and became its president in 2001. Prior to assuming his position as the institution’s chief executive officer, Dr. Abare served as the executive vice president and dean of academic affairs for 12 years.

Dr. Abare earned his bachelor's degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, his master's degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

He has been active in professional organizations related to admissions, financial aid, student services, and academic affairs, and he has been involved in state policy matters related to accountability, assessment, articulation, funding of higher education, and student financial aid. He has served as a member of the Higher Education Funding Advisory Council and of the K-20 Accountability Task Force for the Florida Department of Education. Dr. Abare is a member of the Council of Presidents of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and serves as Chairman of the Legislative Committee for ICUF. He is a member of the board of directors of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities and is a past-president of that association. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and chairs one of the Commission’s Compliance and Reports Committees. He is called upon frequently by the Commission to chair visiting committees for institutions seeking regional accreditation.

President Abare is also active in the local community. He is a member of the board of directors for following community organizations: the St. Johns County Welfare Federation, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the Betty Griffin House, Glenmoor Retirement Community, the St. Augustine Foundation, and the Historic St. Augustine Research Institute. He is a trustee of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Chamber’s Board of Governors. He is a former chairman of the Flagler Health Care System, the parent board for Flagler Hospital.