The State University System of Florida board of governors unanimously confirmed University of North Florida President Moez Limayem on Dec. 12 to become the ninth president of the University of South Florida in Tampa.
“Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me. I am honored, humbled and energized, Limayem said via Zoom.
“I will lead with transparency, humility and purpose. Every decision I make will be guided by one question – that is best for our students, faculty, staff, the community, our state and our country.”
State University System governor Will Weatherford also is chair of USF’s board of trustees.
“We knew the importance of finding a leader who could build on USF’s momentum and guide us into the future. Dr. Limayem understands our institution, our region and our aspirations because he helped shape them, “ he said.
Limayem was the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business at USF for 10 years before accepting the president position at UNF in August 2022.
“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. He’s a wonderful selection and he’ll do a great job and I couldn’t congratulate him more,” said board of governors member Aubrey Edge.
In a news release published after the confirmation, USF said Limayem was named sole finalist for the position by the USF Presidential Search Committee in September and he was unanimously approved by the USF board of trustees in October.
During his time at UNF, Limayem was recognized by Florida Trend as one of the state’s 500 most influential business leaders and he received an award from the National Academy of Inventors for his contributions to innovation and invention.
Limayem was inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame in November. He will move into the presidential suite at USF early next year.