Local business school dean tapped for presidency at University of North Florida

Moez Limayem, the dynamic and energetic dean of the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, is leaving Tampa for Jacksonville, having been named president-elect of the University of North Florida.

UNF’s board of trustees chose Limayem for the post on Monday, concluding a nationwide search that began last fall, according to a news release. Limayem’s appointment must be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system. The confirmation vote will take place at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for June 29-30.

If approved, Limayem will succeed David Szymanski, who served us UNF president from 2018 to 2021. Pamela Chally has led UNF as interim president since September 2021.

“We are pleased to welcome Moez Limayem to the University of North Florida,” UNF Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Hyde states in the release. “Dr. Limayem has a proven record as an innovative and accomplished leader with the vision to advance the university. The board of trustees especially appreciates his deep knowledge and experience working in the Florida State University System and with USF, a designated ‘preeminent’ institution."

He adds, "As we celebrate UNF’s 50th year, we look forward to Dr. Limayem using his experience, leadership and engaging style to continue to build on our strong history, growing opportunities for students and enhancing the university’s critical role in the region and beyond. We are excited to introduce him to our whole UNF community.”

Limayem has led the USF Muma College of Business since 2012. During that time, the release states, he has helped the school raise $126 million and improved its freshman retention rate to 95%.