Rhea Law, President, University of South Florida
In an interview with Invest:, Rhea Law, president of the University of South Florida, highlighted the university’s cutting-edge initiatives, including $738 million in research funding, plans for a transformative campus stadium to foster community engagement, and the launch of Florida’s first College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing.
As healthcare is a key area for the university, what are some recent advancements you would highlight in this regard?
Healthcare is indeed a primary area. We recently returned from a trade mission with the governor, where we signed an agreement with an Italian company to bring cutting-edge equipment to our region. This will be only the fifth such installation in the United States and the first in the Southeast. It will revolutionize how we provide care for oncological patients. It is an exciting development, and we are optimistic about the positive impact it will have. During this trade mission, I witnessed global enthusiasm for our efforts. With over 200 faculty and 4,000 students already involved, this initiative will meet a critical demand in the business community.
Another key area is artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Last year, we announced our intention to create Florida’s first college focused on AI, cybersecurity, and computing, which is among the first in the nation. A historic $40 million gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini has established USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, which opens in fall 2025. There is a pressing need in these fields, as over 40% of cybersecurity organizations report difficulties in finding qualified talent, and Tampa Bay is home to a growing number of prominent cybersecurity and technology companies.
Another point worth noting is our success in philanthropy. Over the past three years, we have secured nearly $500 million in donations, including a record amount for the university each year. This support reflects the confidence donors have in the University of South Florida’s (USF) mission and its transformative impact on students and the broader community.
Finally, I must underscore our membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group of the top 3% of universities in the U.S. and Canada. This is a significant milestone that validates our strong research enterprise and academic standing.
How did the University of South Florida respond to the recent hurricanes, and what lessons did you learn about resilience?
I could not be prouder of the individuals who worked diligently to prepare and support our campuses. Many of our employees worked long hours and were pulled away from their families to serve in critical roles. As a result, our facilities were protected, allowing us to resume operations very quickly. Within days, we transitioned to online classes, and within a week, in-person classes were back in session. Despite the inconvenience, our students were taken care of and continued their educational pursuits. One extraordinary example of resilience was during the power outage. To preserve research materials stored in large freezers, volunteers physically moved these freezers across campus to places where they could be powered. This effort was a testament to the dedication of our teams across all three campuses and downtown facilities. Our researchers continue to study the impacts of each hurricane to help the region and our state better prepare for future storms.
How will the new campus stadium impact USF’s relationship with the broader Tampa Bay community?
The stadium is the one thing people ask about the most. They want to know when it will be ready, and they are eager to see what it means for the university. The groundbreaking in November 2024 has made it very real for the community. The event brought together dozens of elected officials from state and federal governments, all excited to see USF take this significant step. The stadium will enhance the college experience for our students, alumni, and surrounding communities. Beyond sports, it will serve as a venue for various events, such as concerts, festivals, and potentially graduation ceremonies.
The stadium is situated at the heart of our future vision for USF. For instance, we are planning to revitalize the spine running through the campus. On the east side, there will be an athletic district, while the north side of the campus will undergo significant development. A former golf course in that area will be transformed into an attractor for the community. The stadium is central to these initiatives, acting as a unifying force for our plans. Athletics often serve as the front door to a university, and this stadium enhances our visibility. It has already sparked renewed interest among alumni and businesses. The potential for partnerships and increased community engagement is immense. The stadium is more than just a structure; it symbolizes growth and connectivity for USF and the Tampa Bay region.
How do you envision USF’s role in healthcare evolving over time?
Our healthcare practice, USF Health, which encompasses four colleges and numerous schools, has been growing exponentially. We are investing at unprecedented levels, hiring new faculty and leaders in their respective fields. For instance, the Global Virus Network now has its headquarters at USF, and we have brought in Dr. Robert Gallo, a co-discoverer of the HIV virus. When addressing major healthcare challenges, this powerful group conducts research and provides essential support for businesses and policymakers. I view USF as a critical solution in the healthcare arena, strengthened by our partnerships. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), our teaching hospital for over 50 years, is a prime example. Our strong partnership with the hospital opens avenues for exponential growth, both in current operations and new initiatives. For example, we are advancing research initiatives and constructing facilities like the new Behavioral Health Hospital. USF plays a pivotal role in these developments, ensuring we address the medical needs of our communities.
What are some of the challenges faced by public state universities in Florida, and how is your team navigating issues such as funding, enrollment, and new programs?
I like to frame challenges as opportunities with barbed wire around them. One nationwide concern is the “enrollment cliff.” However, USF stands out because of our value, our high-quality educational offerings, and our status as an AAU institution. This can be seen by the fact that applications to USF have been increasing, not declining. That success brings its own challenges, such as ensuring adequate facilities, hiring faculty, and maintaining the infrastructure needed to support our growing student body.
Regarding funding, USF has seen historic levels of state budget support over the past three years. This investment reflects how much our state legislators value USF’s contributions. Funding is being directed not only toward facilities but also to groundbreaking research initiatives. One such project is our $28 million study on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for PTSD in first responders and military veterans. This research exemplifies our commitment to impactful work. Moving forward, we must continue investing in laboratories and facilities that support our researchers. Our research enterprise is thriving. In 2024, we received an all-time high of $738 million in research funding, and we have set an ambitious goal of $1 billion by 2030. Achieving this requires hiring an additional 500 faculty members during this timeframe to sustain research and deliver solutions that serve our community, state, and the world.
What do you envision for USF by 2030?
By 2030, I want to see USF achieve $1 billion in research funding and to expand our faculty to provide robust support for our students. I hope to see greater opportunities for students, including study abroad programs, experiential learning, internships, and scholarships. Currently, USF is the top value in Florida’s State University System. For Florida residents receiving financial aid, the average cost of a bachelor’s degree is around $730, which is down from over $7,000 in 2018. That is a bold statement, but it is true that we have significantly reduced costs, demonstrating our commitment to accessibility for students and the communities we serve. Additionally, we are focused on providing opportunities not only for those currently pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees at the university but also for students throughout the entire educational continuum. This includes preparing younger students in lower grades to succeed at the university level, offering upskilling opportunities for professionals, and providing educational programs for retirees, as our goal is to be a lifelong partner in education.
