KENT: Kent State University has taken the first steps to find a replacement for retiring President Lester Lefton.
Trustees on Tuesday named fellow trustee Richard Marsh as chairman of the search committee.
Marsh, a retired FirstEnergy Corp. executive and a chartered financial analyst, said the team of faculty, staff, community members and students will have a “long runway” to search for KSU’s 12th president.
The goal of the search will be to “produce the best result for Kent State,” Marsh said. “We know the economic environment’s going to get more difficult. This person will face some economic challenges.”
Lefton announced in April that he would retire in July 2014 from Kent State after eight years at the helm of Ohio’s second-largest public university.
Marsh said members of the yet-to-form committee will hire an executive search firm to help identify and approach possible applicants who meet the university’s requirements.
Trustees also agreed to make Lefton’s current residence in Kent the official home for future KSU presidents.
Lefton sold his privately owned home on Elizabeth Court to Shaker Heights trial attorney Edward Cochran for $700,000 in April in anticipation of his retirement.
KSU then agreed to lease the home from Cochran for $56,000 a year for up to 20 years. At select points, the university would be able to bow out of the contract if it chooses.
In the meantime, the new president will be required to live in the 11-room house with four bedrooms and 4½ baths in order to entertain on the university’s behalf.
Trustees on Tuesday altered Lefton’s contract to eliminate the $65,000 payment to him for mortgage, taxes, utilities and maintenance on the residence.
Lefton said he looks forward to starting the next chapter of his life, which will include spending more time with his family.
Carol Biliczky can be reached at cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3729.