LSU System President William Jenkins is among 11 semi-finalists vying to become the University of Florida’s next president, a position equivalent to LSU’s chancellor.
Chancellor Mark Emmert said he understands Jenkins’ attraction to UF, but hopes he stays at LSU.
“He is a great asset to the University and to the community,” Emmert said. “There would be a gaping hole in the University if he left.”
Jenkins traveled to Gainesville, Fla., on Monday to prepare for his 10 a.m. Tuesday interview with the UF search committee.
The search committee conducted five interviews yesterday and will wrap up the remaining six today. Once all 11 candidates are interviewed, a list of at least three finalists will be given to the UF Board of Trustees.
The board will meet Wednesday to interview the finalists and will announce the name of the new president in the late afternoon.
The search committee’s requirements for a candidate for president are an academic background with a Ph.D. or highest degree in chosen field, a demonstration of leadership and bold decision-making, a 22nd century thinking, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to be involved in all aspects of university life.
Steve Orlando, UF search committee spokesperson, said Jenkins’ history at LSU has demonstrated a great deal of the things UF is looking for in a president.
“He had a lot of experience working on a systemwide and campuswide level,” Orlando said. “That was very appealing to us.”
During his 15 years at LSU, Jenkins has undertaken a variety of roles. He served as University chancellor from 1996 to 1999, dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and president of the LSU System.
As president of the LSU System, Jenkins has been in charge of nine institutions on 10 campuses in five cities as well as 10 public hospitals in 10 cities.
The vacancy at UF came in December when Charles Young retired after three years. Young is remaining as president until a new president is found.