Lester Lefton Lester Lefton - Kent State University

Getting to
know you,
Q &A
getting to know
all about you …
An interview with Dr. Lester A. Lefton,
Kent State’s 11th president
Dr. Lester A. Lefton presided
over his first Kent State
commencement ceremony
in August 2006.
Photograph by B o b C h r i s t y, ‘ 9 5
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
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 capitaldoing
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
p a g e
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