South Florida presidential choice is reunion

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(The Center Square) – Free of the state’s open meetings and public records law, the state’s third-largest institution in the State University System of Florida has one finalist for president.

This time, however, it’s not a former Republican politician.

The University of South Florida is poised to name Moez Limayem pending approval of trustees for the university and the state board. Since 2022, he’s been president at the University of North Florida.

“The University of South Florida and the Tampa Bay region are special to my family and me,” Limayem said in a release from the institution. “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.”

Prior to his stint at North Florida, he spent 10 years as a dean in the Muma College of Business at South Florida.

“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, chairman of the presidential search committee. “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.”

The university said its search involved “stakeholder input,” developing a position profile, marketing, screening candidates and recommending a finalist to the trustees.

The university system includes Florida State, Florida, Florida A&M, South Florida, Florida Atlantic, West Florida, Central Florida, Florida International, New College of Florida, North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast and Florida Polytechnic. Presidential searches gained more secrecy in 2022 with a change in open meetings and public records laws.

An emerging trend is just one finalist emerges.

In this calendar year, former House of Representatives Republican majority leader Adam Hasner was chosen at Florida Atlantic and Jeanette Nunez left her role as lieutenant governor 23 months early to go to Florida International.

Marva Johnson, chosen in May at Florida A&M, was not a lawmaker but is considered close to high-ranking Republicans including two-term Gov. Ron DeSantis.