If you thought you knew FAU President Frank Brogan, think again. Brogan, who has held the position for the past five years, is also an FAU alum. After graduating in 1981, he headed off to be a teacher in Martin County, which eventually led him to principal, superintendent, and before coming back to FAU, Lieutenant Governor of Florida. Even after all he has accomplished since graduating, Brogan still thinks he could have done a few things differently.

1 What is one thing not many people know that you do in your position?Most people don’t know that I’m a runner. I’ve been running every day for 17 years. Monday through Friday, I run four miles a day. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s six. I have more time on the weekends.

2 What’s one thing that students should take advantage of at FAU that you didn’t have when you were here as a student?There are a remarkable number of groups, clubs, organizations and athletics offered now. When I was a student, athletics wasn’t here. For so long we’ve been named a commuter university. It doesn’t matter if you’re living on or off campus, students that participate will grow in student life.

3 With incoming freshman starting out with a different way of living when they enter college, when do you think it would be best for them to get involved?

[Students] move from high school role call to, ‘if you want to come to class, that’s your choice.’ There are a huge number of distractions. It’s easy to take your eye off the ball. The first priority should be the academic program, [but] no one should be robbed of their independence in college.

4 When you were in college, what is one thing you wish you had known sooner?

I knew early on I wanted to be a teacher. We get into education because we love students and we love teaching. Knowing how to teach is just as important as the passion for teaching. [Teachers] need to learn how to use both. I wish I had known that sooner rather than later.

5 What is one piece of advice you give to all incoming freshman?Work harder on academics in your freshman year than the rest of your college career. As much fun as I had when I was in school, I wish I would have.