Linda Lefton, Kent State’s soon-to-be “first lady,” practiced law as a prosecutor in South Carolina for 10 years while her husband, Lester, worked at the University of South Carolina. She is currently an adviser for pre-law students at Tulane.

Linda said she is eager to explore her options at Kent State but does not have plans to work in the area until they get settled.

“The move will be bittersweet,” Linda said. “New Orleans is in such a difficult situation right now trying to rebuild. It will be tough to leave everything behind.”

Linda said she will miss the food and culture in New Orleans but has already experienced the Midwest’s warmth from people in Kent during her two visits to campus.

She also said she is not looking forward to the winters, but they lived in Rochester, N. Y., and grew up in New Jersey, so she is used to snow.

The Leftons said they look forward to meeting the students at Kent State and wants to have some students over for barbecues in the near future.

Linda said the couple has two daughters, ages 29 and 32, and will have a grandchild this summer.

– Sean Joseph