USF votes to select Moez Limayem as its new president

TAMPA — The University of South Florida Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously voted to select Moez Limayem as the university’s ninth president.

Limayem currently serves as president of the University of North Florida.

His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. He would replace Rhea Law, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

“Dr. Moez Limayem is an outstanding leader, who brings a unique combination of deep ties to the University of South Florida and Tampa Bay region, valuable experience as a university president in our state and a strong record of accomplishments in student success and engagement, research excellence, fundraising, corporate partnerships and much more,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford.

“Under his leadership, we are poised to build on our momentum as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and further capitalize on our location in one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing regions in the country,” he said.

During his time at UNF, Limayem was recognized by Florida Trend as one of the state’s 500 most influential business leaders. This year, UNF welcomed the largest incoming class of students in its history.

“I am honored and humbled to be unanimously selected by the USF Board of Trustees. Serving as USF president would be the greatest honor of my professional life,” Limayem said. “My family and I love USF and the Tampa Bay region, and I am thrilled by the prospect of returning home. As I was reminded during my visit to each USF campus last week, it is truly a special community.”

You can read the university’s full statement here.