Dr. Laura Byrd, interim president
Humble, quiet strength, inner and outer beauty, kindness, generosity, intelligence, and servant leadership are all words I would use to describe Interim President Dr. Laura Byrd.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Byrd to talk about her interim position as President of Lake Sumter State College.
From many of the faculty, I have heard only praises for Dr. Byrd and relief that she, albeit reluctantly, accepted the position until the Board of Trustees can find the next President. Part of the interim agreement between Dr. Byrd and the trustees is that she would not apply for the presidential position beyond the interim. Dr. Byrd expressed that she is looking forward to getting back to her work with the Foundation.
When I asked Dr. Byrd what her plans for the college were, she smiled and reminded me that she is just an interim president; her goal is to make the next President’s transition into the position easier by keeping the office of the president running until a replacement is found.
Dr. Byrd is known in the community and at LSSC for her kind and positive nature. I queried about some of the difficult decisions that are made at the presidential level and she responded that it is possible to make difficult decisions, but it’s all in the delivery. I took that to mean she would deliver difficult decisions with her usual class and grace.
Lake Sumter is lucky to have someone as talented and qualified as Dr. Byrd.
___
For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected]