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University of South Florida
Lakeland
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
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August 9, 2005 –
Dear USF and Lakeland Community:
During the last six years, we have made tremendous progress here
on the USF-Lakeland campus. My goal (since arriving in 1999), has
been to serve the central Florida community with quality education
through the top-tier University of South Florida. Thanks to the
hard work of the faculty, local community and the Polk legislative
delegation, we have grown rapidly - in student numbers, in faculty
numbers, in program offerings and in facilities - with the promise
of a new, primary campus on the horizon. I am proud of the excellent
work of the Lakeland faculty and staff as well as the accomplishment
of the students. We have already determined there will be another
large increase in student numbers this fall.
Next spring, I am planning to move back to a faculty position here
in Lakeland. There will be a search for a new Campus Executive Officer
beginning soon. The community will have an opportunity for input
to identify the appropriate person to continue the work we have
established. I am proud of the contributions I have been able to
make here in Lakeland and look forward to the continued success
of our educational enterprise.
Sincerely,
L. Preston Mercer, Ph.D., F.A.C.N.
Campus Executive Officer
Vice President
August 9, 2005 –
Statement from USF President Judy Genshaft
Dr. Preston Mercer is to be commended for leading USF Lakeland during
this time of exciting growth and progress. He has led the campus
for six years—one year beyond the end of his contract—and
we appreciate his dedication during this time. I am pleased that
Dr. Mercer has agreed to continue to lead the campus until the new
CEO is on board.
The Board of Trustees, the Lakeland Campus Board and I are all committed
to USF Lakeland’s success. We are continuing to move forward
with our master planning discussions for the new campus, and I am
pleased with the direction we are heading. We are developing a solid
plan that will enable us to grow and serve the people of Central
Florida for many years to come.
Judy Genshaft, Ph.D.
President
August 10, 2005–
USF Lakeland Campus Community Responds
to Mercer Announcement
The campus community at USF Lakeland responded to yesterday's announcement
that our Campus Executive Officer is stepping down with gratitude
for the leadership Dr. Mercer has provided throughout his tenure.
As has already been noted in media accounts, the campus has enjoyed
phenomenal growth during his tenure at the helm. In addition to
outstanding growth in enrollment, we realize that many of the faculty
and staff on our campus literally would not be here were it not
for the compelling vision that Dr. Mercer has provided. His impact
has been profound and positive and will surely linger well after
the completion of our new campus.
All who know Dr. Mercer even casually are aware of the profound
passion he has for education and how seriously he has continued
to take his role as an educator. Indeed, he has continued to teach,
even while shouldering the burdens of administrative leadership.
Thus, we are happy that his announced transition will return him
to a full-time role we know he loves. "Doctor M." will continue
to be a valuable member of this campus community and a vital part
of the foundation upon which our future rests.
We now welcome the search process that will soon be underway. This
continues to be an exciting time for the USF system and the Lakeland
campus, and we look forward to the energy and opportunity this transition
will provide.
David Steele
Director, University Relations/Public Affairs
University of South Florida Lakeland
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