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Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle named first chancellor of University of Minnesota, Rochester

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 7/23/2007 ) -- University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks today announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle as the first chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Rochester (UMR), pending Board of Regents approval on Sept. 7, 2007. Lehmkuhle (LEM-kool) comes to the Rochester campus from the University of Missouri system, where he currently serves as the senior vice president for academic affairs.

"As the university grows its Rochester campus, this first chancellor will play a critical role in realizing the vision that so many have for this campus," said Bruininks. "Dr. Lehmkuhle's candidacy for this position received strong support across both the university and Rochester communities. His demonstrated leadership ability, strong administrative and academic credentials, commitment to collaboration and his understanding and experience working within a large, multi-campus system made him the top candidate for this position."

While at the University of Missouri, Lehmkuhle served as vice president for academic affairs from 1998 until he was promoted to his current position as senior vice president for academic affairs in 2004. In 2005, he also served for 8 months as the interim chancellor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City until the permanent chancellor was in place.

"Dr. Lehmkuhle brings a wealth of experience to this position," said university Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones. "Particularly, during his time as acting chancellor, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership in a challenging environment and was successful in restoring rapport and institutional trust among internal and external stakeholders, while reinforcing campus priorities and directions."

Lehmkuhle earned his doctorate in experimental psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Jones said he has a record of success in developing, managing and evaluating inter-campus academic programs; effectively engaging in legislative relations and public policy; establishing important campus and community partnerships; and serving as a strong advocate for campus needs.

"The university and the community have come up with a solid vision for what they want the University of Minnesota, Rochester to become in coming years," said Lehmkuhle. "This is an outstanding opportunity and an exciting time to be at UMR. I'm excited about this challenge and look forward to becoming part of the community."

As the new chancellor of UMR, Lehmkuhle will be responsible for the academic, executive and administrative leadership of the campus. He will also be responsible for representing UMR within the University of Minnesota system and within the community, the state, region, legislature and public and private sectors.

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