Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Another Rochester leader is retiring. University of Minnesota Rochester Chancellor Stephen Lehmkuhle today announced the plans to step down as the leader of the local campus on August 1st. Lehmkuhle became the first Chancellor of UMR 10 years ago and was instrumental in creating the system of innovative instruction that incorporates customized and connected curricular experiences, with a collaborative culture that encourages community engagement.

“Providing leadership to this unique and innovative campus has been the highlight of my career,” Lehmkuhle said. “The chance to build a new undergraduate health sciences university in the heart of America’s most dynamic city for health care was both a great opportunity and challenge as we created the University of the Future. It has been a rare privilege to work with such a dedicated faculty and staff and to have seen so many students benefit from the campus community’s strong dedication to their success.”

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler has appointed UMR Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development Lori Carrell to serve as interim chancellor while a search is conducted for a permanent successor.

UMR currently has an enrollment of about 650 students and will be welcoming its largest-ever incoming class this fall.

The list of long-time Rochester leaders retiring this year also includes City Administrator Steven Kvenvold and Olmsted County Administrator Richard Devlin.

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