University of North Florida President Moez Limayem announced Sept. 30 that he may be the next president of the University of South Florida.
The Spinnaker, UNF’s student news publication, reported that in a universitywide email, Limayem wrote, “There will be news shortly, but I want you, the Osprey community, to hear it from me. I have been informed that I am the sole finalist for the position of president at the University of South Florida. The selection process is currently underway and may take several months.”
Limayem’s possible appointment will have to be approved by the Florida Board of Governors.
“While this presidential selection news is significant, I continue to cherish every moment at UNF. Working alongside our exceptional faculty and staff, and witnessing our students’ growth, is incredibly fulfilling,” Limayem said in the email.
In an email to the USF community, Mike Griffin, chair of the USF Presidential Search Committee, confirmed Limayem’s selection to become the university’s ninth president.
“Many of you know him from the 10 years he spent as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business at USF prior to becoming UNF’s president in 2022,” Griffin wrote.
“Our committee conducted a thorough process that included reviewing an outstanding group of highly qualified candidates from across the nation before deciding that Moez is the best choice for USF. He brings a strong track record of presidential success in Florida in his current role, and we’ve experienced the impact of his leadership firsthand when he was at USF. We are confident that Moez is the right person to build on our momentum and lead us to even greater success in our university’s next chapter.”
In May 2022, Limayem became the seventh president of the University of North Florida when his selection by UNF’s board of trustees was confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors.
He succeeded David Szymanski, who was UNF’s president from 2018 to 2021.