Current Features
Reflections from Near and Far
Partners and colleagues share their thoughts on President Genshaft
Jeff Vinik
CHAIRMAN AND GOVERNOR, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Judy has done a tremendous job, as evidenced by the university recently achieving Preeminent status. The next president will have big shoes to fill, but inherits a university in terrific condition.
Ned Lautenbach
CHAIR, FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS
She is a passionate advocate for the university at every level, but her legacy will be most defined by her absolute commitment to the success of her students.
Photo caption: USF System President Judy Genshaft and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 2018 Smart Cities signing ceremony. The Smart Cities MOU signifies a partnership between USF and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to implement technologies that improve the lives of citizens.
Bob Buckhorn
MAYOR, CITY OF TAMPA
She has been a great partner to me and the entire business community. Leaving at the top of her game. Thanks Judy for believing in what this city and USF could be.
PHOTO: USF System President Judt Genshaft and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed a memorandum of Understanding at the 2018 Smart Cities signing ceremony. The Smart Cities MOU signifies a partnership between USF and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to implement technologies that improve the lives of citizrns
Professor Sir Steve Smith
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER, UNITED KINGDOM
We send you our warmest congratulations. Over 19 years you have made an extraordinary contribution to the University of South Florida and the communities in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Your vision, energy and leadership have been fundamental to the transformation of USF. It now ranks as a global leader among Young Universities; it is a Preeminent State Research University; is placed among the top 25 public universities for research expenditures in the United States; and is, more than ever, at the forefront of cutting-edge research delivering impact nationally and internationally in medicine, science, engineering and the arts.
This is an incredible story of success and a glowing testament to your inspirational leadership.
USF is a highly valued partner for the University of Exeter. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with you in building a productive relationship between our universities and I’m delighted to see new and innovative forms of collaboration shaping the partnership for the future. We thank you for your staunch drive and commitment to this partnership. From me, the University Council, our Senior leadership team and everyone at Exeter who has had the pleasure of working with you, our very warmest wishes to you for a happy retirement.
Bill McCausland
MBA ’96, LIFE MEMBER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The USF Alumni Association has grown exponentially thanks to the enthusiastic support of President Genshaft. She has been a true partner in the Association’s mission to engage alumni and connect us to one another and to our great university so that each of us can contribute to USF’s success. On behalf of 340,000 alumni worldwide, thank you President Genshaft for your leadership and for making our degrees appreciate in value every day.
Merritt Martin
’04 AND MPA ’06 LIFE MEMBER
CHAIR, USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS; MOFFITT CANCER CENTER DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
I have never known a University of South Florida without a President Judy Genshaft.
My freshman year in 2000 was also the first in her incredible tenure.
Just like Rocky and Green and Gold, Dr. Genshaft has been my USF staple.
During my years as a student, I was able to watch her develop the vision that has created a truly Preeminent University. During my time on the Alumni Association board of directors, I have marveled at the president’s talent in pushing USF to exceed expectations in so many capacities: academics, research, athletics, diversity, veterans’ affairs, and her unwavering support for your Alumni Association.
I can assure you that the university that she and I walked into 19 years ago is not the same one that stands before us today. Due to her perseverance, USF has been eternally transformed and will be forever grateful.
Bill Galvano
FLORIDA SENATE PRESIDENT
She’s leaving a preeminent university with so much to offer to the students who go there, as well as being a part of a system that continues to improve at all levels.
Joe Gruters
MBA ’02 AND FLORIDA STATE SEN. DISTRICT 23
President Genshaft has worked tirelessly to transform USF to the Preeminent university it is today. She’s done a remarkable job during her tenure as President and USF has made incredible strides under her leadership.
James Buchanan
MBA ’09 AND FLORIDA STATE REP. DISTRICT 74
The University of South Florida is on a remarkable trajectory thanks to President Genshaft’s leadership. She has left a real legacy on the university and the entire Tampa Bay region.
Jackie Toledo
’00 AND FLORIDA STATE REP. DISTRICT 60
President Genshaft has been transformative for USF as well as my district and the entire Tampa Bay Region. She’s had a tremendous influence on so many individuals and her impact on this region will be felt for generations to come. All of this while always looking flawless in green and gold!
Patsy Sánchez
’95, MA ’98
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
As a two-time USF graduate, I have seen much change in our campus. Without a doubt the Tampa campus has flourished into a beautiful gem that makes faculty, staff, students and community proud. But standing prominently beyond the beautification of the campus is what Dr. Judy Genshaft has accomplished while leading the University of South Florida for nearly two decades. Community. Bull Pride. Academic Excellence. Research and Innovation. Record Fundraising. And an unceasing persistence and perseverance. No single word can describe her legacy. For her legacy is still being realized.