Above photo: Dr. Jonathan Ellen, a leader in the St. Pete Innovation District, has been named leader of the task force to plan USF’s transition into a single accreditation. Courtesy of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
By Jeffrey Waitkevich
The Board of Governors appointed a St. Petersburg doctor to head the task force to phase out USF St. Petersburg’s separate accreditation.
Dr. Jonathan Ellen, president and vice dean of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, was announced as chair of the University of South Florida Consolidation Planning, Study and Implementation Task Force Monday in a press release from the Board of Governors.
The task force has until Feb. 15, 2019, to give recommendations to the USF Board of Trustees on how to effectively transition the USF system into a singular accredited university.
“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,” Ellen said in the press release.
He added that “the result of the enhanced integration should elevate the innovative and scholarly impact of USF on the Tampa Bay region and country.”
Ellen, who is a St. Petersburg resident, declined to comment beyond the press release, per a public relations specialist at the hospital.
Martin Tadlock, interim regional chancellor at USF St. Petersburg, has worked with Ellen before on the Board of the St. Pete Innovation District. Ellen serves as president of the board, with Tadlock as his vice president.
“We get along very well. I enjoy working with him. We talk back and forth quite a bit,” Tadlock said.
Tadlock also said the appointment was “a good choice,” describing Ellen as a “great guy” and “strategic thinker.”
Earlier this year, Ellen was one of the few community leaders to come out in support of the consolidation.
Tadlock believes Ellen will do a good job listening to and addressing the cacophony of backlash the consolidation has gotten from local leaders and those at USF St. Petersburg.
“He’s fair. He’s balanced,” Tadlock said. “He sees the big picture. He understands the politics.”
Tadlock added that they share a similar mindset that “higher education is a driver of economic prosperity and also driver in quality of life.”
Brian Lamb, chair of the USF Board of Trustees, spoke highly of Ellen in the press release.
“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,” Lamb said. “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.”
Ned Lautenbach, chair of the Board of Governors, said in the press release that Ellen “will play a critical role in ensuring that USF’s transition happens smoothly and efficiently and that it further improves service to students.”
