University of South Florida News

Rob Higgins

Rob Higgins named USF’s first CEO of Athletics

Rob Higgins, a former USF Athletics staff member, becomes the first USF alum to lead the department. He has served as executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission since 2004, successfully positioning the region as one of the nation’s premier destinations in sports and entertainment.

September 9, 2025USF Athletics, University News

Salamander grabbing a bug with his tongue

How the high-speed tongues of salamanders and chameleons are helping USF unlock engineering breakthroughs

While studying salamanders and chameleons, USF researchers discovered the animals use the same biological mechanism to fire their tongues at extreme speeds. The research has opened the door to potential innovative engineering applications inspired by nature.

September 8, 2025Research and Innovation

Shaw examining MRSA under the light in a dish

How USF researchers are leading the fight against MRSA

With new support from the National Institutes of Health and USF’s CREATE Award, USF researchers are unraveling how MRSA evolves and spreads, shaping new treatments, training future scientists and confronting emerging strains in Florida and beyond.

September 4, 2025Research and Innovation

More USF News 

USF Magazine

USF breaks ground on the on-campus stadium, researchers work to unravel the mysteries of Alzheimer's Disease and a look inside the first residence hall on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Fall 2024 Issue 

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News Archive

Learn more about USF's journey to Preeminence by viewing Newsroom articles from past years.