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Longtime SPC president resigns

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By LINDSAY PETERSON

lpeterson@tampatrib.com

Published: July 22, 2009

TAMPA - Carl M. Kuttler Jr., who has guided the growth of St. Petersburg College as president for three decades, announced his resignation in an e-mail Tuesday.

"After careful thought I have decided now is the right time," Kuttler wrote. "Perhaps there could be no better time. St. Petersburg College is on solid financial footing. It has tremendous Cabinet leadership, a distinguished faculty and staff, clear direction, and the respect of colleagues and the community."

Kuttler was considered an "entrepreneurial" president who forged partnerships with governments, businesses, cultural institutions, and other colleges and universities. He expanded the college from two campuses to 10 learning sites and developed a highly regarded distance learning program.

In 2002, he led the transition of the former junior college to a four-year school offering baccalaureate degrees.

St. Petersburg College trustee Terrence Brett called Kuttler a visionary.

The board of trustees had just evaluated Kuttler and given him "glowing reports," Brett said. "We're really sad we are going to lose him."

State Sen. Dennis Jones, who is vice president of St. Petersburg College, said Kuttler "really put us on the map, not only statewide but globally."

Kuttler served as dean and vice president of the college for 12 years before becoming president.

In 1998, Kuttler was chosen America's outstanding college president by the Association of Community College Trustees.

He is a graduate of Florida State University and Stetson University College of Law. But he started out in 1956 at St. Petersburg College.

"My love for this college has not wavered over the years," he wrote in his e-mail.

"The best opportunity for service was always right here because, after all, this is where I came after being told in high school that a college education wasn't for me: This is the place that truly changed my life."

He will remain at the college until a replacement is found.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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