Dear USF community,
In recent days I have spoken to President Currall and he has shared his decision to retire as USF’s president -- a decision I know that he has not made lightly, as he cares deeply for this university and our community.
I would like to thank President Currall for his steadfast leadership and dedication through what has been one of the most challenging periods in our history. Though we have only worked together for a short period of time, I have been impressed by his tireless work ethic and passion for the transformative role of higher education.
During his tenure, President Currall has made many valuable contributions to our university. He led us through consolidation and ensured a successful accreditation process as One USF. He helped us thoughtfully navigate the many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He brought the community together in support of diversity and inclusion, and he initiated the development of USF’s Principles of Community. He has also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to compliance, sound budgeting practices and operational excellence.
Over the past two years, USF raised approximately $230 million in philanthropy, a remarkable feat, especially during a global pandemic. USF broke into the top 50 among public universities on U.S. News and World Report’s rankings for the first time. Construction also moved forward on numerous state-of-the-art campus facilities that will have a long-lasting impact on the university’s future. Importantly, USF also developed a new strategic plan, which provides an optimistic vision and competitive positioning as we advance toward our goals of becoming a Top 25 public university and joining the Association of American Universities (AAU).
On behalf of USF and the Tampa Bay community, I extend my sincere gratitude to President Currall and Dr. Cheyenne Currall for sharing the past two years with us. We wish them well and are delighted they will remain members of the USF family.
In the coming weeks, the Board of Trustees will name an interim president as we commence a search for a permanent leader. In the meantime, Provost Ralph Wilcox will serve as acting president, per our standard university protocols.
Through this transition, USF’s mission remains clear. It is our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who helped USF become America’s fastest-rising university, and in the process, have changed countless lives and propelled the economic growth of our region. And it is this community that will help lead USF toward even greater heights. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we navigate our next steps together.
Sincerely,
Will Weatherford
Chair, USF Board of Trustees