The Lake-Sumter State College District Board of Trustees has selected state Rep. John Temple as one of three finalists in the search for the college’s next president.
A special meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 28, during which the trustees will further discuss the finalists and may make a hiring decision.
The other two finalists selected for consideration as the eighth president of LSSC are Dr. Elmore Lowery and Dr. James Ross.
Temple currently serves as vice president of Workforce Programs at LSSC and is a state representative for Florida’s District 52. He is the former principal at Wildwood Elementary and Bushnell Elementary. He also worked in administration for the Sumter County School Board before moving to his current position with LSSC.
Temple holds a master’s in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s in secondary mathematics from Southeastern University. Temple is known for his results-driven leadership across both K-12 and higher education, including successful efforts to enhance workforce pathways, foster regional partnerships and improve educational outcomes for students.
Lowery currently serves as academic dean for the Center for Public Safety at Seminole State College. With a career that spans academic affairs, student services and workforce development, Lowery brings a student-centered approach to leadership. He holds doctorates in both organizational leadership and higher education executive leadership, and his early career included service in law enforcement and public safety roles.
Ross has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education, including serving as president of Pamlico Community College. Under his leadership, Pamlico earned national recognition for its performance and student outcomes. He has also held senior positions at Eastern Florida State College and Piedmont Virginia Community College. Ross holds a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership and is widely recognized for his commitment to student success and community partnerships.