USF community reflects on Law’s tenure amid future resignation

*The Bulls shared their thoughts and concerns following Rhea Law’s resignation announcement. ORACLE GRAPHIC/NATHAN POULETTE*

USF President Rhea Law’s resignation announcement sparked mixed reactions among the USF community.

Law sent out a universitywide email on Monday saying she will step down from her role after a “national search” for a new leader is run.

“The time is right for the next president to lead a new chapter of our university,” Law said in the email.

Some are thinking ahead about what qualities USF’s next president should have, while others are reflecting on Law’s impact on the university.

Law has been USF’s president for almost three years, but she also served in the interim position for seven months before being officially named. Her tenure was marked by record-breaking research funding and the development of a new college and on-campus stadium.

At the same time, Law dealt with higher education changes, student protests in support of Palestine, a civil rights complaint and her husband’s death.

In the announcement, which was sent at around noon, Law said she had already informed Will Weatherford, USF Board of Trustees chair, about her plan to resign.

Two hours later, Weatherford published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said “no one” contributed more to USF than Law in the past 30 years, making her a true representation of a “USF Bull.”

“Rhea Law has truly been the right leader at the right time for the University of South Florida,” Weatherford said.

Prasant Mohapatra, USF provost and executive vice president, said in a statement to The Oracle that working with Law “has been a privilege.”

Mohapatra said Law helped lead USF to “new heights” and assured the university won’t take its “foot off the gas pedal.”

Under Law’s administration, USF joined the Association of American Universities, an organization that assembles the nation’s “leading research universities,” according to its website.

Florida Senator Danny Burgess, who is a 2008 USF alumnus, shared on X that he is grateful for Law’s efforts in contributing to the university’s success.

“She leaves big shoes to fill,” Burgess said.

Jay Stroman, CEO of the USF Foundation, thanked Law for her work at USF and said it was an “honor” to “witness her incredible leadership.”

“You will be greatly missed and I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter,” Stroman said. “You deserve it.”

USF Faculty Senate President David Simmons said in an interview with The Oracle that he has nothing but gratitude for the contributions Law made to the university.

Simmons started teaching at USF in 2018 and became faculty senate president last August.

Law deserved a break from the “very intense role” that she served in, Simmons said.

Alina Atiq is a senior philosophy major and an organizer for the USF Divest Coalition. She said some students weren’t given a chance for conversation during Law’s administration.

“USF has no loyalty to free expression, student consciousness or productive dialogue, ”Atiq said.

A series of protests in support of Palestine happened during Law’s tenure, demanding the university to divest from companies that financially support Israel.

A form of protest was a hunger strike held by members of the USF Divest Coalition, which was then called the USF Hunger Strike Coalition, in March 2024.

The strike lasted for 17 days, pressing for a response from the USF administration.

At times, the strikers gathered at the Patel Center for Global Solutions, where Law’s office is based.

Although some students said they weren’t heard during Law’s tenure, some faculty’s experiences were different.

Simmons said the relationship between administration and faculty was built on “a lot of listening.”

Law has a “really unique” collaborative leadership style, involving faculty in many of the initiatives that “moved USF upward,” Simmons said.

“President Law was making decisions in the best interests of USF, listening to everyone who could bring her useful information and perspectives,” Simmons said. “I think that’s so critical in leadership, to have someone who has the institution’s best interests at heart.”

Sumit Jadhav, the student body vice president, said Law has been a source of strength in the face of “challenges” and a strong advocate for students, faculty and staff.

Jadhav said USF is entering a stable leadership transition due to the foundation Law has built.

“I am confident that through a thoughtful and inclusive search process, USF will find a leader who shares our university’s bold vision and unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

Atiq said she is apathetic towards Law’s resignation because she thinks the incoming leader will still choose not to talk about divestment.

She said the next USF president should be honest and have regard for free expression.

Simmon said USF needs a leader who is a strong advocate for the university and can continue a “really ambitious trajectory.”

He also urged the USF community to “keep their eyes” on the transition process.

“We’re going to have some number of months ahead of us where we’re looking to identify the next leader,” Simmons said. “The important thing for folks to remember is we all have a voice.”