News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees recently re-elected Will Weatherford as Chair and Mike Griffin as Vice Chair, both set for another two-year term. The board aims to initiate a presidential search following the announcement of current president Rhea Law’s resignation. In addition, USF plans significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new football stadium and enhancements for their athletic programs, as part of their broader strategy to support educational excellence and community engagement.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees recently re-elected Will Weatherford as Chair and Mike Griffin as Vice Chair during their meeting held on June 3. Both officials have played crucial roles in the university’s governance since 2021 and are set for another two-year term in their positions.
The board is gearing up to initiate a presidential search as USF’s current president, Rhea Law, announced she will step down once a successor is appointed. Griffin will chair the presidential search committee, a role he previously held during the 2021–2022 search. Weatherford expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him and emphasized the potential for USF to achieve significant milestones moving forward. Griffin remarked on this pivotal moment in USF’s history, noting the university’s vital role as an economic driver in the region.
Weatherford brings extensive experience to his position, having served previously as the managing partner at Weatherford Capital and as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. In contrast, Griffin is a USF alumnus who has previously served as Student Body President and as the charter student member of the Board of Trustees. His current position as Vice Chairman of Savills’ Florida region adds to his qualifications for leading initiatives that aim to enhance the university’s reputation and effectiveness.
During the board meeting, USF announced the creation of Bulls Athletic Properties, a new division aimed at managing ticketing, corporate partnerships, media rights, and venue agreements for the university’s athletics. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to optimize revenue streams and enhance the overall experience for fans and student-athletes alike.
In related community initiatives, the recent 2025 Valspar Championship raised an impressive $1.64 million for over 100 local charities through its “Paint The Town Positive” campaign. Additionally, the Community Foundation Tampa Bay awarded more than $2.2 million in discretionary grants to support 84 nonprofit projects across a five-county area, showcasing the foundation’s commitment to community support, having received a record 363 applications this year. Notable donations include $1 million to Girls Inc. of Tampa Bay for its newly created endowment fund and a $500,000 gift from Pat and Charlene Neal to New College of Florida.
In terms of infrastructure development, the USF Board of Trustees has approved a comprehensive plan for upgrading the university’s on-campus football stadium. The revised project cost now stands at $348.5 million, an increase from the earlier estimated cost of $340 million. The new stadium will initially accommodate approximately 35,000 fans and features plans for future expansion, enhancing the overall game-day experience. Further developments include the expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence and the addition of new academic space.
The trustees also allocated $47.9 million for infrastructure enhancements on the east side of the main campus, which supports USF’s growth initiatives, including the new stadium. An additional $10.5 million has been earmarked to manage any unforeseen costs or design changes that may arise during construction. The groundbreaking for this stadium project took place in November 2024, with full-scale construction anticipated to commence following site clearing in May. The new stadium is expected to open in fall 2027, with the first scheduled event being a game against Louisville on September 4, 2027.
As USF seeks to maintain its momentum in educational excellence and community engagement, the upcoming leadership transition and expansion projects will be key components in defining the institution’s future direction. The board’s commitment to strategic growth amid these transitions reflects an understanding of the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of South Florida Secures Major Funding for Educational Advancements
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Community Foundation Tampa Bay Awards Over $2.2 Million to Nonprofits
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USF Board of Trustees Re-elects Leadership Amid Transition
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University of South Florida Approves $348.5 Million Stadium Plan
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Additional Resources
- TBBW Magazine
- Fox 13 News
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Florida Gov
- Florida Politics
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- Google Search: University of South Florida
- Google Scholar: University of South Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Florida
- Google News: USF football stadium construction
