The bustling campus of the University of South Florida emphasizes community and growth.
The University of South Florida is preparing for a transition as President Rhea Law announces her retirement. Law, who served since August 2021, plans to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership to her successor, who will guide the university into its next chapter. During her tenure, USF has seen remarkable achievements in research funding and community support, including a new indoor performance facility and significant fundraising success. The search for a new president begins soon, as the USF community looks forward to future growth and opportunities.
In sunny Tampa, the buzz is all about the University of South Florida as President Rhea Law has announced her upcoming retirement. This news, shared on a Monday, has many in the USF community reflecting on the impressive journey they’ve taken under her leadership. Law has committed to staying on board while a national search kicks off to find her replacement, ensuring a smooth transition for the university.
Rhea Law made her mark as the eighth president of USF, initially stepping into the interim role back in August 2021. By March 2022, she was confirmed as the permanent president. With her contract set to expire in April, Law is hopeful about paving a smooth “glide path” for her successor. This thoughtful approach highlights her desire to leave behind a strong foundation for whoever takes the reins next.
During Law’s presidency, USF has soared high, making remarkable strides in numerous areas. For instance, as of 2023, the university proudly ranks among the top 3% of higher education institutions in the esteemed Association of American Universities. That’s no small feat! Additionally, USF set a new record, garnering an astonishing $738 million in research funding for the 2024 fiscal year. Talk about a tremendous achievement!
The fundraising front has also been exceptionally bright. USF managed to pull in over $168 million in donations from more than 54,000 generous supporters, setting a new benchmark for the university. It’s clear that the community stands behind USF, and this support is vital for its ongoing success.
Last year, students and faculty were thrilled to witness the opening of a new indoor performance facility, enhancing the campus experience. The excitement doesn’t stop there; in November, USF broke ground on a $340 million stadium, a project that is sure to elevate school spirit and community engagement to new heights!
Another exciting development is the transformation of an old golf course into a mixed-use district. This ambitious project will provide a range of new academic, commercial, and residential spaces, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
One of the key projects awaiting Law’s successor is the long-anticipated $80 million Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences (EOS) research and teaching facility located on the St. Petersburg campus. Although this project has faced legislative challenges – including a veto of $74 million in 2022 – USF did manage to secure $24.3 million in 2023, keeping the hopes for the EOS facility alive.
Under Law’s successful leadership, the university has garnered significant community support and advancements that have reshaped its trajectory. As her term comes to a close, Law emphasizes the importance of a successor who is willing to engage with students, faculty, and community members. Fresh energy and innovative ideas will be key in continuing the university’s growth.
Interestingly, there’s speculation about the next president’s political connections, especially since other Florida universities have recently appointed leaders with strong political ties. With this search process expected to be swift, the board of trustees is confident in locating the ideal candidate to lead USF into its next exciting chapter.
While Rhea Law prepares for retirement, her legacy at the University of South Florida will undoubtedly be remembered. As the search for a new president unfolds, the USF community can look forward to new opportunities and leadership that will continue building on the solid progress achieved during Law’s time at the helm. Here’s to what’s next for USF!
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