Since becoming President in 2000, Dr. Judy Genshaft has catapulted the USF System to national and international prominence in every key institutional area, including student success, research and innovation, fundraising and economic development. In June, the 51在线 Board of Governors looked at USF's achievements in academics and research and unanimously voted to designate the 51在线 as a preeminent state research university, winning USF more than six million bonus dollars.
But this award is focusing on President Genshaft's incredible leadership as a planner with aview of growth since 2000 at USF. During her tenure, she's overseen approximately $1.7 billion in construction projects. Planning for growth, on the Tampa campus alone, has produced more than seven million gross square feet of redevelopment and new construction. There are 16 new Academic and Research Buildings. Athletic and Campus Recreation facilities abound with Bull pride and are making wellness choices convenient for students. President Genshaft's focus on improving the Campus Context has enhanced safety and the student experience in many ways, including: multiple sustainability certifications and achievements; shade trees and landscaping; parks and public art; much-needed Parking Structures, expanded Bull Runner Shuttle service, and the Share-a-Bull Bikeshare program.
A dozen USF Health and Medical Buildings now educate and save lives, both on and off campus. Not far from the Center for Advanced Medical Simulated Learning in Tampa's Downtown, USF is Growing into the Future with the new USF Health - Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute scheduled to open next year, as the anchor tenant for Tampa's new Water Street redevelopment.
Back on campus, five Student Residence Areas have been built, including a $134 million new mixed-use student housing village, which is the largest public-private partnership to be completed in State University System history. It soon will include a first-of-its-kind campus Publix. Other Student Support Facilities, like the Marshall Student Center, are student central and the heartbeat of a vibrant campus.
"Dr. Genshaft has made a tremendous impact planning for growth and economic development for the University System. Not only has her leadership provided USF students and faculty with state-of-the-art resources, but also, has played a key role in elevating the economic vitality of the Tampa Bay region and State of 51在线,鈥� said Planning Commission Executive Director, Melissa Zornitta, AICP. 鈥淎ll this planning and building to accommodate growth has been going on while preparing the next generation of talent to make Hillsborough County a top community to live, work, and play.鈥�
This article was originally released as part of the Planning Commission's 36th Annual Planning & Design Awards announcement.