The University of South Florida is on the brink of naming a new president, a choice with significant implications for the region’s economic and educational landscape.
Moez Limayem, president of the University of North Florida and former dean of USF’s Muma College of Business, has been named the sole finalist to become the university’s ninth president.
Why it matters
USF is more than a university. It is one of Tampa Bay’s most powerful economic engines, generating $6 billion annually, fueling a top-tier research enterprise and serving as a pipeline of future talent for the region’s companies.
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The leadership transition raises questions about how the institution will strengthen corporate partnerships, advance research and shape the workforce that drives the region forward.
What happened
On Sept. 30, USF’s Presidential Search Committee recommended Limayem as the sole finalist for the presidency. He served a decade as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of USF’s Muma College of Business, before becoming UNF president in 2022.
At UNF, he oversaw record enrollment and retention, expanded corporate partnerships and positioned the university as a leader in graduate employment outcomes. He was recognized as one of Florida’s most influential business leaders by Florida Trend and named an Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal.
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During his tenure at USF, he led major fundraising efforts, securing more than $126 million in donations, including a $25 million gift from Pam and Les Muma in 2014, at the time the largest individual donation in university history.
What’s happening next
He will return to Tampa Bay in the coming days for a series of public forums with students, faculty, alumni and community leaders. The USF Board of Trustees will then vote on his appointment, which is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Business implications
For Tampa Bay’s business community, this leadership decision carries weight. USF is a talent pipeline, a source of research and a critical partner in economic development. His record in building corporate partnerships and fundraising suggests he could strengthen ties between the university and the private sector, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and workforce development.
RELATED: USF sets new fundraising record with $184 million in donations from nearly 60,000 donor
If confirmed, his return could accelerate USF’s growth in entrepreneurship and technology, sectors already driving the region’s economy. His ability to bridge academia and industry may position USF as an even stronger partner for companies seeking talent and research expertise.
His potential appointment represents more than a change in leadership. It marks USF’s next chapter—and with it, Tampa Bay’s future as a hub for talent, research and economic growth.
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