Will UTA’s interim president take University of Memphis helm? What Tenn. leaders said
UT Arlington interim president Teik Lim is a finalist for the top post at the University of Memphis.
Lim, who has led the university since spring 2020, is one of three top contenders to become the Tennessee institution’s 13th president. Other finalists include Cammy Abernathy of the University of Florida and Bill Hardgrave of Auburn University.
Lim has stood in as president for nearly two years after former president Vistasp Karbhari resigned amid allegations of misconduct, bullying and retaliation. The search for Karbhari’s successor was placed on hold due to the pandemic.
The Tennessee institution’s board of trustees were impressed by Lim’s energy and his work at UTA, including his leadership during the pandemic and winter freeze. Lim also spoke to board members about his confrontations with racism throughout his acadmic career.
“To find himself in Arlington dealing with all the challenges that we’ve discussed, he’s a remarkable individual, there’s no question in my mind,” said G. Douglas Edwards, board chairman.
Hardgrave ultimately landed the board’s executive committee nomination Friday afternoon. Committee members noted Hardgrave’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as his track record on building relationships with local and state governments, as deciding factors.
David Kemme, a board member and economics professor at the university, said Lim was his “close second” choice for the post.
The full board will consider the recommendation Tuesday, Nov. 9. The finalists visited campus and fielded questions from university staff, students and alumni between Monday and Thursday.
Lim applied for the post to help the University of Memphis reach its student enrollment and research goals, along with efforts to make enrollment accessible, according to his cover letter. Lim said the university should prioritize investments for faculty and student research and improve funding options through funraising and partnerships with local businesses and agencies.
The finalist deliberations in Memphis come as Texas officials search for a permanent university president.
UT System officials resumed the search in July. Its search committee, composed of university system leaders, UT Arlington students and employees and community members, began meeting in August. The system also conducted a town hall in September for public feedback.
Lim, who is also an aerospace engineering professor, previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs since joining UTA in 2017.
If selected, Lim would lead a university that enrolled 21,622 students in fall and employs about 2,500 employees.
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 12:49 PM.
