The University of South Florida (USF) is celebrating a big milestone: its 70th anniversary. This celebration kicks off this month and will continue until 2026, showcasing how far the university has come since its humble beginnings.
USF started in 1956 with fewer than 2,000 students and only three buildings. Today, it has grown to about 50,000 students across three campuses. It offers over 200 programs and competes in 20 NCAA Division I sports. This growth highlights USF’s position as one of the fastest-growing research universities in the nation. In fact, USF recently reported reaching a record $750 million in research funding for 2025.
To commemorate this journey, a campaign will include a special anniversary website, campus signage, celebratory videos, and limited-edition merchandise. The campaign will also invite students and alumni to share their memories and photos. President Rhea Law emphasized that the transformation reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with USF. “We hope this celebration allows our community to see how far we’ve come and what lies ahead,” she stated.
USF is now considered one of the top public universities in the country. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, which includes just the top 3% of U.S. universities. In addition, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine ranks as the best medical school in Florida, standing out nationally.
Alongside its academic strides, USF contributes significantly to the local and state economy, generating over $6 billion annually and being one of the region’s largest employers. This impressive impact stems from its focus on innovation, as it has ranked in the top 20 public universities for producing U.S. patents for 12 straight years.
Looking ahead, USF plans to enhance its offerings further. Exciting initiatives are on the horizon, such as a new 35,000-seat stadium opening in fall 2027 and the Fletcher District, a mixed-use development. There’s also growth in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing—an innovative program that started last year and is the first of its kind in the nation.
This year, USF welcomes its ninth president, Moez Limayem. He will collaborate with stakeholders to shape a vision and strategic plans for the future of the university.
As USF turns 70, it stands as a beacon of growth and innovation. From its early days as a small commuter college to a top-ranked research institution, USF’s journey exemplifies what hard work and dedication can achieve.
