Lester Lefton Lester Lefton - Kent State University
Lester Lefton Lester Lefton - Kent State University
Lester Lefton Lester Lefton - Kent State University
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Getting to<br />
know you,<br />
Q &A<br />
getting to know<br />
all about you …<br />
An interview with Dr. <strong>Lester</strong> A. <strong>Lefton</strong>,<br />
<strong>Kent</strong> <strong>State</strong>’s 11th president<br />
Dr. <strong>Lester</strong> A. <strong>Lefton</strong> presided<br />
over his first <strong>Kent</strong> <strong>State</strong><br />
commencement ceremony<br />
in August 2006.<br />
Photograph by B o b C h r i s t y, ‘ 9 5<br />
Most Americans of a certain<br />
age know those lyrics and<br />
a few bars of the melody that<br />
goes with them. Dr. <strong>Lester</strong><br />
A. <strong>Lefton</strong> can sing the song<br />
in its entirety and cite the<br />
show in which it appears, the<br />
composer and lyricist, the year<br />
of the show’s Broadway debut<br />
and the actress who first<br />
performed it. It is no wonder<br />
that this lifelong fan of classic<br />
opera and especially American<br />
musical theatre describes<br />
himself as a “cock-eyed optimist”<br />
who values family and<br />
“tradition,” and who is willing<br />
to “dream the impossible<br />
dream.”<br />
Since his selection as the<br />
university’s 11th president<br />
last May, <strong>Lefton</strong> has shared<br />
his desire to help <strong>Kent</strong> <strong>State</strong><br />
pursue bold, new dreams —<br />
dreams centered on attaining<br />
new levels of academic excellence<br />
and public service. <strong>Lefton</strong><br />
brings ample qualifications for<br />
was familiar with the outstanding<br />
work of several<br />
<strong>Kent</strong> <strong>State</strong> faculty members.<br />
When I was contacted<br />
by the presidential search<br />
firm and learned more<br />
about the university, I was<br />
intrigued immediately. The<br />
more I learned, the more I<br />
felt that my particular talents<br />
and leadership experience,<br />
which includes work<br />
at a multicampus public<br />
institution, matched university<br />
needs, from building<br />
an optimum learning<br />
environment to capitaldoing<br />
so: 34 years of experience<br />
as a respected researcher,<br />
innovative teacher and effective<br />
university administrator.<br />
He also brings his real-life<br />
co-star of 37 years, Linda J.<br />
<strong>Lefton</strong>, who has suspended her<br />
successful career as a lawyer<br />
to support her husband in his<br />
first leading role on the academic<br />
stage.<br />
A springtime inauguration<br />
will provide a formal<br />
opportunity for saying, “Hello,<br />
<strong>Lester</strong>.” In the meantime,<br />
as Northeast Ohio becomes<br />
accustomed to his face, <strong>Kent</strong><br />
<strong>State</strong> Magazine presents this<br />
introductory interview.<br />
<strong>Kent</strong> <strong>State</strong> Magazine:<br />
What made you pursue<br />
this presidency?<br />
<strong>Lester</strong> A. <strong>Lefton</strong>: Like<br />
most people, I knew of<br />
the university’s place in<br />
American history. I also<br />
p a g e<br />
6<br />
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