News Summary
The University of South Florida (USF) is set to begin its search for a new president, following Rhea Law’s announcement of her upcoming resignation. A 15-member search committee, led by Mike Griffin, will oversee the selection process, which includes input from faculty, staff, and students. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for March 27, marking the start of a collaborative effort to find a leader who can guide USF into its next chapter. The search process also highlights an emphasis on community engagement and transparency.
Exciting Times Ahead for USF as Presidential Search Kicks Off!
In the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) finds itself at a pivotal moment as it embarks on the search for its next president following the recent announcement from current president Rhea Law, who shared she will be stepping down from her role on February 17. While this might seem like a lot of change, Law has assured everyone that she will stay on until a suitable replacement is found, ensuring a smooth transition period for the university community.
Meet the Search Committee
Leading the charge in this exciting quest for leadership is a dedicated 15-member presidential search committee, helmed by none other than the Board of Trustees (BOT) Vice Chair Mike Griffin. Griffin isn’t a stranger to this kind of challenge; he successfully steered USF’s presidential search during the 2021-22 academic year. The members of the committee include a diverse mix of faculty, staff, and students. Notable faculty members such as Professor Sylvia Thomas, who serves as the Vice President for Research and Innovation, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Additionally, there’s student representation in the form of Alexa Grubbs from the Judy Genshaft Honors College, making sure the student voice is heard during this important selection.
Community Engagement is Key
Faculty Senate President and BOT member David Simmons expressed a collective hope that the process leads to selecting a candidate who can truly excel in meeting the university’s needs and aspirations. After all, we’re talking about a leader who will shape the future of the university in profound ways. The BOT will make the final choice from a shortlist of recommended candidates after the search committee has done its due diligence. But hold on—there’s more! The final pick will also require the stamp of approval from the Florida Board of Governors, adding another layer to this fascinating journey.
Students are also getting in on the action! Representatives from the student government, including Student Body President Suryakanth Prasad Gottipati, will be allowed to suggest candidates. They will even have the opportunity to cast their votes on the final selection as long as they remain in office at that time. The timeline is interesting to note, with Gottipati’s term concluding in spring 2025, while Simmons will continue serving until August 2026.
Mark Your Calendars!
The process kicks into gear with the very first meeting of the presidential search committee set for March 27. This gathering will pave the way for exciting public meetings where community members can share their insights and opinions about the candidates. In an effort to create an inclusive atmosphere, students can provide feedback through student government office hours, on Microsoft Teams, or even by giving a quick phone call.
Listening to the Community
Trustee Simmons has pointed out that further town hall meetings will allow for more in-depth discussions, giving everyone a chance to express their thoughts about the finalists under consideration. All of this engagement underscores USF’s commitment to ensuring a strong sense of shared governance and genuine representation throughout this selection process.
What’s Next?
As if that wasn’t enough, a new bill proposed on February 28 could transform how future presidential searches are conducted by shifting away from the confidentiality of candidates’ identities until finalists are selected. This news adds yet another twist to the ongoing narrative, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community involvement.
As we stand at the cusp of this new chapter, everyone at USF is buzzing with eager anticipation for who will step into the significant leadership role ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes in South Florida Universities
USF Students Elect New Leaders Amid Election Drama
Florida’s Political Landscape Shifts Amid Golf Outing
Tampa Bay Community Gathers for CEO Connect Events
USF President Rhea Law to Step Down Amid Concerns
Tampa Bay to Honor Women Leaders with 2025 Awards
University of South Florida President Rhea Law to Step Down
University of South Florida Prepares for Leadership Transition
University of South Florida President Rhea Law Stepping Down
Florida’s State Parks Face Threats from Development Proposals
Additional Resources
- USF Oracle
- Florida Phoenix
- Orlando Sentinel
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Presidential Search
