Stephen Lehmkuhle, one of four candidates, tells USF representatives he wants to work with faculty and students.
By MONIQUE FIELDS
Published January 9, 2004
TAMPA - Stephen Lehmkuhle wants to get on a campus like the University of South Florida and work closely with faculty and students.
"I'm one step removed from the action," he told a group of distinguished USF professors Thursday.
Lehmkuhle, 52, made those comments during an interview for USF's provost position. He is currently the vice president for academic affairs for the University of Missouri system - a job that doesn't provide much interaction with students and faculty members. "The system office does not have faculty; the system office does not have students," he said.
When asked about his thoughts on student advisement, he spoke of what he views as a troubling trend: Colleges and universities are admitting freshmen with upwards of 30 and 40 college credit hours earned in high school.
The problem, Lehmkuhle said, is the students haven't had any college advising and don't realize all of the credits may not count toward a degree.
Ona Riggin, a distinguished service professor in the college of nursing, said Lehmkuhle answered the question to her satisfaction.
"I thought he did a good job of fielding questions, and I thought he was pretty open," she said, noting that the selection process is in the early stages.
Lehmkuhle's visit provided the faculty, students, alumni and community leaders with the first glimpse of who could lead USF's academic future. In a series of one-hour segments, representatives pulled up chairs and fired away with questions ranging from economics to politics.
Michael Rierson, vice president of university advancement, wouldn't comment on what he thought of Lehmkuhle, but he made it clear what kind of candidate would impress him.
He is looking for someone who understands university fundraising. In other words, someone who knows how "to raise the right kind of money that will truly advance the university's research and teaching mission."
Since 1984, USF has had five provosts. As the second in command, the provost is charged with setting the academic agenda. David Stamps resigned from the position last summer, citing stress and other health issues. In the interim, Renu Khator, also a finalist, has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Lehmkuhle continues his interviews today and will meet with student leaders, faculty members and regional campus executive officers. The next candidate, Laura F. Lindsay, executive assistant to the chancellor at Louisiana State University, will interview Monday.
Stuart Silverman, dean of the university's honors college, is leading the search for a new provost. The committee will forward its thoughts to president Judy Genshaft, after all of the interviews have been conducted. Genshaft could name the winning candidate within a few weeks.
