Jacksonville — The University of North Florida’s Board of Trustees selected Moez Limayem, Ph.D., today to become its seventh president-elect.
In a process that began last fall that was described as extensive, transparent and inclusive, the president-elect was chosen among four finalists selected in April that included David Blackwell, David Brennen, and Marc Miller. University of North Florida’s faculty, students, staff, and community members met and shared feedback on each candidate, which was then shared and reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
“We are pleased to welcome Moez Limayem to the University of North Florida,” said Kevin Hyde, Chair of the UNF Board of Trustees. “Dr. Limayem has a proven record as an innovative and accomplished leader with the vision to advance the University.”
Dr. Limayem has been serving as the Lynn Pippenger Dean at the University of South Florida’s (USF) Muma College of Business since 2012. There, he was responsible for the college’s administration, strategic planning and fiscal management. The college serves more than 7,000 students on three campuses. As noted in a recent press release, Limayem and his team raised over $126 million for USF that supported student success, career readiness and entrepreneurship. During his tenure, USF’s freshman retention rate rose to 95%.
“The Board of Trustees especially appreciates his deep knowledge and experience working in the Florida State University System and with USF, a designated ‘preeminent’ institution,” continued Hyde. “As we celebrate UNF’s 50th year, we look forward to Dr. Limayem using his experience, leadership and engaging style to continue to build on our strong history, growing opportunities for students and enhancing the University’s critical role in the region and beyond. We are excited to introduce him to our whole UNF community.”
Prior to his time at USF, Limayem served as the associate dean for research and graduate programs at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business where he was responsible for business graduate programs including master’s, doctoral and executive education programs. He also served as the academic director for MBA programs.
Limayem earned an MBA and Ph.D. in business administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
The president-elect will be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors June 29-30, 2022.
Limayem succeeds Dr. David M. Szymanski who served from 2018 to 2021.