By Adam Freeman, University Communications and Marketing
Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, announced today that she will retire from her role at the end of this calendar year.
Since her appointment in 2018, Holbrook has successfully led the campus through a period of transformation and growth. During her tenure, USF Sarasota-Manatee has achieved several significant milestones, including becoming a residential campus for the first time with the opening of the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall this fall, receiving the largest gift in campus history with the naming of the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance in 2022, and developing many important partnerships across the community. In addition, Holbrook has been a strong advocate for enhancing research opportunities for faculty and students throughout her time at the university.
Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee, Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg, and USF President Rhea Law
"Joining USF Sarasota-Manatee has been a treasured experience, made meaningful by our dedicated students, faculty and staff who bring our campus values to life,” Holbrook said. “It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable community, and I will always be a proud member of the USF family. I look forward to witnessing all that the university achieves in the future."
After beginning her career as a biomedical researcher, faculty member and administrator, Holbrook held leadership positions at numerous higher education institutions, including the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, the University of Washington and The Ohio State University, where she served as the institution's first woman president for five years. At USF, prior to the regional chancellor position she held several key leadership roles, including senior vice president for global affairs and international research and senior vice president for research and innovation.
Brett Kemker
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Holbrook for her dedicated leadership, substantial contributions to the Sarasota-Manatee campus and impact on the broader University of South Florida community throughout her time serving as regional chancellor,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Dr. Holbrook has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the region. We thank her for everything she has done for USF and congratulate her on a highly decorated career in higher education.”
Law announced that Brett Kemker, regional vice chancellor and vice provost of academic affairs and student success on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, will serve as interim regional chancellor beginning in January.