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Getting To Know You, Getting To Know All About You… Most Americans of a certain age know those lyrics and a few bars of the melody that goes with them. Dr. Lester A. Lefton can sing the song in its entirety and cite the show in which it appears, the composer and lyricist, the year of the show’s Broadway debut and the actress who first performed it. It is no wonder that this lifelong fan of classic opera and especially American musical theatre describes himself as a “cock-eyed optimist” who values family and “tradition,” and who is willing to “dream the impossible dream.” Since his selection as the university’s 11th president last May, Lefton has shared his desire to help Kent State pursue bold, new dreams — dreams centered on attaining new levels of academic excellence and public service. Lefton brings ample qualifications for doing so: 34 years of experience as a respected researcher, innovative teacher and effective university administrator. He also brings his real-life co-star of 37 years, Linda J. Lefton, who has suspended her successful career as a lawyer to support her husband in his first leading role on the academic stage. A springtime inauguration will provide a formal opportunity for saying, “Hello, Lester.” In the meantime, as Northeast Ohio becomes accustomed to his face, Kent State Magazine presents this introductory interview. Kent State Magazine: WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE THIS PRESIDENCY? Lester A. Lefton: Like most people, I knew of the university’s place in American history. I also was familiar with the outstanding work of several Kent State faculty members. When I was contacted by the presidential search firm and learned more about the university, I was intrigued immediately. The more I learned, the more I felt that my particular talents and leadership experience, which includes work at a multicampus public institution, matched university needs, from building an optimum learning environment to capitalizing on innovative faculty research. I saw enormous, untapped potential in the form of a brilliant faculty, caring staff and talented students and alumni. Most of all, I saw an opportunity to make a positive difference for thousands of people and countless communities served by the university. KSM: YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES A MAJOR ROLE IN REBUILDING TULANE UNIVERSITY IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA. WHAT LESSONS FROM THAT CAN YOU APPLY TO YOUR NEW ROLE? LL: The experience of helping rebuild Tulane — virtually from “scratch” — left me with great clarity about the core values and processes that make a university, and with a heightened understanding of what higher education is all about. It affirmed how cohesively a faculty and an administration can work together to serve students. And it left no doubt about the most basic — and most important — building blocks of a university: its people. KSM: EVERYONE WHO HELPED NEW ORLEANS RECOVER SHOULD BE PROUD. OF WHAT OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU PROUD? LL: I am most proud of my family. My wife is a talented, smart, sensitive person who is my best friend. My two daughters have been a source of constant pride and delight. And not much can top the pride and joy I felt 16 weeks ago, when I held my new grandson. Professionally, I am proud of my introductory psychology textbook, which has helped educate thousands of students nationwide. It also is gratifying to have initiated and facilitated a number of leading-edge programs and curricular revisions at the University of South Carolina, George Washington University and Tulane University. Looking ahead, I would be proud to say that I encouraged Kent State’s faculty, staff and students to dream of a greater university and worked with them step by step to realize many of those dreams. Through a transparent and collaborative approach to education and outreach, I believe we can improve the experience of every Kent State student and employee, and that we can be a leader in revitalizing Northeast Ohio’s economy. In loftier terms, I would like to help take this gem of an institution and make its multiple campuses the brightest jewel in the crown of Ohio higher education. KSM: WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR KENT STATE TO BECOME THAT CROWN JEWEL? LL: To meet the growing needs of our campuses and our state, we must increase the size and quality of the faculty. That includes adding endowed chairs and professorships that attract world-class scholars. We also need to complete technological enhancements such as bringing wireless capability to every classroom and residence hall. And we must ensure that students and faculty on every campus have access to first-tier laboratories and teaching spaces.
KSM: WHAT OTHER CHALLENGES ARE CRITICAL TO KENT STATE’S FUTURE? LL: As the number of high school graduates going on to college decreases, Kent State will be challenged to keep enrollment robust. We must rethink and intensify our efforts to inform prospective students about the quality experience offered on our campuses. And we should enroll more out-of-state students, which will help the bottom line and create a more diverse learning environment. It is imperative that we improve our track record in recruiting and retaining students and faculty of color. We must retain our current students and help ensure that they graduate and succeed. This will enhance our reputation and expand our ability to meet the needs of Ohio employers. KSM: TACKLING SUCH CHALLENGES UNDOUBTEDLY WILL REQUIRE PRIVATE SUPPORT. YOU HAVE STRESSED THE NEED TO DEVELOP A “CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY.” WHAT DO YOU MEAN? LL: I refer to a culture in which alumni recognize and embrace their unique opportunity to provide critical resources for their alma mater — support for top faculty and staff, scholarships, facilities from biology labs to baseball diamonds, and most important, for an endowment that provides a perpetual financial safety net. There is no question that we have loyal alumni, including thousands of graduates who remember their college days fondly, follow Golden Flash teams and whose Kent State education was a springboard to success. A number of them — remarkable individuals like Cil Draime (’58) and the late Max Draime (’59), Roe Green (M.A., ’80) and Olga Mural — have made multimillion dollar gifts that will touch lives for generations to come. And every year thousands of other caring alumni make gifts of all sizes that have a huge collective impact. Although it will not happen overnight, the process of endowment growth is well underway with the strong support of our [Board of] Trustees and the [Kent State University] Foundation Board. They understand that a healthy endowment is the key to fulfilling Kent State’s potential. President Emeritus Carol A. Cartwright understood this and deserves high praise for laying the groundwork for a fully realized culture of philanthropy. KSM: “FUNDRAISER” IS ONE OF MANY HATS WORN BY MODERN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE YOUR MULTIPLE ROLES AND STAY FOCUSED ON THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE OUTLINED? LL: I cannot overestimate the importance of being surrounded by smart and supportive colleagues, including my executive team and professional staff, university trustees and academic leaders. And I am lucky to have an extended family that stands behind me and works alongside me 100 percent. The complexities of being a senior university administrator, especially a president, require more than strong leadership skills; they demand stamina. On days when issues ranging from building repairs to information security to budget decisions cross your desk — all before you have finished your first cup of coffee — it can mask the big picture. But I work hard to stay focused on ensuring that academic excellence for our students and faculty is “job one,” and that we create an environment that fosters student success. KSM: YOU NOTED THE VALUE OF SUPPORTIVE COLLEAGUES. HOW WOULD THEY DESCRIBE YOU? LL: I think they would characterize me as a reflective, “scholarly type” who enjoys reading and research, and who is committed to exercise and a healthy lifestyle. I believe they would point out that I enjoy nothing more than talking about Kent State, something I will do a lot in appearances on and off campus. KSM: WHAT IS BEHIND YOUR PASSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION? LL: I fell in love with learning as a sophomore psychology major. As a result, I excelled academically and successfully competed for a U.S. Public Health Service Predoctoral Fellowship. This meant that as a graduate student, I had my own psychology lab and my own funding. It was, as they say, very “cool!” I relished every minute of graduate school and knew I wanted to pursue an academic career — a career that led me to this very exciting point. In short, higher education opened the door to a life that I would not trade with anyone. I want to do everything in my power to ensure that Kent State students experience the joy of learning I knew and have multiple opportunities for personal growth and professional success. KSM: THIS LAST QUESTION MAY BE THE TOUGHEST: CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF ROOTING FOR THE INDIANS, CAVALIERS AND BROWNS? LL: Research has shown that allegiance to the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots is part of the DNA of native Bostonians. Despite this “biological” urge, as a Northeast Ohioan I am enjoying a growing affection for local teams. Of course, there is no conflict in cheering for Golden Flash teams. I look forward to adding the Kent State Fight Song to my repertoire. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
