The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. Moez Limayem as the university’s ninth president, according to an announcement from Board Chair Will Weatherford. The appointment is pending confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.
Dr. Limayem previously served as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the USF Muma College of Business for a decade. Weatherford noted the strong support for Limayem’s candidacy, stating, “When he was announced as the sole finalist for this position last month, Dr. Limayem received hundreds of messages of support from people at USF and throughout the Tampa Bay region – a powerful indication of the deep ties and strong relationships he has maintained in our community.”
As dean at USF, Limayem and his team raised over $126 million in private donations for the college, including what was then the largest individual gift in university history. Weatherford commented on these achievements: “Those results don’t happen without someone who creates a clear vision for an organization.”
Since August 2022, Dr. Limayem has been president of the University of North Florida (UNF), where he led efforts that resulted in record levels for student success and enrollment. He also implemented new initiatives focused on career preparation, internships, talent development, and job placement.
Dr. Limayem holds an MBA and doctorate from the University of Minnesota and is committed to faculty excellence and advancing USF’s research enterprise.
Weatherford highlighted Limayem’s support for athletics and his business approach: “He brings a similar business approach, entrepreneurial mindset, focus on revenue generation and connections within the Tampa Bay market as our new CEO of Athletics, Rob Higgins.”
The presidential search committee was led by Board Vice Chair Mike Griffin and supported by search consultants Korn Ferry.
Weatherford concluded: “Dr. Limayem brings a special energy and enthusiasm to every room he enters, and we are excited for you to get to know him even better in the future.”
The university will provide updates as the confirmation process continues.
