University narrows field of contenders for presidency

USF’s presidential search committee is expected to name three finalists.

By Business Observer Staff
| 2:39 p.m. March 15, 2019
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

The University of South Florida's search for a new president is heating up. Courtesy photo.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

TAMPA — The search for the University of South Florida’s seventh president enters its potential final phase March 18, when the search committee meets to review the final list of candidates for the post.

USF System President Judy Genshaft is set to retire in July after leading the university for 19 years. Courtesy photo.

Judy Genshaft, who has led the USF system for nearly two decades, is set to retire in July. March 15 was the deadline for applications to succeed her.

According to a USF news release, USF’s presidential search committee, led by university trustee Les Muma, will select three finalists. Those candidates will be required to participate in public, on-campus interviews and forums throughout the week.

Search committee interviews will take place Wednesday, March 20, the release states. The next day, moderated candidate conversations will be held at USF’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.

USF’s board of trustees will interview the candidates on Friday, March 22. According to the release, trustees hope to choose the university’s next president at the conclusion of those interviews.