Dr. Karen Holbrook

Regional Chancellor of University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Dr. Karen Holbrook has quite the history at the University of South Florida and its campuses.  

When the regional vice chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee first relocated to Sarasota, it was to retire from her position as president of The Ohio State University. Dr. Holbrook had fallen in love with the area while visiting friends on Longboat Key and attending a Georgia Bulldogs bowl game in Tampa. Shortly thereafter, she and her husband built a house on Longboat Key, where they could enjoy the natural wildlife.  

Her retirement plans didn’t last long. In 2007, USF President Judy Genshaft called to ask her to help with the school’s office of research, a job that was only intended to last six months ended up lasting seven years. Dr. Holbrook later served as a senior advisor for President Genshaft from 2013-2016.  

In 2018, Dr. Holbrook was named regional chancellor for USF Sarasota-Manatee, where she oversees everything happening on the campus, including the Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall that opened in August. 

“It’s pretty much like being president of a small university,” said Dr. Holbrook. “I love working on this campus, it’s a beautiful environment. But it’s the people, the students, faculty and staff, that really make the difference.”   

While a vast majority of her time is spent on campus, Dr. Holbrook is passionate about being involved in the community, where she serves on various county, economic development boards and chambers, including the Easterseals Southwest Florida and the All Star Children’s Foundation. 

Dr. Holbrook and her husband love spending time relaxing at their home on Sarasota Bay, watching the birds and wildlife in the area, or visiting their new house on St. Simons Island, Ga., for long weekend getaways.  

Text by Tom Reese | Photo by Nancy Guth

8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-4200
sarasotamanatee.usf.edu