Dear USF community,
I am elated to share that today I was unanimously confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors to serve as the University of South Florida’s ninth president. The opportunity to lead this incredible institution is the greatest honor of my professional life, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me.
Returning to USF and Tampa Bay, where I spent a decade as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, is truly a homecoming for me and my family. Our 10 years here were the longest I have ever lived in any city, and our experience being part of this community was simply outstanding. Our two children grew up here and still consider this home. I have loved serving as president of the University of North Florida for the past three and a half years, and I’m appreciative of the support of my colleagues there and in the northeast Florida community. Still, I could not say no when the chance to come back to USF -- and this region that we care so much about -- was presented.
I want to thank USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford, Vice Chair Mike Griffin and the entire board, as well as members of the presidential search committee and Board of Governors, for their trust. I also want to thank my family for their continued support, especially my wife Alya, whose unwavering partnership has strengthened and inspired me throughout my career.
For those who do not know me or did not get a chance to attend one of the recent on-campus forums, you will quickly find that I am passionate about education, something I developed at a young age. Growing up in Tunisia as one of eight children, my father was an elementary school teacher who eventually became a principal. I learned early on that education is the pathway to changing lives, and it has certainly transformed mine. Like many of our students at USF, I was the first in my family to attend college, and I went on to earn my MBA and doctorate from the University of Minnesota.
My career has taken me to faculty positions and leadership roles at universities across the nation and the world. Based on my experience, I can assure you that what we have at USF and the incredible trajectory we are on make us unique, and that is what has made me so optimistic about our future.
To become one of the youngest institutions invited to join the Association of American Universities is historic. In the coming years, we have an opportunity to ascend from a rookie AAU member to a model of what a modern-day AAU institution should be. We can go from a rising star to THE star in higher education, and all our talented students, faculty and staff will help us get there.
At the same time, I share our Board of Trustees' commitment to position USF as a national leader in this new era of college athletics. I have toured the new stadium site and can envision the game-changing ways the facility will activate the campus and increase our engagement with the community. By continuing to make strategic investments and embrace innovation in a rapidly changing landscape, our teams will be at the forefront -- ready to compete at the highest levels and win championships.
Though I have been away for the past several years, I have continued to follow USF closely, and my transition into this role will be smoother thanks to my previous time at the university. However, it would be a mistake for me to assume that the current version of USF is identical to the one I left in 2022. Over time, institutions and personnel change. Similarly, I am not the same person as I was then. I have gained valuable experience as a university president in Florida, forged relationships with leaders in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., and broadened my perspectives on what students, employers and communities need from public universities today.
That is why when I start early 2026, it will be a top priority for me to meet with you, reconnect with members of our community, and listen to many different viewpoints. This will be the foundation for creating a compelling vision, a strategic path and audacious goals that we will form together. In partnership with our remarkable faculty and staff, we will design a plan that capitalizes on the strengths of every USF campus, USF Health and the Tampa Bay area.
As we look ahead, it is also imperative that I personally and professionally express my deep gratitude to President Rhea Law. Throughout her tenure – and even before she was president – she has elevated this institution and strengthened our foundations, ensuring continued success. I am forever grateful for her leadership, her heart for this community and her commitment to USF’s mission.
I am inspired by what has been achieved at USF and energized by what we will accomplish in our next chapter together. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Go Bulls!
Sincerely,
Moez Limayem
USF’s Ninth President