USF Sarasota-Manatee regional chancellor to retire by the end of the year
Karen Holbrook, the regional chancellor at the Sarasota-Manatee campus, is set to retire by the end of the year.
Holbrook announced her retirement on Thursday at a State of the Campus meeting. In the 17 years she has been at USF, Holbrook was in different leadership positions and was named regional chancellor in 2018.
“It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable community, and I will always be a proud member of the USF family,” Holbrook said. “I look forward to witnessing all that the university achieves in the future.”
Holbrook is 81 years old and originally from Des Moines, Iowa. She was an active biomedical researcher and receiver of the National Institutes of Health MERIT Award in her early career.
Before coming to USF, Holbrook also held leadership positions in universities nationwide, such as Ohio State University and the University of Washington School of Medicine.
During her time at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Holbrook advocated for research opportunities for faculty and students.
With her help, the Sarasota-Manatee campus welcomed students to the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall in fall 2024.
Related: New USF residential hall at the Sarasota-Manatee campus to open in August
Brett Kemker will take on Holbrook’s position starting in January, President Rhea Law said in a university-wide email. Kemker is the regional vice chancellor and vice provost for Academic Affairs and Student Success at USF Sarasota-Manatee
Kemker is also a USF alumnus and has worked at the administration of universities across the country, like the University of New Orleans, the University of Southern Mississippi and Florida State University, according to the university.
Law said she is “incredibly grateful” to Holbrook and her contributions to the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
“Dr. Holbrook has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the region,” Law said. “We thank her for everything she has done for USF and congratulate her on a highly decorated career in higher education.”
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