Florida Board of Governors confirms Moez Limayem as USF’s next president

The Florida Board of Governors on Friday unanimously confirmed Moez Limayem as the University of South Florida’s (USF) ninth President.

Limayem served as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business at USF for 10 years before becoming President of the University of North Florida (UNF) in 2022. He was named the sole finalist for the job in September and won unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees in October. His confirmation now ensures his return to the University in early 2026.

“I am so energized, humbled, honored and excited by the biggest professional honor in my life,” Limayem said in a video posted on X. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Board of Trustees, our Board of Governors, our amazing faculty, staff and students, and all my friends in the Tampa Bay community. I cannot wait to work with all of you to take this University to the highest possible level. And, as always, Go Bulls.”

Limayem’s time at UNF included significant enrollment gains, a record first-year retention rate, and job placement outcomes that rank among the best in the state. UNF welcomed the largest incoming class in its history this Fall and reached its highest total enrollment since the school opened in 1972.

Florida Trend also recognized him, as well as the Jacksonville Business Journal and the National Academy of Inventors; Limayem was recently inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame.

“Together, we will write the University of South Florida’s next chapter as a national model of excellence that transforms lives and strengthens Florida’s intellectual, economic and civic landscapes,” Limayem said in a statement. “I am also deeply appreciative of President Rhea Law’s commitment to elevating USF academically and reputationally. Her impact has strengthened this institution and positioned us for continued excellence.”

Before joining UNF, Limayem oversaw significant fundraising successes at USF. He secured more than $126 million in private donations, including a $25 million gift from Pam and Les Muma in 2014 that at the time was the largest individual donation in school history.

Earlier in his career, Limayem served as associate dean for research and graduate programs at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business and held the Edwin and Karlee Bradberry Chair in information systems. He earned his MBA and doctorate from the University of Minnesota.

His wife, Alya, is a UNF biology faculty member and a researcher who holds multiple U.S. patents. She was named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors last year and recognized as a 2024 Rising Star of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. The couple has two children.

“Moez Limayem has an extensive record of academic and executive leadership in higher education,” Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb said. “USF’s recognition as an AAU institution and continuous climb in national rankings underscores their commitment to improving student outcomes and advancing workforce development in Florida. President Limayem will drive this momentum forward with strong stewardship and vision.”

Other Board members voiced similar support during Friday’s meeting. 

“I’ve been close to him with his efforts at UNF and working with him very closely,” Board member Aubrey Edge said. “He’s a wonderful selection, and he’ll do a great job, and I couldn’t congratulate him more.”

Board member Ken Jones echoed the sentiment.

“Just an outstanding leader,” Jones said. “Moez is going to stand on the shoulders of great people and also do great things and I’m excited to work with him.”