After seven years at the helm of Student Affairs, Jennifer Meningall has announced she would resign effective May 7 from the University.

Meningall, who served as vice president for Student Affairs for her entire time at USF, said it was the right time for her departure. She said she will take her time before making the next step in her career, having never taken leave from the work force since taking a job as a nursing home aide in the 11th grade.

Though she said she has always wanted to pursue a University presidency, there are things she still needs to gain as a part of (her) experience.

I need to identify first, What are my gaps? and What do I need to experience first? she said.

Meningall said she would like to publish research-driven books examining the role of leadership in all aspects of peoples lives, from leadership related to ones job responsibilities to leadership that includes leading a family and being a leader in the community.

She said she is proud of all the work Student Affairs has taken part in during her tenure to support students, including the construction of new residence halls such as Juniper-Poplar Hall and enhancing living-learning communities. She said she also takes pride in witnessing the growth of students at USF.

It is remarkable to me that you can see a student who has been here for one semester and after they get involved a little bit you see them in the second semester and then the third semester and the change is just incredible, she said.

Provost Ralph Wilcox said Meningall hired the majority of the Student Affairs team.

While were disappointed by her departure, we certainly wish her well, he said. The good news is she has built a strong team around her in the years that shes been here, from Kevin Banks, our dean of students; to the associate vice president, Dee Siscoe; Dr. Alan Kent, (assistant vice president); (and) Anna Hernandez, (dean of residential experience and learning).

Wilcox said he will meet with members of Student Affairs to start creating a transition team in the interim of finding a new vice president for Student Affairs. He said he hopes to start creating the transition team by next week.

Additional reporting by Divya Kumar