State confirms university’s choice for new president

TAMPA — The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to confirm Steve Currall as the University of South Florida’s new president, succeeding Judy Genshaft, who is set to retire June 30 after leading the institution for nearly two decades.

Currall, 60, is the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Southern Methodist University. He was one of four finalists for the position evaluated by the USF board of trustees, capping a six-month search process.

According to a press release, Currall will take office as USF’s seventh president July 1.

“As the most recent institution in Florida to achieve Preeminent status, the University of South Florida continues to accomplish milestone after milestone,” states Ned Lautenbach, chairman of the Florida Board of Governors. “I believe Dr. Currall has the background and experience to continue the university’s impressive trajectory and to lead the university to the next level.”

Currall, the release states, served in several leadership roles at the University of California, Davis, prior to joining SMU. His resume also includes experience at Rice University, the University of Chicago and Cornell University, as well as University College London.

“I am honored to have been selected as USF’s seventh president, and I appreciate the confidence and support of the Board of Governors,” Currall states in the release. “USF is at a pivotal point in its history, poised to make an even bigger impact on the Tampa Bay region, state of Florida and beyond … I can’t wait to get started in July.”