The University of South Florida (USF) seeks a visionary, collaborative, and forward-thinking President to lead one of the nation's fastest-rising public research universities into its next era of excellence and impact. As a leading institution of the #1 ranked university system in the country, USF is a preeminent institution committed to student success, groundbreaking research, and meaningful community engagement. The next President will join a vibrant university community with extraordinary momentum and a bold trajectory. As a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and home to the state’s first and largest academic medical center (USF Health), USF offers a platform of national distinction and growing global influence.

The President serves as the chief executive officer of the university, reporting to the USF Board of Trustees. The President will lead a community of over 50,000 students, nearly 16,000 faculty and staff, and a passionate alumni network across the globe. USF’s next President will guide the university through a period of continued institutional and reputational growth, stewarding its R1 research enterprise, cultivating philanthropic and industry partnerships, advancing student success and access, and building on the university’s role as a catalyst for innovation and transformation across the state of Florida and beyond.

With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is deeply embedded in one of Florida’s most dynamic metropolitan regions. Ranked among the top public universities in the nation and designated as a “Preeminent State Research University” by the Florida Board of Governors (one of only three in the state), USF is distinguished by its rapid ascent in national rankings, its commitment to excellence, and its powerful role in shaping the economic vision of the region.

The successful candidate will be a mission-driven, forward-looking leader with a deep commitment to the values of modern public higher education and to the students and communities served by the University of South Florida. Demonstrated experience in managing financial and budgeting operations, with a strong emphasis on transparency and responsible stewardship of public resources will be preferred.

A collaborative leadership style committed to both student success and safety that fosters trust, open communication, and accountability is essential, as is the ability to build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students. The ideal candidate will also have experience in fundraising and philanthropic engagement, serving as a persuasive and visible advocate for the university’s mission, priorities, and impact on the community.

Public policy astuteness and interpersonal acumen are critical, including the ability to engage effectively with elected officials, system leaders, business and civic partners, and other key stakeholders in a public university environment. While candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, the university welcomes individuals with either a strong record of academic engagement or significant executive leadership in a complex organization of comparable scale, scope, and public accountability. This may include experience in higher education, government, the private sector, or a nonprofit enterprise.

The University of South Florida has retained Korn Ferry, a national executive recruiting firm, to assist with this search. All nominations, inquiries, and application materials should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. Korn Ferry will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until a finalist has been selected. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries for the position to the search firm at the contact information below:

Vickie Antolini, Senior Client Partner

Ken Kring, Senior Client Partner

John Elkerton, Managing Associate