About

Executive Leadership Team

Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Vice President for Research

Dr. Mohapatra became USF’s provost in March 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at UC Davis as vice chancellor for research and multiple leadership positions at the department, college, and university levels. As a distinguished professor in computer science, he has extensive experience in a variety of critical areas that align with USF’s strategic plan. 

Charles J. Lockwood, Executive Vice President for USF Health

Dr. Lockwood joined USF Health in 2014, becoming dean of the Morsani College of Medicine and assuming a number of leadership roles across the institution. Internationally known for his research expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Lockwood has received numerous research grant awards and maintains an active laboratory at USF Health dedicated to clinical research in his areas of expertise.

Eric Eisenberg, Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Eisenberg brings 30 years of experience at USF and strong ties within Tampa Bay to lead the Office of Strategic Partnerships. Dr. Eisenberg works to support the university’s position as a transformational metropolitan research university in collaboration with its communities to fulfill USF’s strategic goal in being a significant social and economic engine by creating robust partnerships.

Gerard D. Solis, Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Since joining USF’s Office of the General Counsel as assistant general counsel in 2003, Gerard D. Solis has worked in multiple practice areas serving virtually all areas and levels of the university. As general counsel, he now regularly advises university administration on a range of governance, labor and employment, constitutional and compliance matters.

Jay Stroman, Senior Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Affairs

Appointed in 2020, Jay Stroman has over 20 years of successful institutional advancement experience that he brings to the University of South Florida Foundation. He is a dynamic development leader who builds strong relationships with USF's alumni and community supporters, advocates for the university’s top priorities and develops creative strategies for sustainable philanthropy.

Brian Verkamp, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative OFficer

Dr. Brian Verkamp leads operations including Human Resources, Information Technology, USF Facilities and the USF Police Department. With more than 25 years of leadership in higher education, research and health environments, he specializes in digital strategy, operational effectiveness and large-scale institutional transformation. Before joining USF in 2026, he led institutional technology strategy and operations at the University of North Florida, guiding major digital initiatives and addressing complex university challenges.

Robyn Blank, Vice President and chief of Staff

Robyn Blank is a key strategic partner for the president, leading institutional strategy, cabinet operations and cross-university coordination. She brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, compliance and law. Before joining USF in 2026, she served as associate vice president and chief compliance and ethics officer at the University of North Florida and previously held senior compliance and legal roles at Florida State University. 

Dan Caterinicchia, Vice President for Communications and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer

Dan joined USF in 2022, bringing with him over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and journalism. Dan’s approach centers around strategic storytelling, brand elevation, and content creation, which he implements every day overseeing University Communications and Marketing to enhance USF's national reputation and support all three campuses.

Jennifer Condon, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer is a certified CPA trained and experienced in finance and accounting. Her higher education career began at Yale University before joining USF in 2006. Over the course of Jennifer's tenure, she has progressively increased her span of responsibility and now plays a critical role in overseeing the university’s budget practices and elevating the central financial business processes of USF, in line with best practices.

Rob Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of USF Athletics

Named the inaugural CEO of USF Athletics in 2025, Rob has over 20 years of sports administrative experience, having previously served as the executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. In his role, Rob oversees 21 varsity men’s and women’s teams competing in 11 different sports, 20 at the NCAA Division I level, and approximately 500 student-athletes.

Mark Walsh, Vice President for Government Relations

As head of the Office of Government Relations, Mark Walsh oversees and coordinates the university’s interactions with the federal government, the State of Florida and local governments on all policy and budgetary issues related to USF. His office advocates for public investment to fund high-priority operating budget, research and capital construction projects and policy and governance issues affecting USF.