Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
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Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
LAKELAND,
FL (May 20, 2008) -
Dr. Mark Rosenberg, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, today voiced support for the University of South Florida Lakeland's proposed autonomy and name change.
Rosenberg spoke at a lunch meeting of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Circle. When asked by the Chamber's chair-elect Anu Saxena for his position on SB186, Rosenberg replied "I am for it. I support that bill."
Approved earlier this month by the Florida Legislature, SB 186 establishes the University of South Florida Polytechnic campus as a separate organizational and budget entity of the University of South Florida that will operate under separate accreditation. Filed by Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, and Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, the bill awaits the governor's signature. The bill would allow USF Lakeland, already approved to change its name to USF Polytechnic, to set its own curricula and allow its faculty to make decisions on course offerings.
In remarks earlier this month, both legislators expressed their support.
"We are only giving the Lakeland campus the same playing field as the other campuses in the USF system (St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee) -- nothing more, nothing less," said McKeel.
"This is a great step for economic development in Florida's heartland counties," said Alexander. "This promising institution needs the same rules as the other campuses of the University of South Florida."
According to Timothy Campbell, Lakeland attorney and Chairman of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, "The USF Polytechnic campus will serve as a key economic development stimulant for the Central Florida region as it furthers the collective effort to build the I-4 high tech corridor. Also, the introduction of the state's first polytechnic campus will serve as a generator of positive education and economic development benefits that will be shared throughout the entire region."
USF Lakeland spokesman David Steele characterized the Chancellor's support as "crucial" According to Steele, "The Chancellor is highly regarded as someone who understands the critical needs this state has and recognizes the importance of responding strategically and efficiently to position our state for the future. His support on this legislation sends a key signal to anyone who had doubts. Clearly this legislation is right for USF and right for the state of Florida."
Rosenberg leads a system of 11 public universities, serving more than 293,000 students, and a budget of nearly $8.5 Billion. In his capacity as chancellor, he works directly with the Board of Governors to set the strategic direction of the state university system.
Founded in 2003, the Chairman's Circle provides a business forum for senior level executives to meet, build relationships, and participate in strategic marketing and membership events to enhance their own business and the overall Lakeland business community.
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