Leadership Team

President's Cabinet

Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Prasant Mohapatra is serving as the University of South Florida's Provost as of March 2023. Dr. Mohapatra comes to USF from the University of California, Davis, where he served as vice chancellor for research since 2018. A distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Science, Dr. Mohapatra held multiple leadership positions at UC Davis, including dean and vice provost of graduate studies, associate chancellor, interim vice provost and CIO, and chair of the Department of Computer Science. Through these roles, he gained 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. Charles 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 University-Community Partnerships

Dr. Eisenberg brings 30 years of experience at USF and strong ties within the Tampa Bay area to strengthen the university’s community partnership activities as the senior vice president of university-community partnerships. Eisenberg works to support the university’s position as a transformational metropolitan research university in collaboration with its communities and USF’s strategic goal to be a significant social and economic engine by creating robust global, national, and regional partnerships. As former dean of the USF College of Arts and Sciences, previous interim provost, and a distinguished communication scholar, Eisenberg has partnered with numerous local public and private organizations throughout his career by advising them on strategic communication to improve organizational effectiveness.

Richard Sobieray, Senior Vice President, Financial Strategy (CFO) and Administrative Services

Mr. Sobieray is responsible for providing strategic leadership in finance and operations across USF’s three campuses and USF Health. This includes working with USF’s academic and administrative leadership and stakeholders to design a new value driven university-wide budget allocation model that builds on the diverse, equitable and inclusive culture at USF, including shared costs for shared services among campuses, F&A distribution, and a transparent reporting system. He serves as a primary resource and liaison to the USF Board of Trustees on financial and operational matters.

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.

Christian E. Hardigree, Regional Chancellor, USF St. Petersburg campus

Christian E. Hardigree joined the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus in 2022 as regional chancellor. She works closely with colleagues across the university to bring the strength of One USF to the St. Petersburg campus, ensuring the overall excellence of the university. Hardigree is also dedicated in supporting campus enhancement, including its focus on student success and building strong community relationships.

Karen A. Holbrook, Regional Chancellor, USF Sarasota-Manatee campus

Dr. Karen A. Holbrook was appointed regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus in 2018. Under her leadership, the Sarasota-Manatee campus has continued to develop strong business and education partnerships throughout the region and the state with a focus on preparing today’s students for life beyond graduation.

Cynthia DeLuca, Vice President for Student Success

With 25+ years of experience prior to joining USF in 2014, Cynthia DeLuca provides strategic vision and leadership for the admissions, career services, enrollment management, wellness, Innovative Education, undergraduate studies and student affairs functions of Student Success. Working closely with her team and leaders on all campuses, she is committed to developing initiatives to support the academic, professional and personal growth of all students for their ultimate success at USF and in their future.

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

Dan Caterinicchia joined the University of South Florida in 2022, bringing with him over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, digital communications, marketing, university advancement and journalism. Dan’s approach centers around strategic storytelling, brand elevation and content creation, which he has implemented in his role leading USF Advancement's communications and marketing team. He is also currently serving as interim vice president and chief marketing officer, leading the University Communications and Marketing team in their efforts to enhance USF's national reputation and support the institution's strategic goals across all three campuses.

Michael Kelly, Vice President for Athletics

Michael Kelly joined University of South Florida Athletics in 2018, with 25 years of experience in athletic leadership. He works to create an exceptional student-athlete experience in which USF’s nearly 450 student-athletes can thrive, and he is also committed to engaging the community and building Bulls Nation through outstanding customer service and ensuring rewarding and memorable experiences.

Angie Sklenka, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Angie Sklenka joined USF in 2020 with more than 20 years of experience managing human resources in higher education, healthcare, hospitality and global manufacturing in North America, Europe and Asia. At USF, she leads strategies for learning and talent development, human resources operations management and implementation of human capital management systems, employee relations, total rewards, talent management, and organizational effectiveness.

Sylvia Wilson Thomas, Interim Vice President for Research

Dr. Thomas is responsible for providing strategic leadership and acting as a catalyst for promoting and expanding impactful scholarly and creative activity by USF faculty researchers across all disciplines and campuses. Dr. Thomas works in close partnership with the president, the provost, the senior vice president of USF Health, college deans, regional chancellors, vice presidents, research staff and the Faculty Senate Research Council to advocate for and support research and scholarship that reflect faculty interests, student success, community engagement and institutional strategic priorities.

Mark Walsh, Assistant 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.

Paige Beles Geers, Chief of Staff

Paige supports, proactively manages and shepherds high-priority projects and key university strategic initiatives. She oversees relations and outreach efforts with the Florida Board of Governors members, staff and other dignitaries. Paige is also the staff liaison for the Board of Trustees Strategic Initiatives Committee.