St. Pete Catalyst; Published By Mark Parker
Leadership and stakeholders across the University of South Florida system rejoiced Thursday as the Tampa Bay institution achieved an ambitious goal – an invitation to join the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Academic leaders nationwide consider membership the pinnacle of recognition for research colleges. Before Thursday, just 65 institutions – including Harvard, Yale, Duke and Ohio State Universities – comprised the prestigious association, founded in 1900.
President Rhea Law noted in a Thursday afternoon press conference that only 3% of U.S. universities have received an invitation but conduct 63% of federal research. She said USF’s “monumental achievement” would attract more preeminent students, faculty and entrepreneurs to the region.
In a statement to the Catalyst, USFSP Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree said she is “beyond thrilled” to join the exclusive group.
“We can’t overstate the tremendous opportunities it will create for our campus, our university and our entire region,” Hardigree said. “AAU status will supercharge our efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest faculty and students, and gives civic leaders a powerful tool as they seek to attract new businesses to our community. Read more
