The University of Florida has chosen a new president.
Cornell University Provost Dr. Kent Fuchs, pronounced "fox" will become the 12th president of UF. He will start his new job New Year's Day, if he is approved by the state university system governing board, the Florida Board of Governors. The BOG will meet Nov. 5 and 6th where it's also expected to take up the ratification of FSU's new president, state Sen. John Thrasher (R-St. Augustine).
In a statement, UF Board of Trustees Chairman Steven Scott wrote, "Dr. Fuchs brings to the University of Florida all of the important qualities we have been seeking in our next president. He is a distinguished academic who has very effectively served as provost and chief operating officer of an institution ranked 15th of all universities in the nation."
In the announcement, Scott says Fuchs, "developed a strategic plan for achieving preeminence as one of the world’s top-10 universities and launched a university-wide initiative to enhance Cornell’s academic stature."
He also touts Fuchs' fundraising skills.
Fuchs is not the only Cornell University administrator to come to Florida. Florida A&M University's new president Elmira Mangum, was Cornell's Vice President of Planning and Budget prior to accepting the FAMU job.
Fuchs is expected to have a starting salary around $500,000. He replaces outgoing President Bernie Machen who is retiring.
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