Gov. DeSantis appoints campaign donor, lawmaker’s daughter to University System Board of Governors
Florida’s State University System Board of Governors has a new member: Ashley Bell Barnett, a community advocate, former educator and donor to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign.
She’s also the daughter of Fort Meade Republican Rep. Melony Bell.
Bell Barnett, a former elementary and middle school teacher, will take the seat after years of service on many advisory and administrative panels.
She currently serves on the Polk State College District Board of Trustees and Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board — both DeSantis appointments — and the Polk Arts Alliance Advisory Committee.
Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College...
