Moez Limayem named the sole finalist for University of South Florida president

• September 30, 2025
• University News

The University of South Florida Presidential Search Committee is delighted to recommend Moez Limayem (pronounced Mow-ezz Lee-may-yum) as the sole finalist for the USF Board of Trustees to consider as the university's ninth president.

Limayem, who currently serves as president of the University of North Florida, is an accomplished, energetic and passionate higher education leader with deep ties to USF and the Tampa Bay region. Limayem was the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business at USF for 10 years prior to becoming UNF's president in 2022.

"Our committee is proud to announce Dr. Moez Limayem as the sole finalist to become the ninth president in University of South Florida history," said Mike Griffin, chair of the presidential search committee. "We conducted a thorough process that included reviewing an outstanding group of highly qualified candidates from across the nation before deciding that Moez is the best choice for our USF community. He brings a strong track record of presidential success in Florida in his current role, and we experienced the impact of his leadership firsthand when he led our Muma College of Business. We are confident that Moez is the right person to accelerate our momentum and lead us to even greater heights in the next chapter of our university."

Limayem's tenure at UNF has been filled with significant achievements and milestones. This year, UNF welcomed the largest incoming class of students in its history, leading to its highest overall enrollment since being founded in 1972. UNF also recently set an institutional record with its first-year student retention rate. With a strategic focus on community and corporate partnerships, UNF is No. 1 in the state for the highest percentage of bachelor's graduates employed in Florida.

During his time at UNF, Limayem has been recognized by Florida Trend as one of the state's 500 most influential business leaders, by the Jacksonville Business Journal as an Ultimate CEO and he received an award from the National Academy of Inventors for his many contributions to innovation and invention.

While dean at USF, Limayem and his team raised more than $126 million in private donations for the college, including a $25 million gift from Pam and Les Muma in 2014, which at the time was the largest individual gift in the university's history. He also led key efforts to enhance career preparation and placement, internships and talent development of students.

Earlier in his career, Limayem served as the associate dean for research and graduate programs at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. Limayem earned his MBA and doctorate from the University of Minnesota.

Limayem's wife Alya, a UNF associate professor of biology, is a renowned researcher who holds multiple U.S. patents and was named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024. The couple has two children.

"The University of South Florida and the Tampa Bay region are special to my family and me," Limayem said. "I have always enjoyed working with USF faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters and the community's business leaders and I am honored to be considered to lead this great university in its continued pursuit of excellence."

Limayem will soon visit USF for public forums with the university community. A schedule will be announced in the coming days.

The presidential search committee process followed state law and Florida Board of Governors' regulation to include stakeholder input; the development of a position profile; marketing of the position; identifying and screening the most qualified candidates; and then recommending a finalist to the Board of Trustees for consideration.

The USF Board of Trustees is responsible for selecting the university president, whose appointment is then subject to confirmation by the BOG.