University of South Florida
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| University of South Florida | |
|---|---|
| Name | University of South Florida |
| Established | 1956 |
| Type | Public research university |
| Endowment | $897 million (2023) |
| President | Rhea Law |
| Academic staff | 2,385 |
| Students | 49,708 (Fall 2023) |
| City | Tampa |
| State | Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Campus | Urban, 1,562 acres |
| Colors | Green and gold |
| Nickname | Bulls |
| Affiliations | State University System of Florida, Association of American Universities |
| Website | www.usf.edu |
University of South Florida is a public research university with its primary campus in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1956, it is a member of the State University System of Florida and was invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities in 2023. The institution operates additional campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."
History
The establishment was authorized by the Florida Legislature in 1955, with classes commencing in 1960 on a former World War II airfield. Its first president, John S. Allen, guided its early growth. A significant early development was the founding of the College of Medicine in 1971. The university expanded its geographic footprint by merging with the University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 2020 and integrating with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to form a consolidated multi-campus institution. Key milestones include achieving research university status in the 1980s and its recent election to the Association of American Universities.
Academics
The university is organized into 14 colleges, including the notable Morsani College of Medicine, College of Engineering, and College of Marine Science. It offers over 180 undergraduate majors and concentrations, alongside numerous graduate and professional programs through its College of Graduate Studies. The Honors College provides an enhanced curriculum for high-achieving students. Research expenditures consistently exceed $500 million annually, with significant work conducted at the USF Health research facilities, the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation, and in partnership with institutions like Moffitt Cancer Center and SRI International.
Campus
The primary campus is located in northern Tampa, adjacent to Temple Terrace. Notable facilities include the USF Health Center, the Marshall Student Center, and the Carol Morsani Hall. The campus is home to the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the Byrd Alzheimer's Center. The St. Petersburg campus is situated on Tampa Bay near downtown, housing the College of Marine Science, while the Sarasota campus is located near the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The university also manages the USF Botanical Gardens.
Athletics
The university's athletic teams, known as the South Florida Bulls, compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference. The football team plays home games at Raymond James Stadium, while men's and women's basketball teams compete at the Yuengling Center. The university has won national championships in sports like men's soccer and softball. Notable athletic figures include former football coach Jim Leavitt and Heisman Trophy finalist Quinton Flowers. The program is transitioning to join the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Student life
Student life is centered around over 600 student organizations, including a large Student Government and chapters of national fraternities and sororities. The campus hosts major events like Week of Welcome and Bull Market. Media outlets include the student newspaper *The Oracle* and radio station WBUL. The university's location in the Tampa Bay Area provides students with access to cultural institutions like the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
Notable alumni and faculty
Distinguished alumni include Tony La Russa of Major League Baseball, actress Candace Bushnell, and former Florida Governor Bob Martinez. Faculty honors include National Academy of Sciences member Ruth B. Phillips and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gary R. Mormino. Other notable individuals associated include former NASA astronaut Winston E. Scott, Emmy Award-winning journalist Michele Gillen, and United States District Court judge Steven D. Merryday.
Category:Universities and colleges in Florida Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1956