Attorney Rhea Law Tapped as Interim USF President

• August 2, 2021
• News Service of Florida

The University of South Florida Board of Trustees on Monday selected attorney Rhea Law as the school’s interim president. Law has long-standing ties to the university, graduating from USF and previously serving as a trustee. Law was the first female chair of the trustees and has served on committees that selected the past two USF presidents. “It really allows me to give back to an institution who has given so much to me. I think you all know that USF has been a part of my life for the majority of my life,” Law said while accepting the interim position. Steven Currall announced in July that he would step down as president, with his exit taking effect Monday. Currall left after two years on the job, citing stress from leading the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and wanting to spend time with family. Trustees approved paying Law the same $575,000 base salary that Currall received. Law also stands to make $275,000 in additional performance-based pay on an annual basis. The selection will need confirmation by the state university system’s Board of Governors during an Aug. 31 meeting. Law indicated that she intends to be a steady hand as interim leader. “I am not coming in to move us in a different direction. I am here to enable and to support our university community to continue its momentum and to create a solid foundation for our next president,” Law told the trustees. Trustees Chairman Will Weatherford announced Monday that the process to find a permanent president will start by forming an advisory committee aimed at recommending a search firm. Weatherford said the advisory committee will be led by board Vice Chairman Mike Griffin.

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