Dr. Lester A. Lefton, Kent State University President, officially announced that he is retiring. Lefton sent an email to students and staff this morning. Here are the president’s first comments on his retirement:

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TV2 reporter Kaitlynn LeBeau gives a full report on President Lefton’s retirement:

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President Lefton will leave behind a university that looks much different than when he arrived in 2006. Kent State and the City of Kent have undergone a transformation during Dr. Lefton’s tenure.

But while he’s had successes, he’s also had his fair share of challenges.

Portage Pulse anchor Jasen Sokol scored an exclusive interview with the president earlier this year, and gives a look at Lefton’s legacy:

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The Board of Trustees says that appointing the new president is now a top priority.

President Lefton will continue to lead the university as officials form a search committee to recruit a new president.

In the coming months, the committee will begin advertising the position and looking for candidates.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jane Timken, will select a trustee to lead the committee.

Kent State Spokesman Eric Mansfield says it is still unknown which parts of the search will be public and which will be private.

Stay tuned for more coverage.

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Contact Kaitlynn LeBeau at [email protected].

Contact Jasen Sokol at [email protected].