The University of South Florida will soon launch a search for a new president after President Rhea Law announced Monday that she plans to retire. Law was named president in 2022 with a three-year contract after she served in the interim role following the departure of former president Steve Currall in 2021.

Rhea Law has served as president since August 2021, initially on an interim basis before being named to the role permanently in March 2022. Under her leadership, USF became the first public university in Florida to be invited to join the Association of American Universities in nearly 40 years,

University of South Florida President Rhea Law announced Monday she will step down from her post, as major changes continue in the leadership of Florida public universities.

University of South Florida president Rhea Law plans to step down from the position following a national search for someone to take over the role, according to a USF news release. Law has served as president since August 2021,

The University of South Florida will commence its search for a new president in the coming days after President Rhea Law announced the end of her three-year tenure leading the school.

"One of the hallmarks of great leadership is knowing when it is time to create space for new ideas and fresh perspectives," Law said of her decision. USF is expected to immediately begin a national search for her replacement.

USF is on the hunt for its ninth president – and a 15-member search committee is leading the process.  Michael Griffin, the Board of Trustees (BOT) vice chair and former USF student body president from 2001 to 2003,

Our university is on an incredible trajectory, and the foundation is in place for a new leader to take us to even greater heights.'

FOX 13’s Evan Axelbank reports on USF President Rhea Law announcing she will step down after leading the school for the past three years once the Board of Trustees announces her successor.