After 38 years with the University of South Florida, Arthur Guilford will retire as Regional Chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee next year.
While the 68-year-old Guilford will step down at the end of July 2014, he'll remain on to help with the transition to his replacement, and then officially retire in January 2015.
A national search headed by USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska will be conducted for Guilford's replacement.
Guilford has been with USF since 1975, first serving as an assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the Tampa campus, before becoming chair of that department, a position he held for 15 years.
He was named associate dean of faculty and program development for USF Tampa’s College of Arts and Sciences in 2004, before being appointed in 2006 to lead the search for a new regional chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee.
However, the faculty of USFSM collectively petitioned for Guilford to be interviewed for that job, which he was named to in 2007.
During his tenure, USF Sarasota-Manatee has received separate accreditation from the main campus, turned into a four-year university with the addition of the first freshman class last year, launched the College of Hospitality & Technology Leadership’s Culinary Innovation Lab in Lakewood Ranch, and added a biology degree and science labs in partnership with Mote Marine.
USF President Judy Genshaft's statement on Arthur Guilford's retirement:
“The University of South Florida System is deeply appreciative of Arthur Guilford’s leadership at USF Sarasota-Manatee. He has been a valued part of USF for almost four decades and a highly respected leader of a great team for the past seven years. I know that the entire Sarasota-Manatee community joins me in wishing him and his wife, Lynn, every happiness in retirement.”
Arthur Guilford's statement:
“The past 38 years with USF and my seven years at the helm of USFSM have been a time of rewarding change, growth and improvement of our regional presence. I have very much enjoyed my tenure with the University and celebrate the meaningful partnerships we have forged with other institutions of higher learning in the area, as well as the Perlman Music Program, Lifelong Learning Academy and community leaders. Our outstanding faculty, staff and students have accomplished a great deal and I am confident that USF Sarasota-Manatee will continue to develop and thrive. I look forward to observing that growth and the continuance of a high standard of excellence from the vantage point of retirement with my wife, Lynn.”
