(AAPNW) – “Whether as an award-winning faculty member, a successful entrepreneur or outstanding president of the institution that he loves, there’s never been any question that Kentucky and her future have always been first with Lee Todd. He has led our state’s flagship institution during difficult times, but through his leadership and vision, he has helped transform the University of Kentucky during the past 10 years. Lee Todd will be greatly missed at UK, but I know that he will continue to lend an important voice to higher education and public policy in this state in the years ahead. And, just as importantly, he has helped position UK for even greater things in the future,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in regards to President Todd’s retirement on June 30, 2011.
On July 1, 2001, Todd became the University of Kentucky’s 11th president, his alma mater as well as for his wife, Patsy. “This university is the love of our lives,” he said. “As I have said many times before, this is the only job in higher education I ever wanted because I feel it provides the greatest opportunity to improve the lives of Kentuckians. I believe – indeed, I know – that UK is the soul of this Commonwealth … I am convinced it is the most important institution in Kentucky, with the greatest capacity to improve the lives of Kentuckians and the condition of our state.”
So far during Todd’s tenure, it has been noted for its aggressive growth and expansion and during some of the most challenging economic times in decades. But through it all, there are also consequences and it “begun to take its toll on us. To continue in this job without being able to give it the high level of energy it needs would be a disservice to the institution I care about so much. So, this is the right decision at the right moment.” On the other hand, Todd expressed, “We’ve made enormous progress – more Kentuckians enrolled, more research aimed at the tough problems facing our state, and greater outreach to touch the lives of every family and every community across our Commonwealth.”
To learn more about this educational crown jewel, located in Kentucky, which became America’s 15th state in 1792, visit www.uky.edu.
