Inside USF: The Podcast

A Bold Vision for USF’s Future

President Rhea Law’s fall address celebrated many of USF’s recent accomplishments – including student success, record research funding and a growing national reputation – that are advancing the university into a bold new era. She also shared priorities for this year that are designed to position USF for the future. Following the address, she sat down to discuss those priorities – including enhancing and expanding community partnerships and opportunities to grow the research enterprise -- in greater detail. (The conversation begins at the 1:05 mark in the recording.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meet the New Deans

USF opens the 2024-25 academic year with two new deans: David Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, and Elizabeth Spiller, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In this episode, we learn about their backgrounds (spoiler alert: Blackwell struggled in his initial attempt at college as a first-generation student, Spiller wanted to be a corporate tax attorney), what attracted them to USF and their priorities for their colleges. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prioritizing partnerships

With extensive experience as a USF faculty member and administrator, Eric Eisenberg knows the university’s many resources can help elevate the Tampa Bay region. He also recognizes that potential partners may not know how to find help at USF – whether it’s hiring interns and new graduates, enhancing neighborhoods, exploring joint research projects or addressing other needs. In this episode, Eisenberg, senior vice president of university community partnerships, discusses efforts to make that process as seamless as possible and how faculty can get involved with his office. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

HR enhancing employee experience at USF

Central Human Resources is in the midst of implementing several significant changes, including Embedded Services and Project Drive. In this episode, Angie Sklenka, senior vice president and chief human resources and administrative officer, details what they will mean for USF faculty and staff. The initiatives include the creation of an Employee Experience Team, and Alexis Mootoo, recently named associate vice president for employee experience, discusses the role the team will play in enhancing workplace culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Men’s basketball coach: ‘Desire to serve’ an essential ingredient for success

Amir Abdur-Rahim has been the competitive sort since an early age – that was a necessity growing up in a family with 13 children. He brings that competitive fire, and a commitment to building a men’s basketball program that will be “tough, together and connected,” as he begins his inaugural season this month as the Bulls’ head coach. In this episode, Abdur-Rahim discusses what attracted him to USF, what he expects from his team as both students and athletes, and the priority he places on having what he calls “a service heart.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.