USF chooses a new president: Rhea Law - Tampa Bay Times

She will become the eighth person to hold the job. The nomination is pending approval next week by the state Board of Governors.

The job description for the University of South Florida’s eighth president went on for 26 paragraphs.

The search committee wanted a problem solver who could get along with anyone, build a team and manage a complex urban university — a “visionary” with a “humble leadership style,” high energy, a commitment to diversity and deep knowledge of education finances, among many other traits.

On Tuesday, USF’s board of trustees decided the candidate who best fits that description is interim president Rhea Law, a USF alumna who nurtured ties to the university as she rose to be a high-profile lawyer in Tampa.

After a series of town hall appearances on Monday followed by interviews Tuesday morning, the trustees unanimously chose Law over Jeffrey Talley, a former chief of the U.S. Army Reserve whose resume included a number of academic posts and jobs in the business world.

Mike Griffin, who chaired the search committee, nominated Law to take the position. Several trustees seconded.

“Rhea Law knows USF through and through,” Griffin said. “Just like USF, Rhea is scrappy. She works hard. A lot of folks have counted her out, they count us out, but to their own peril.”

Lauran Monbarren, another trustee, said the past seven months made Law the clear option.

“When you have a Seabiscuit running in the derby, you don’t stop that horse,” she said.

Board of trustees chairperson Will Weatherford, who joked during the interview that he didn’t give Law an option when he appointed her as interim, called her a “diamond” in our backyard.

“You can’t manufacture a passion for the University of South Florida and you can’t find anyone who loves the university as much as Rhea Law,” he said. “She’s earned the right to continue to lead the university.”

Law’s nomination is subject to approval next week by the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.

“Some people may wonder why I’m doing this at this point in my life,” said Law, 72, in her interview with the board. “This has been the honor of my life.”

She wore an olive dress for the occasion, with a gold “USF” pin near her left shoulder.

Weatherford appointed Law to the interim post after president Steve Currall stepped down last July. She was touted through the selection process for her deep ties in the community and a willingness to cultivate relationships with legislators and other state leaders.

Since stepping into the role, Law has overseen development of a new new strategic plan, stepped up planning for an on-campus stadium, ended a controversial proposal to explore development of the USF Forest Preserve on Fletcher Avenue, and created new advisory committees. She also has been praised for her communication style.

During Monday’s town hall meetings on USF’s three campuses — and again before the board on Tuesday — she spoke of the challenges ahead in creating a culture where students, faculty and staff feel valued.

She also discussed the need to solve budget issues and fill key leadership positions. To round out its top administrative ranks, USF is looking to hire a provost, a regional chancellor in St. Petersburg, a vice president for research and a vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Tim Boaz, president of the USF Faculty Senate and a trustee, said the decision was difficult. Having a president with academic credentials was something important to faculty. But he said he’s enjoyed working with Law over the past seven months, and praised her for improving communication at the school.

“It would be safe to say it’s almost palpable the impact it’s had on the climate and environment at the university,” he said.

Trustee Fred Piccolo said he had some concerns over how long Law would serve, and praised Talley for his interview. But he pointed to Currall, who stepped down after two years, as an example of why Law’s track record was important.

“He did a great interview, Steve Currall, and had tremendous academic pedigree and that did not work out as well as we hoped,” Piccolo said. “We’ve had seven months to test-drive.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

source: http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2022/03/22/usf-chooses-a-new-president-rhea-law/

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