USF Designated as Florida's First "Emerging Preeminent State Research University"
On June 23rd the Florida Board of Governors designated USF as an "Emerging Preeminent State Research University". This designation marks a significant milestone for USF, placing the institution in an elite new category of Florida universities and providing $5 million for targeted research investments this year.
FIO and USF System Host the “Keel Laying Ceremony” for a New State-funded Marine Research Vessel
On June 1st the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) and the University of South Florida System hosted a "Keel Laying Ceremony" in Tarpon Springs for a new state funded marine research vessel.
In attendance were several state legislators who championed the project, local government officials and staff from several Florida Congressional Offices.
During the 2016 Legislative Session, the Legislature allocated $3 million in state funding for construction of this new state of the art marine research vessel for the State of Florida.
Incoming Florida Senate President’s Listening Tour Visits USF
On April 20th ten Florida Senators, including President-Designate, Joe Negron visited the USF campus during their four-day Florida State University System "listening tour".
During their visit the Senators toured student innovator exhibits and participated in a roundtable discussion with USF System President Judy Genshaft, Trustees, Provost Wilcox, faculty members and students. The discussion centered around key USF System initiatives and how the Legislature can help support them.
The new state budget for 2016-2017, which was passed earlier this spring by the State Legislature and approved by Governor Scott, took effect on July 1st. It was another extremely successful year for the entire USF System. In addition to the FIO Research Vessel, many USF System priority initiatives received funding including:
The USF System was allocated $32 million in performance-based funding from the State due to meeting the Florida Board of Governors' metrics for exceptional academic performance and career success of our graduates.
$22.5 million was allocated toward the construction cost of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Health Institute in downtown Tampa.
$8.4 million was provided in maintenance funding for existing USF System facilities.
$5.6 million was allocated for student life project capital outlay funding.
New funding was also provided to support important community engagement programs at USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee and the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute.
