As we stand at the precipice of 2025, it’s an opportune time to look back on a year that saw USF reach new heights. The year has been a roller coaster of both challenges and achievements, with impressive leaps across academia, record-setting scientific advancements, and some of the most thrilling seasons in sports. The power of the university as a positive force in society has not been more evident than this year, and its ability to form impactful societal connections underlined its status as a pioneering research institution.
USF completed its first full 12-month cycle as part of the elite Association of American Universities this year. The journey has been packed with notable chapters that deserve to be celebrated. We were put to the test when hurricanes Helene and Milton unveiled their sheer might. Despite the daunting hurdles, the USF community proved their strength by combating these crises head on.
The resiliency of USF was on full display during these hurricanes; employees tirelessly worked day and night, ensuring the safety of our students and the welfare of our campus infrastructure. Their efforts were monumental in maintaining an operable learning environment and facilitating immediate restoration efforts post-storm. Their actions during this period have proven that dedication and unwavering commitment can weather anything, even literal storms.
Flexing the strength of its volunteerism muscle, USF dispatched hundreds of willing volunteers across Tampa Bay to support local community organizations, public sector groups, and individuals affected by the hurricanes. Their roles ranged from assisting in evacuation operations to preparing and serving warm meals to the impacted families. They also participated in cleanup activities after the devastating floods left parts of the region in disarray.
In the sphere of scientific explorations, the year 2024 has been unprecedented for USF with a whopping $738 million worth of research funds garnered. This marks an approximately 7% surge compared to the previous fiscal year, and an astounding increase of 35% since 2022. The significant portion of these funds, in fact over half, can be traced back to federal agencies conveying their unwavering belief in the innovations at USF.
The U.S. Department of Defense upped its financial support for the university’s research efforts by 73%. This support included backing for a wide array of projects, such as the Taurus – a sophisticated remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography at USF, Taurus is a game-changer when it comes to deep-sea exploration.
The tactical ROV, Taurus, can brave the oceanic depths of up to 2.5 miles, opening the doors to unprecedented exploration of obscure and largely unvisited realms. This technology is not only about exploration, as it could potentially lead to the discovery of brand new species residing in these untouched regions. Coupling exploration with education, Taurus can also capture and livestream 4k imagery, giving a new perspective of the underwater world and enhancing educational endeavors alike.
On another exciting note, Bulls fans saw their long-held dreams turn into reality this year, as construction commenced on the much-awaited on-campus stadium. Designed to accommodate an audience of around 35,000, the new stadium is set to host USF’s football team and the women’s lacrosse team. But its multifunctionality does not stop there: it will also serve as the venue for a variety of on-campus activities throughout the year.
The new campus hub could be the go-to spot for extracurricular sporting events, music concerts, and various cultural events held during the year. Moreover, it could potentially stage graduation ceremonies, intramurals, club sports, and more academic initiatives. Excitingly, the scheduled grand opening of the stadium will take place just in time for the fall season of 2027.
In terms of fundraising, USF marked its third consecutive record-breaking year, receiving generous philanthropic support exceeding $168 million. The past fiscal term ending on the 30th of June saw contributions from more than 54,000 generous donors. Clearly, the state of Florida continues its steadfast support for USF, offering an increased and regular operational funding, and recognizing the university as the base for several new initiatives.
USF proudly saw nearly 14,000 students graduate across the spring, summer, and fall semesters, of which, around a quarter were recipients of Pell Grants. These students leveraged the resources at USF including the Center for Career and Professional Development, which helped them land internships and jobs in many of the toughest industries worldwide.
The remarkable efforts and result at USF led to an influx of applications from potential undergraduate students. Enjoying a 35% surge compared to three years prior, the university has attracted a record number of applications this year. The incoming batch showcases a commendable academic standing, reflected in their average high school GPA of 4.23, ACT score of 28.2 and an SAT score of 1306.
Maintaining its footing in the influential Association of American Universities, USF persistently proves its worth as a premier research university, integral to the regional community. Its distinctive blend of academic excellence, service to the community, and a culture of resilience continues to set it apart from its peers, making it an invaluable asset to the region and its residents.