The Florida Board of Governors on Friday unanimously confirmed Moez Limayem as the University of South Florida’s ninth president.
Limayem was named the sole finalist for the role by the USF Presidential Search Committee in September and was unanimously approved by the USF Board of Trustees in October. He will begin his tenure in early 2026.
“I am humbled and honored by this opportunity,” Limayem said. “I am grateful for the hard work of the students, faculty, staff and community leaders who have invested in this university. Together, we will write the University of South Florida’s next chapter as a national model of excellence that transforms lives and strengthens Florida’s intellectual, economic and civic landscapes.”
A familiar leader returns to USF
Limayem currently serves as president of the University of North Florida, a position he has held since 2022.
Before that, he spent 10 years at USF as dean of the Muma College of Business.
During his tenure as dean, Limayem and his team raised more than $126 million in private donations for the college.
That included a $25 million gift from Pam and Les Muma in 2014, which at the time was the largest individual donation in USF’s history.
He also led efforts to expand career preparation, internships and talent development initiatives for students.
Track record at the University of North Florida
Since becoming president of UNF, Limayem has overseen several institutional milestones.
This year, UNF welcomed the largest incoming class in its history and reached its highest overall enrollment since its founding in 1972.
The university also set a record for first-year student retention and produced positive job placement outcomes, including leading the state for the percent of bachelor’s graduates employed in Florida.
State leaders express confidence
Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb said Limayem’s background positions him to continue USF’s upward momentum.
“Moez Limayem has an extensive record of academic and executive leadership in higher education,” Lamb said. “USF’s recognition as an AAU institution and continuous climb in national rankings underscores their commitment to improving student outcomes and advancing workforce development in Florida. President Limayem will drive this momentum forward with strong stewardship and vision.”
Board members echoed that confidence during Friday’s meeting.
“Just an outstanding leader,” said Board of Governors member Ken Jones. “Moez is going to stand on the shoulders of great people and also do great things and I’m excited to work with him.”
“I’ve been close to him with his efforts at UNF and working with him very closely,” added Board member Aubrey Edge. “He’s a wonderful selection and he’ll do a great job and I couldn’t congratulate him more.”
Academic background and family
Earlier in his career, Limayem served as associate dean for research and graduate programs at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business and held the Edwin and Karlee Bradberry chair in information systems.
He earned his MBA and doctorate from the University of Minnesota.
His wife, Alya Limayem, is a UNF faculty member in biology and a nationally recognized researcher.
She holds multiple U.S. patents and was named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors last year.
In 2024, she was recognized as a Rising Star of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. The couple has two children.
Why it matters
The University of South Florida is one of Tampa Bay’s most influential institutions, serving approximately 50,000 students across its Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota Manatee campuses.
USF is a member of the Association of American Universities, representing the top 3% of universities in the U.S., and generates more than $6 billion in annual economic impact.
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked USF as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and named it one of the top 15 best values among public universities nationwide.
Limayem’s confirmation ensures continuity at a moment when USF is experiencing record research funding, national recognition and growing economic influence across the region.
His return places a former USF leader back at the helm as the university enters its next chapter.
