The Florida Board of Governors unanimously confirmed Moez Limayem Friday as the ninth president of the University of South Florida, approving a compensation package that could exceed $1.8 million annually and placing him at the helm during a period of significant political transition for the state’s public universities.
Limayem, the current president of the University of North Florida, will succeed retiring USF President Rhea Law. His appointment marks a departure from a recent trend of political appointments to Florida’s university leadership, as he is one of the few nonpolitical figures to assume a presidency under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” Limayem told the Board during a remote meeting, speaking from Jacksonville in academic regalia ahead of UNF’s graduation. “You have my word that I will lead with transparency, community, and purpose.”
He shared his personal journey, noting he arrived in the United States from Tunisia with a modest background because he “believed in the power of education to change lives.”
Financial Terms and Political Landscape
The five-year contract includes a base salary of $1.25 million, with a potential performance bonus of up to 50%, bringing his total annual cash compensation to $1.87 million before benefits. Additional perks include an $18,000 annual vehicle allowance, a $144,000 annual housing stipend, a $50,000 moving stipend, and deferred compensation equal to 25% of his base salary.
His appointment contrasts with several other recent leadership changes in the state university system, where former GOP lawmakers and DeSantis allies—including former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at FIU and former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran at New College—have taken presidential roles.
Immediate Challenges Await
Limayem’s initial months will be shaped by the ongoing legislative session, which includes a controversial proposal by Gov. DeSantis to transfer control of USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus facilities to New College of Florida.
“This is a policy matter that’s going to be discussed, debated, and worked through,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford, a former Florida House Speaker, on Thursday. “There’s a lot of ball to be played.”
Limayem’s move from UNF triggers a presidential search at that institution. He takes over at USF from Rhea Law, who announced in February she would step down after a more than 40-year association with the university as a student, volunteer, board member, and president.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
