University of South Florida President Rhea Law announced on Monday that she will step down following a national search for a successor.

Law, who assumed the role in August 2021 on an interim basis before being appointed permanently in March 2022, said she will remain in her position until a new leader is selected.

Under Law’s leadership, USF achieved several milestones, including being named the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to join the Association of American Universities, a group of top-tier research institutions in the U.S. and Canada. USF also maintained its ranking among the top 50 public universities in the nation, and was recognized as the best value university in Florida for the past two years.

“During my tenure we established bold goals — and thanks to our talented, dedicated team of faculty, staff, administrators and students — we exceeded them, sometimes soaring beyond what many thought was possible,” Law said. “After over 40 years as an employee, student, board member and chair, donor, volunteer and now president, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all we have achieved. Serving this community as USF’s eighth president has been the honor of my lifetime, and I look forward to cheering on the continued success of this incredible university.”

According to the university, USF saw record gains in research funding, undergraduate applications, and philanthropic contributions under Law’s administration. Law also played a role in advancing the university’s infrastructure, overseeing the groundbreaking of a new on-campus stadium, set to open in 2027.