The biologist with experience in liberal arts says he could forge interdisciplinary partnerships at USF.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published January 21, 2004
TAMPA - Anthony Garro has both a medical background and experience in the liberal arts, an unusual mix he says would serve him well as provost at the University of South Florida.
"I'm a little bit of a rare bird," Garro said Tuesday between interviews for the job of USF's chief academic officer. "There are not that many people with that kind of background."
Garro, a biologist, spent eight years as vice dean of the medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, N.J. He currently is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lehman College at the City University of New York.
He said his background in administrative services, liberal arts and science would help him forge interdisciplinary partnerships at USF, to "build a bridge between two diverse worlds that are part of the same university system."
When asked to name his one hope for USF, Garro, 61, said his global answer would be to bring the university to its highest level of excellence. But if he had to break it down, his primary concern would be that education not get short shrift for the sake of research.
"People come to a university for both," Garro said.
It was his pitch for smaller class sizes that struck Leslie Butler, coordinator for USF's professional and work force development continuing education program.
"I was very impressed," Butler said. "He resonates for me in his real belief in smaller classes."
Shelia Holbrook, president of the A&P Council, wanted to know what Garro would do to help the community outside USF deal with rapid changes in technology.
Garro responded with a list of changes he helped shepherd through CUNY, including work force training, small-business development and alternative high schools and college preparation for adults.
Garro, 61, is known at CUNY for a hands-on approach to research and learning. But he told representatives of USF's employee unions that he never asks his staff to do something he wouldn't do himself.
He said he is a strong advocate for tenure and thinks universities should offer financial rewards beyond typical step pay increases.
Garro will continue interviewing today. He is one of four finalists for the provost job, which was held by David Stamps until he resigned last summer, citing stress and other health issues. After Garro is finished interviewing, a search committee will send a report on all the candidates to USF president Judy Genshaft, who could make a choice within a few weeks.
