Karen Holbrook steps down as USF Sarasota-Manatee Regional Chancellor

Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor of the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, announced Thursday that she will step down from her position at the end of 2024.

Brett Kemker, regional vice chancellor and vice provost for academic affairs and student success at the Sarasota-Manatee campus, will serve as interim regional chancellor beginning in January.

Holbrook, a former biomedical researcher, was appointed to the position in 2018, and the university touts her six-year tenure as part of several milestones, including the opening of a new student center and Atala Residence Hall, and receiving the largest gift in campus history with the designation names the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance in 2022.

Holbrook is also credited with expanding research opportunities for faculty and students.

“Joining USF Sarasota-Manatee has been a rewarding experience made meaningful by our dedicated students, faculty and staff who embody the values ​​of our campus,” Holbrook said in a press release. “It has been an honor to lead this wonderful community and I will always be a proud member of the USF family. I look forward to witnessing all the university’s achievements in the future.”

Holbrook previously held leadership positions at other institutions of higher education, including the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, the University of Washington and Ohio State University, where she served for five years as the institution’s first female president.

At USF, she served as senior vice president for global affairs and international studies and senior vice president for research and innovation before serving as regional chancellor.

“Doctor. Holbrook has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and region,” said USF President Rhea Lowe. “We thank her for all she has done for USF and congratulate her on her outstanding career in higher education.”