New Faces By Ashley Johnson
w
Photography by Paul Bryan & Jason Flowers
Dr. Larry Lemanski, Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Research Scientist Dr. Larry Lemanski has charmed snakes, toured countries on the back of an elephant and explored the inner workings of what makes a salamander’s heart beat. Now he has a new adventure-turning A&M-Commerce into a world-class teaching and research institution. “After having served as provost for six months, I am fully convinced that we will be moving to new heights as a university,” Lemanski said. “I am very excited and look forward to being a part of it.” Lemanski’s goals as provost are as diverse as they are numerous including an increased emphasis on globalization, the creation of a nursing school and an expansion of research opportunities and funding at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
4
Texas A&M University–Commerce ~ Pride Magazine
“Research is the discovery of new ways to do something,” Lemanski said. “It’s the creation of knowledge and scholarship, and it’s exciting.” Lemanski’s interest in research extends to his own lab on campus where his work with salamanders and genetic mutations may someday provide a way to turn damaged heart tissue into healthy cardiac tissue in humans. In the meantime, however, Lemanski is simply glad to be back in Texas, and closer to his children and grandchildren. “My wife and I were impressed with the friendly small town atmosphere here,” he said. “We’re glad to be living back in Texas, and especially in Commerce.”