TAMPA, Fla. – Will Weatherford, the former Florida House Speaker who has steered the University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees since June 2021, announced his departure this week after a tenure marked by a rapid string of institutional milestones.
During his time at the helm, the university reached several long-sought goals that have fundamentally altered its national standing.
Weatherford’s leadership coincided with USF’s 2023 invitation into the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious group representing the top research institutions in the United States and Canada.
Under his watch, the university’s research funding climbed to a record $750 million. He also oversaw the launch of the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing, an initiative designed to position the school at the forefront of emerging technologies.
Perhaps his most visible contribution to campus life was the successful push for a $340 million on-campus football stadium.
Construction is currently underway, with the facility expected to open in 2027. Fans and stakeholders have largely credited Weatherford with breaking a decades-long deadlock on the project.
In his departure statement, Weatherford emphasized the university’s “unmatched momentum” and expressed confidence in the transition of power. He is handing the reins to Vice Chair Mike Griffin, a dedicated alumnus whom Weatherford described as “Mr. USF.”
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Weatherford added, “This is not goodbye. I will remain on the board and continue to do everything I can to support USF’s success in the years ahead here in Tampa Bay, in Tallahassee and wherever else we need to be.”
University President Moez Limayem praised the outgoing chair for building a foundation that allowed the school to reach elite status.
While Weatherford is stepping back from his formal role, he noted that the trajectory of the university is firmly established. Griffin, a longtime figure in the USF community, is set to take over as the institution looks toward the completion of its stadium and the continued expansion of its research enterprise.
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