Rhea F. Law
President, University of South Florida, tampa
Law has served as president since March 2022 at USF, a research university serving about 50,000 students across three campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. With about 16,000 employees, it’s one of the Tampa Bay area’s largest employers and generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Last year, USF joined the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of the 71 leading research universities in the U.S. and Canada.
EDUCATION: University of South Florida (BA), Stetson University College of Law (JD)
MENTOR: In my role as USF President, the members of our Board of Trustees have all served as wonderful mentors — especially our board chair, Will Weatherford, who has been an effective champion on behalf of USF.
READING: The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, by Kenneth F. 'Frank' McKenzie Jr., retired general and former chief of U.S. Central Command. In this memoir, Gen. McKenzie discusses his time serving as a combatant commander and the vital role that leaders play in the long-term success of their teams.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Never underestimate yourself, because believing in yourself is one of the most crucial components to ensuring your success. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to — if you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen.
