TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida's board of trustees has selected Rhea Law to be the school's next president.

According to information from USF, interim president Law and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley were finalists for the position after the search started with 18 applicants.

Law is a USF alumna and is the former chief executive officer and chair of the board of Fowler White Boggs, a Florida law firm.

“Over the last seven months serving as interim president, I have been inspired and energized by the unwavering commitment of our University of South Florida community. Our faculty, staff, students and supporters have a passion for making a difference and changing the world, and it is this passion that will take USF to its greatest chapter yet,” Law said. “This is more than a job for me. It is a calling to give back to this community that has given so much to me. When we link arms and work together, anything is possible.”

Law, 72, earned her undergraduate degree in management from USF, putting herself through school while working as the university research project administrator for the Office of Sponsored Research.

She then earned her terminal degree in law at Stetson University College of Law, where she later served as chair of their Board of Overseers, helping to select both a dean of the College of Law and president of the university.

On Monday, Law and the second finalist for the position, Lt. General Jeffrey Talley, visited USF's three campuses, and they interviewed with the board of trustees.

Law replaces Steve Currall, who stepped down in August. Currall planned to return as a business professor teaching and doing research in organizational psychology.

Law’s selection comes after a seven-month thorough national search process, which included a significant amount of community engagement. Approximately 2,000 respondents participated in an online survey to gather feedback on specific qualities they’d like to see in a new president.