Debra Dabney Austin is a professor at Florida State University, and she served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida from 2003 to 2005.
Austin is originally from Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Michigan State University, and a master's degree in English from the University of Florida. She received her master's in business administration and a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University. Prior to becoming chancellor, Austin served as assistant vice president for academic affairs at Florida State University.