News Summary
The University of South Florida has named Moez Limayem as the sole finalist for its president position. Following the confirmation by the Board of Trustees, Limayem is expected to replace retiring president Rhea Law. Limayem previously served as Dean of the Muma College of Business. Public forums will allow community engagement, and stakeholders can submit questions ahead of time. Limayem’s leadership is anticipated to shape the future of USF positively, drawing on his past successes in enhancing the college’s profile.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) has named Moez Limayem as the sole finalist for the position of university president. This announcement was made by USF’s presidential search committee on September 30, following a comprehensive evaluation process of multiple candidates.
If confirmed by the USF Board of Trustees and subsequently the Florida Board of Governors, Limayem would take over the presidency from Rhea Law, who has announced her retirement but will continue in her role until a successor is finalized. Limayem previously served as the dean of the Muma College of Business at USF from 2012 to 2022 before becoming the president of the University of North Florida (UNF).
To facilitate public engagement and provide insight into Limayem’s vision for the university, a series of public forums will take place on the following Monday. These forums are intended for the community to meet Limayem, with locations and timings communicated through a universitywide email. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions, which must be submitted by October 10. Certain questions will be consolidated to avoid duplication, according to Mike Griffin, the chair of the search committee.
Limayem is characterized by many as a friendly and personable leader who builds strong connections within the community, striving for mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders. For example, Jason Steinbach, a first-year doctoral student who met Limayem virtually during a Bulls Business Community event in 2020, expressed confidence in Limayem’s leadership capabilities, anticipating that he would bring similar energy to the presidency. Steinbach plans to attend the upcoming Tampa campus forum to gain a better understanding of Limayem’s approach, particularly concerning university finances and projects like the on-campus stadium.
The forums are expected to set the groundwork for expectations moving forward, with additional community events planned to reinforce these standards. Limayem is scheduled to meet individually with various USF stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff, on Tuesday.
Under Limayem’s previous leadership, the Muma College of Business significantly enhanced its profile, aided in part by substantial fundraising efforts, including a notable $25 million donation that benefitted the college. Furthermore, Chad Wiltz, a USF alumnus, noted Limayem’s active engagement with students and the community during his deanship, which fostered a positive academic environment.
As USF continues to navigate campus developments, recent changes have included shifting dining service providers from Aramark to Chartwells, leading to the permanent suspension of BurgerFi and Starbucks locations on campus. Additionally, USF students have made strides with a productivity app named SPRK, touted as a comprehensive study tool. In another initiative, a professor from USF is collaborating with the Access 3D Lab to evaluate home vulnerabilities to flooding risks from hurricanes.
Limayem’s candidacy for the presidency of USF represents a significant moment for the university as it embarks on the next chapter. His previous tenure at USF has left a lasting impression, and many community members remain eager to see how his leadership will shape the future of the institution. If confirmed, Limayem will become the ninth president of USF, looking to build on the legacy and achievements during his time at the helm of the Muma College of Business.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Meet USF Presidential Finalist Moez Limayem
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- Business Observer: USF Former Dean Finalist for President
- Google Search: Moez Limayem
- Florida Politics: Moez Limayem Ready to Swap UNF Presidency for USF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University Administration
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