despite his popularity with students and faculty alike, sharp was to have a brief tenure. it was no secret that he was uncomfortable with what he described as “the numerous and almost constant ambiguities, confusions and embarrassments surrounding the chancellor’s role on this campus.”
A Brief and Ambiguous Role
Emerging from an exhaustive search to replace Bill Aycock ’37 was Paul Fredrick Sharp, an eminently qualified candidate described by President Bill Friday ’48 as a “brilliant, dedicated and successful educator.” Despite his popularity with students and faculty alike, Sharp would have a brief, 17-month tenure.