The Board of Governors on Monday appointed Dr. Jonathan Ellen, president and vice dean of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, to lead the “University of South Florida Consolidation Planning, Study and Implementation Task Force,” which will develop recommendations to phase out the separate accreditations of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee.
“Dr. Ellen has an excellent track record of leadership at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and is well regarded by those who have worked with him,” said Ned Lautenbach, chair of the Board of Governors. “He will play a critical role in ensuring that USF’s transition happens smoothly and efficiently and that it further improves service to students.”
Dr. Ellen is a visionary leader at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, transforming the facility from a regional referral center to a pediatric academic health system and national leader in research, teaching and patient care. Among other initiatives, he oversaw the launch of an innovative new pediatric residency program, continues to recruit world-class physicians and scientists, will soon open a $95 million research and education building dedicated to pediatrics in the heart of St. Petersburg’s innovation district, and worked with the leaders at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine to strengthen the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital-USF affiliation. His full biography is available here.
“Consolidated accreditation will increase educational opportunities for students across all the USF campuses by reducing barriers to collaboration among graduate and undergraduate programs, enriching the faculty, and improving strategies for recruitment and retention of students from all backgrounds,” Dr. Ellen said. “The result of the enhanced integration should elevate the innovative and scholarly impact of USF on the Tampa Bay region and country.”
The task force will submit recommendations to the University of South Florida Board of Trustees by February 15, 2019. Its responsibilities include identification of specific degrees in programs of strategic significance, including healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other program priorities to be offered at the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee and the timeline for development and delivery of programs on each campus. Other task force goals include engaging faculty, developing the research capacity at each campus, and ensuring a seamless transition for students.
“Having Dr. Ellen, a well-regarded business and community leader in the Tampa Bay region, chair the consolidation task force is an important step in this process,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Brian Lamb. “His commitment to ensuring a successful outcome for USF, our students, and faculty as set forth by the Florida Legislature is valuable to the entire region.”
