I am sure many of you received this earlier today.
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Dear USF community,
When I was first asked to serve as the University of South Florida’s interim president in 2021, I thought it would only be for a few months to provide stability during a time of transition. I pledged to create a smooth glidepath for a new president to be well positioned for success. What I never could have imagined is where we would be three-and-a-half years later and all that we would accomplish. Together.
I have not lost sight of that commitment to create a glidepath, and the time is right for the next president to lead a new chapter of our university. I have informed our board chair, Will Weatherford, of my plans to step down after a national search is conducted and a successor is selected.
You might be wondering, why now? Our university is on an incredible trajectory, and the foundation is in place for a new leader to take us to even greater heights.
We are excelling as a proud member of the Association of American Universities.
Our research enterprise is stronger than ever with a record $738 million in funding last year.
Construction will soon ramp up on our transformational new on-campus stadium and the plan we have developed will keep it on track to open in 2027.
Our new College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will open this fall.
We launched an Office of University Community Partnerships that is enhancing our impact throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
We established a new single-year fundraising record with over $168 million and received gifts from an all-time high of more than 54,000 donors last year.
We have set new records for state legislative funding, including major increases in recurring operational dollars and support for other key projects.
We have earned national recognition as a best place to work.
We implemented a transparent and predictable budget model and became more modern and efficient with our business operations.
One of the hallmarks of great leadership is knowing when it is time to create space for new ideas and fresh perspectives to build on the momentum we have created. I am confident in the path ahead and inspired by the potential of what is to come.
During my tenure we established bold goals — and thanks to our talented, dedicated team of faculty, staff, administrators and students — we exceeded them, sometimes soaring beyond what many thought was possible. Each milestone we have reached is not a stopping point, but rather a steppingstone to the next level of excellence. There is no finish line.
I deeply appreciate your trust, support and shared commitment to our vision. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for your unwavering confidence in USF. And finally thank you to our alumni, donors, fans, community partners and other passionate supporters for helping elevate USF to places we have never been before.
After over 40 years as an employee, student, board member and chair, donor, volunteer and now president, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all we have achieved. Serving this community as USF’s eighth president has been the honor of my lifetime, and I look forward to cheering on the continued success of this incredible university. As I said when my tenure began, when we link arms and work together, anything is possible.
As always, and forever, Go Bulls!
Sincerely,
Rhea F. Law
President
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Dear USF community,
When I was first asked to serve as the University of South Florida’s interim president in 2021, I thought it would only be for a few months to provide stability during a time of transition. I pledged to create a smooth glidepath for a new president to be well positioned for success. What I never could have imagined is where we would be three-and-a-half years later and all that we would accomplish. Together.
I have not lost sight of that commitment to create a glidepath, and the time is right for the next president to lead a new chapter of our university. I have informed our board chair, Will Weatherford, of my plans to step down after a national search is conducted and a successor is selected.
You might be wondering, why now? Our university is on an incredible trajectory, and the foundation is in place for a new leader to take us to even greater heights.
We are excelling as a proud member of the Association of American Universities.
Our research enterprise is stronger than ever with a record $738 million in funding last year.
Construction will soon ramp up on our transformational new on-campus stadium and the plan we have developed will keep it on track to open in 2027.
Our new College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will open this fall.
We launched an Office of University Community Partnerships that is enhancing our impact throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
We established a new single-year fundraising record with over $168 million and received gifts from an all-time high of more than 54,000 donors last year.
We have set new records for state legislative funding, including major increases in recurring operational dollars and support for other key projects.
We have earned national recognition as a best place to work.
We implemented a transparent and predictable budget model and became more modern and efficient with our business operations.
One of the hallmarks of great leadership is knowing when it is time to create space for new ideas and fresh perspectives to build on the momentum we have created. I am confident in the path ahead and inspired by the potential of what is to come.
During my tenure we established bold goals — and thanks to our talented, dedicated team of faculty, staff, administrators and students — we exceeded them, sometimes soaring beyond what many thought was possible. Each milestone we have reached is not a stopping point, but rather a steppingstone to the next level of excellence. There is no finish line.
I deeply appreciate your trust, support and shared commitment to our vision. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for your unwavering confidence in USF. And finally thank you to our alumni, donors, fans, community partners and other passionate supporters for helping elevate USF to places we have never been before.
After over 40 years as an employee, student, board member and chair, donor, volunteer and now president, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all we have achieved. Serving this community as USF’s eighth president has been the honor of my lifetime, and I look forward to cheering on the continued success of this incredible university. As I said when my tenure began, when we link arms and work together, anything is possible.
As always, and forever, Go Bulls!
Sincerely,
Rhea F. Law
President
