Former business dean one step closer to becoming USF president

Key Takeaways:

• Moez Limayem was unanimously selected by USF’s Board of Trustees as the lone candidate for president.
• Final approval rests with the Florida Board of Governors, which will vote on November 6.
• Limayem previously served as USF’s Muma College of Business dean for a decade.
• At the University of North Florida, his leadership helped achieve record enrollment and retention.
• Outgoing USF President Rhea Law will step down when a successor is confirmed.

Background on the Selection

The University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Moez Limayem to serve as the institution’s ninth president. Limayem, who is 62, will still need to secure approval from the Florida Board of Governors—set to meet on November 6—before his appointment becomes official.

USF Roots and Tampa Bay Ties

Limayem is no stranger to USF. Prior to his role as president of the University of North Florida in 2022, he spent ten years as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of USF’s Muma College of Business. His familiarity with the Tampa Bay region, as well as his record of fostering academic success, fundraising, and building strong community partnerships, was repeatedly praised by the USF Board of Trustees.

A Proven Track Record at UNF

In roughly three years as UNF’s president, Limayem oversaw a dramatic rise in both enrollment and retention, culminating in the largest incoming class in the university’s history. According to a statement from USF, UNF also boasts the highest percentage of bachelor’s graduates employed in Florida.

Testimonials and Vision

“Moez Limayem brings a palpable energy and enthusiasm to every room he enters,” says Will Weatherford, Chair of the USF Board of Trustees. “Under his leadership, we are poised to build on our momentum as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.”

Limayem himself expressed excitement, stating, “Serving as USF president would be the greatest honor of my professional life… My family and I love USF and the Tampa Bay region, and I am thrilled by the prospect of returning home.”

Path from Tunisia to Tampa

Born in Tunisia, Limayem received a scholarship to attend the University of Minnesota, where he earned both his MBA and doctorate. Since then, he has dedicated his professional life to academic leadership, culminating in his selection for the top job at USF.

Process and Next Steps

USF’s presidential selection follows a state-mandated process involving multiple stakeholder meetings and feedback sessions, culminating in a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. With his confirmation pending, Limayem hopes to build upon USF’s strong foundation, further elevating student success and reinforcing partnerships across the region.

Outgoing USF President Rhea Law, who has served since August 2021, announced earlier this year that she would step down once a successor was found. If the Board of Governors confirms Limayem in November, he is expected to begin a new era of leadership at one of Florida’s major public research institutions.