University of South Florida's President Rhea Law Outlines Vision for University's Future Growth

President Rhea Law Shares Plans for Building on Academic Strengths and Community Partnerships at USF

University of South Florida's eighth president, Rhea Law, outlined her vision for the university during her inauguration speech at the Yuengling Center on the Tampa campus. In her address to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Tampa Bay community, Law shared plans to take the university to the next level, which include building on three academic areas of strength, committing to community partnerships, and constructing a new on-campus stadium. Law, who is the first USF alum to serve as president, spoke about her personal connection to the university and her plans to give back to the community that has given her so much. She also reflected on the transformation of the university from a small commuter school to one of the nation's top research universities and highlighted three areas of excellence that will guide the university's future growth: health sciences, environmental and oceanographic sciences, and global and national security.

Health Sciences, Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences, and Global and National Security to Guide University's Growth

HEALTH SCIENCES

Regarding health sciences, President Law stated: "Our medical school is currently the fastest-growing in the country, and our influence is expanding through our robust presence in Downtown Tampa and our valuable collaborations with healthcare institutions like Tampa General Hospital. Boosting the number of graduates who work in our state's healthcare system is crucial for the development of our region and state."

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCES

On environmental and oceanographic sciences, President Law stated: "Our researchers have shown a consistent dedication to protecting the environment, whether they are investigating hurricanes, clean energy, or the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Our university's location and expertise make it the ideal spot to establish an interdisciplinary center of excellence in environmental and oceanographic sciences. This initiative will have a significant impact on millions of people as the well-being of our climate and oceans is vital to the prosperity of our state. I am fully committed to collaborating with Florida's leaders to showcase the significance of this endeavor and guarantee its long-term success."

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Regarding global and national security, President Law said: "With the recent establishment of the Global and National Security Institute and our strong ties to Tampa Bay's military community, USF is well-suited to address critical issues related to national security. Due to our expertise in this field, more resources are being allocated to support our endeavors. For example, last year, the state legislature and Governor provided a $20.5 million increase in funding for Cyber Florida, a statewide agency located at USF that focuses on cybersecurity. This funding is enabling our university to hire new faculty, expand our program offerings, and prepare more graduates each year who are ready to enter the cyber workforce."

In her speech, President Law acknowledged the significance of public art and related arts programming at the University of South Florida. She acknowledged that in addition to enhancing the aesthetics of all three campuses, public art also provides the Tampa Bay community with spaces for informal gatherings and a way to learn about prominent artists and their works. To further emphasize the importance of USF's Public Art Program, Law announced the launch of a new fund to support the university's public art collection. More information can be found on the university's website.

President Law also reaffirmed the university's commitment to strengthening and expanding partnerships within the community, citing examples such as collaborations with local healthcare organizations, United States Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, and local school districts. She highlighted the benefits of these partnerships, explaining how they provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and the community with access to USF's research expertise, state-of-the-art technologies, and talented graduates.

President Law also discussed the importance of new facilities for the university's growth, including a new Student Health and Wellness Center and a new home for the Judy Genshaft Honors College on the Tampa campus, as well as the first student housing building and a nursing/STEM building planned on the Sarasota-Manatee campus. She also spoke about the St. Petersburg campus' efforts to partner with the city in areas such as city planning and economic development, as well as the potential impact of a new on-campus stadium set to open in 2026.

President Law was officially appointed as USF president by the Florida Board of Governors in March 2022, however, it is common for the inauguration ceremony to be held several months, or even a year after a new president assumes office.

REFERENCE:
Law shares vision for USF’s future in the presidential inauguration speech
https://www.usf.edu/news/2023/law-shares-vision-for-usfs-future-in-presidential-inauguration-speech.aspx