News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees has re-elected Will Weatherford as Chair and Mike Griffin as Vice Chair. This decision comes as the university is set to undergo significant leadership transitions, including the retirement of President Rhea Law in 2025. As they continue to guide USF, Weatherford and Griffin are focused on enhancing the university’s infrastructure and academic programs, including plans for a new stadium and a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees unanimously re-elected Will Weatherford as Chair and Mike Griffin as Vice Chair, as the institution navigates a critical phase of leadership transition and expansion plans. This re-election grants Weatherford and Griffin an additional two-year term, reinforcing their roles since 2021, at a crucial time when USF is preparing for a national search to find a successor for retiring President Rhea Law.
President Rhea Law, who began her tenure in March 2022 and served as interim president prior to that, has announced her retirement, effective February 2025. Her departure marks the beginning of an important transitional period for the university, as the Board of Trustees aims to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Mike Griffin, who has previously chaired the Presidential Search Committee during the last search in 2021-22, will again take on this pivotal role. The committee is expected to undertake a thorough and strategic search process to identify a suitable candidate to lead USF into its next chapter.
Under the leadership of Weatherford and Griffin, USF is poised to embark on significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the university’s infrastructure and academic offerings. Among the planned milestones are the construction of a new on-campus stadium and the establishment of a college dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. These developments are part of a broader vision to elevate USF’s status as a leading research university and a key economic player in Florida.
Will Weatherford’s leadership experience includes serving as managing partner of Weatherford Capital and involvement in public service as the youngest Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. His background equips him with unique insights into both institutional governance and strategic growth.
Mike Griffin is not only a USF alumnus and former student body president but also co-leads the Florida region for Savills, a notable real estate firm. His extensive leadership role within community organizations reflects his commitment to community engagement, a key aspect of USF’s mission.
During her presidency, Rhea Law achieved several notable successes, including the formation of strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, as well as spearheading infrastructure projects that resulted in new wellness and athletic facilities on campus. Her leadership has set a foundation that the next president will build upon.
The announcement of Law’s retirement coincides with a trend among Florida universities, as several institutions, including the University of Florida (UF) and Florida International University (FIU), are also undergoing presidential transitions. This context highlights the larger shifts occurring within higher education leadership across the state.
Weatherford’s emphasis on continuity and his gratitude expressed for the confidence shown by the trustees reflect a commitment to stable leadership during this time of change. Griffin’s engagement in the upcoming presidential search signifies the Board of Trustees’ proactive approach in ensuring that USF remains on a trajectory of growth and excellence.
The re-election of Weatherford and Griffin is a strategic move by the Board of Trustees to reinforce stable leadership at USF, a critical component of the university’s mission to become an innovative and influential research institution and a driver of economic progress for the state of Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix: USF Joins Presidential Hunt, Incumbent Rhea Law to Step Down
- Herald Tribune: USF President Rhea Law to Step Down
- Herald Tribune: Don’t Hand USF Sarasota-Manatee Over to Richard Corcoran (Opinion)
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
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