Global Partner Spotlights
United Kingdom

The University of South Florida and University of Exeter Partnership
The University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Exeter (Exeter), both premiere research universities, enjoy a partnership that benefits both students and faculty. University leaders from both institutions meet consistently to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Partnership Highlights
The partnership between USF and the University of Exeter dates back 15 years. Below are examples of how the relationship has evolved over time.
Higher Education Leadership Activity
July 2015: Joint USF Board of Trustees meeting with the University of Exeter’s Council in Exeter. A joint working group was established with a focus on Medicine and Engineering.

March 2018: A University Leadership Forum was held and partnership agreement was signed during the University of Exeter’s visit to USF. USF's President and Provost met with a delegation of university leaders from the University of Exeter and hosted meetings on campus to deepen ongoing engagement. Vice Chancellor (2002-2020), Sir Steve Smith confirmed the importance of the partnership during this visit and pledged his support for the relationship. Sir Steve Smith currently serves as a US-UK Fulbright Commisioner.
July 2025: USF Presidential delegation visits the University of Exeter.
Advancement Collaboration
June 2016/March 2017: University of South Florida and University of Exeter Advancement Leaders traveled to each university to share strategies and best practices in advancement and fundraising.
Administrative Collaboration
March 2017: Connections were made across Administrative Services units to help share expertise and best practices. Planning and data discussions and exchanges were held.
Educational Experiences
Student Exchange Programs
Approximately 20-25 USF students each year travel to the University of Exeter for a semester or summer academic experience. In return, Exeter students travel to USF and enjoy a year-long experience as a USF Bull and enrich USF classes with their presence.


ANNUAL STUDENT EXCHANGE NUMBERS

The Judy Genshaft Honors College Spring Semester in England Program is an immersive faculty-led study abroad experience situated in Exeter. Students explore English culture, storied landscapes, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, belonging, and leadership. Throughout their time in the United Kingdom, students will live the life of an English university student by taking courses at the University of Exeter, exploring the Exeter area on weekly Honors faculty-led excursions, and engage in undergraduate research projects. The program is designed for all Honors students, regardless of major or professional ambition, who seek a transformative undergraduate experience that cultivates personal growth, nurtures capabilities for contributing to the common good, and enhances the depth of understanding necessary for effective leadership.
The USF-Exeter Catalyst Research Fund

An initiative between the University of Exeter Global Partnerships Office and USF World, the Catalyst Research Fund provided funding to support collaborative research activity between researchers at Exeter and USF. Selected collaborations (below) received support for project activities including, but not limited to, faculty exchange, post-graduate student exchanges, joint symposia, or resource sharing. The maximum amount applicants received was £8,000 ($11,500) for the completed project.
Name | Project | Field(s) of Research |
---|---|---|
Huw Williams (Exeter) and Edelyn Verona (USF) | Neuropsychological Approaches to Violent Crime and Suicide Risk in Multiple Vulnerable Populations | Psychology, Criminology |
Mark van der Giezen, Peter Petrov, Peter Winlove (Exeter), and Rays H.Y. Jiang, Swamy Adapa (USF) | Red Blood Cell Membrane Complexity | Microbiology, Computational Biology, and Genomics |
Hazel Lawson, Alison Black (Exeter), and Phyllis Jones, Alisha Braun (USF) | A Series of Research Seminars: Special and Exceptional Educational Needs and Services | Education, Teaching and Learning |
Philip Durrant (Exeter) and Nicole Tracy-Ventura, Amanda Huensch, Tuc Chau (USF) | My Reviewers Doctoral Student Exchange | Linguistics and Applied Language Studies |
March 2020: A Catalyst Research Fund Symposium was held at the University of South Florida and attended by University of Exeter stakeholders.