TAMPA, Fla. — USF's Board of Trustees voted Friday to recommend Dr. Steven Currall as the university's seventh president.

  • Dr. Steven Currall currently Provost, VP of Southern Methodist University
  • Board vote unanimous for Currall out of group of 4 finalists
  • If confirmed, Currall would start job July 1

The vote follows an extensive search for USF President Judy Genshaft's replacement. Genshaft will retire this summer.

Four finalists spent this past week interviewing with the search committee and the board. 

The vote for Currall was unanimous. Currall, currently the provost and vice president at Southern Methodist University (SMU), will be offered a five-year contract with a likely base salary between $500,000-$600,000.

Speaking in Tampa for the first time as USF's president-elect, Currall spoke about the school's current momentum and potential.

"USF's trajectory is truly unlike any other public university in the country, and there's so much potential for future growth," he said.

According to SMU's website, Currall is a psychological scientist. He has a Ph.D. from Cornell University, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a B.A. (cum laude) from Baylor University.

USF trustees said they were particularly impressed by Currall's fundraising skills. They also think he'll work well with students and faculty.

"He was able to separate himself and distinguish himself as the next leader for the university," said board member Brian Lamb.

In his comments, Currall also spoke about his goal to help push USF closer to becoming a global university and attracting more international students.

"We're going to re-double our efforts in terms of diversity and inclusion and making sure this is an environment and a community that welcomes everyone, regardless of background, into the USF community," he explained.

The Board of Trustees' vote will now be presented to Florida's Board of Governors for a vote which will most likely come next week. If confirmed, Currall would assume his duties on July 1.