University's new leader targets Silicon Valley-style success

Steve Currall, who began his tenure at USF on July 1, delivers a speech outlining his goals for the institution.

By Business Observer Staff
| 10:52 a.m. November 15, 2019
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Steve Currall was officially inaugurated as president of the University of South Florida on Nov. 14. He says USF could be for Tampa Bay what Stanford University has been for Silicon Valley. Courtesy photo.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

TAMPA — Steve Currall was inaugurated as president of the University of South Florida during a Nov. 14 ceremony in which he discussed his vision for the institution’s future.

Addressing students, faculty, staff and alumni, Currall emphasized the inherent advantages of USF’s location in Tampa Bay, a growing metropolitan region with a focus on innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

According to a press release, Currall — who came to USF from Southern Methodist University, where he was provost and vice president of academic affairs — believes USF serves as a catalyst for economic growth and feels USF can become to Tampa Bay what Stanford University has been to Silicon Valley due to its unique focus on both “excellence and opportunity.”

Currall, the release states, also envisions USF becoming part of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group of the 65 top research universities in North America.

Currall took office July 1, succeeding Judy Genshaft, who retired after leading the university for nearly two decades. In higher education, the release states, it’s common for inaugurations to be held several months, sometimes close to a full year, after a new president assumes office.