October 24, 2025

Leadership Changes at Local Universities

News Summary

Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida are experiencing significant leadership changes with presidents Tim Cost and Moez Limayem transitioning to new roles. Cost will become Chancellor after 14 years at JU, while Limayem moves to the University of South Florida. Both universities are anticipating new leadership and direction during this pivotal time. The JU Board of Trustees is set to appoint an interim president, ensuring continuity as they search for a permanent successor. These transitions mark an important moment for both institutions as they navigate challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Jacksonville, Florida – Leadership Changes at Local Universities

Jacksonville University (JU) and the University of North Florida (UNF) are both undergoing significant leadership changes as their respective presidents prepare to transition out of their roles in the coming months. These shifts represent a pivotal moment for both institutions as they prepare for new leadership and direction.

President Tim Cost of Jacksonville University will take on a new role as Chancellor next summer after 14 years in his current position. During his tenure, Cost has overseen substantial developments at JU, including the addition of new residence halls, the expansion of academic programs such as the College of Law, and consistent growth in student enrollment. Cost assures the university community that there will be a seamless transition to the incoming president, who is expected to generate excitement across the campus.

In light of Cost’s upcoming transition, the JU Board of Trustees plans to appoint an interim president within the next few weeks while they assess internal candidates for the permanent role. This interim leadership will continue to guide the university during this period of change.

Meanwhile, University of North Florida President Moez Limayem is set to depart from his role to assume the presidency at the University of South Florida (USF), marking a return to a former institution where he previously served as the dean of the USF College of Business for a decade. Limayem’s appointment at USF has been officially green-lighted by the USF Board of Trustees. His confirmation is anticipated to be discussed by the Florida Board of Governors on November 6.

Limayem took the reins at UNF in 2022, and during his time there, he made a significant impact on the university community. He expressed gratitude towards the supporters who guided him through his journey to the new position, acknowledging the collaborative effort involved in reaching such milestones.

These leadership transitions come at a crucial time for both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida. Each university is well-respected in the Jacksonville educational landscape, and these changes will likely influence their future development and strategic direction. Both institutions have proven to be vital components of the higher education fabric in the region, and the incoming presidents will have ample opportunities to build on the legacies of their predecessors.

As Jacksonville University prepares for a new era under a new president and University of North Florida prepares for Limayem’s departure, both institutions aim to retain their commitment to educational excellence while facing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This period of transition may signal a critical juncture for the universities as they continue to evolve and adapt in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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