USF Sarasota-Manatee chancellor announces retirement

Arthur Guilford, the regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, announced today that he will step down from his position at the end of July.

Guilford, who will continue working with the university until officially retiring in January 2015, has served as USF Sarasota-Manatee’s chancellor for the past seven years. A university release announcing the retirement mentioned the accreditation of USF Sarasota-Manatee, the recruitment of the school’s first four-year freshman class and the creation of a learning center in North Port among the noteworthy accomplishments during Guilford’s tenure.

USF president Judy Genshaft said the university was appreciative of Guilford’s leadership during his time at the university. Guilford began his career at USF in 1975 as an assistant professor at the Tampa campus, spending time as a department chair and associate dean before being appointed regional chancellor in 2007.

“He has been a valued part of USF for almost four decades and a highly respected leader of a great team for the past seven years,” Genshaft said in the release. “I know that the entire Sarasota-Manatee community joins me in wishing him and his wife, Lynn, every happiness in retirement.”

Guilford said he is retiring in July to allow for the university to find his replacement, since the traditional hiring cycle for higher-education administrators takes place in June and August. Sophia Wisniewska, the regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg, will be the chairwoman for the national search for Guilford’s successor. 

“During the remaining six months I will be available for special projects and to help facilitate an easy transition for the new regional chancellor,” Guilford said. “If they need me, I will be here.”

According to the release, the Guilfords will maintain a Sarasota residence and stay active in the Sarasota-Manatee community. Guilford said he believes the university will continue to grow once he departs.

“Our outstanding faculty, staff and students have accomplished a great deal and I am confident that USF Sarasota-Manatee will continue to develop and thrive,” Guilford said. “I look forward to observing that growth and the continuance of a high standard of excellence from the vantage point of retirement with my wife, Lynn.”

Contact David Conway at [email protected].