University of South Florida

By Joey Garcia, University Communications and Marketing Hurricane Milton made landfall with sustained winds of 120 mph [Photos courtesy of Sarasota County] It produced 8 to 10 feet of storm surge along portions of Florida's Gulf Coast The category 3 hurricane caused an estimated $34.3 billion in damage As Florida enters the peak of hurricane season, Sarasota County transportation engineer Wafa Mahmoud is prepared for a worst-case scenario.

By Anna Mayor, University Communications and Marketing and USF Health As a sophomore wide receiver who had just joined the USF football team, Jaden Alexis didn’t expect a routine play to turn into a career-defining moment. USF Bulls football wide reciever Jaden Alexis [Photo by USF Athletics] During preseason football camp, Alexis had just sprinted up the sideline after catching a pass when a split-second collision changed everything.

Like many patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Angela Arroyo lives with pain, especially in her legs, making it difficult to walk and get a good night’s sleep. USF Health's Amir Tabatabaei with research participant Angela Arroyo. Tabatabaei is researching the effectiveness of dry needling in alleviating leg pain caused by MS. The Tampa resident was diagnosed with MS a little more than a year ago.

More than 100 USF Health physicians representing nearly every field of medicine have been recognized among the very best in Tampa Bay in Tampa Magazine’s 2026 Top Doctors list. Across 54 specialties and subspecialties, a total of 112 USF Health physicians earned 117 honors this year, showcasing the remarkable breadth of expertise and clinical excellence at the region’s premier academic health center.

Keeping people connected across the Morsani College of Medicine’s largest department is no small undertaking. With more than 24 divisions, programs and centers, the Department of Internal Medicine represents over half of the college’s faculty and providers. For nearly two decades, Jennifer Newcomb has helped provide a vital link across the expansive community, bringing the department together through thoughtful communication, collaboration and a commitment to sharing the stories that matter most.

For the last century, Tampa Bay Downs (TBD) has been a landmark of the northern Tampa Bay region where narrow finishes, huge wins and legendary horse racing take place. However, none of those moments would be possible if it weren’t for the seasonal workers behind the track. On the backstretch, there’s a wide-open space with about 30 barns and a small chaplaincy.

By Crystal Price, Paul Guzzo, Matthew Cimitile and Gwendolyn Herndon, University Communications & Marketing The University of South Florida will award more than 2,600 degrees during summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 8, in the Yuengling Center on the Tampa campus. The ceremonies include recipients of 1,714 bachelor’s, 760 master’s, 132 doctoral and three professional degrees and one specialist degree.

By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing After coming up short in receiving a full-ride scholarship for a second time, it seemed college was unlikely for Tyvelle Dorvil. Trying to become the first in his family to attend a four-year college, the Take Stock in Children scholarship from the Pasco Education Foundation was essential to secure his future. Those who know Dorvil knew he wasn’t going to let disappointment stop him.

By Tara Centeno, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President The University of South Florida announced the appointment of Derek Wildman as the new dean of the Office of Graduate Studies, bringing to the role a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, mentorship and student success Wildman is an internationally recognized scholar, researcher and academic leader who has advanced scientific discovery and student success through his work in genomics, public health...

July 30, 2026 By Kim Vreeland The University of South Florida today announced a $1 million gift from Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) to benefit The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance (The Baldwin Group School). The funding will establish the Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Directorship within the USF Muma College of Business and strengthen the school’s educational opportunities, positioning it as a leading program in the field.