TAMPA, Fla. — University of South Florida President Rhea Law has announced plans to retire.

Law, has served as president since August 2021, initially on an interim basis before being named to the role permanently in March 2022.   

“During my tenure we established bold goals — and thanks to our talented, dedicated team of faculty, staff, administrators and students — we exceeded them, sometimes soaring beyond what many thought was possible,” Law said in a statement to the university. “After over 40 years as an employee, student, board member and chair, donor, volunteer and now president, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all we have achieved. Serving this community as USF’s eighth president has been the honor of my lifetime, and I look forward to cheering on the continued success of this incredible university.”

Law, 75, earned an 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 is one of the founding members of the USF Board of Trustees and served on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee for USF’s last two presidential searches.

During Law’s tenure, USF became the first public university in Florida to be invited to join the Association of American Universities in nearly 40 years. Also, the school opened a new Judy Genshaft Honors College building, a new Student Health & Wellness Center on the Tampa campus, the Porter Family Indoor Performance Facility to support USF Athletics, the first-ever student housing on the Sarasota-Manatee campus and completed many other facilities enhancements.

Shortly after Law was named interim president in 2021, USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford announced intentions to build a new on-campus stadium. Law and her team were charged with developing a plan and carrying out the vision for the project. USF broke ground on the stadium in November 2024 and it is scheduled to open in time to host USF football home games and other events in 2027.

Law addressed the timing of her announcement, saying she noted that when she was first asked to serve as interim president, her goal was to create a smooth glidepath for a new president to come in and be successful. Law said the next president is now well positioned to continue to elevate the university.

School officials will now begin a national search for a new president.

“Our university is on an incredible trajectory, and the foundation is in place for a new leader to take us to even greater heights,” Law said. “One of the hallmarks of great leadership is knowing when it is time to create space for new ideas and fresh perspectives to build on the momentum we have created. I am confident in the path ahead and inspired by the potential of what is to come.”