USF announces Rob Higgins as the first CEO of Athletics
South Florida needed a new leader of the athletics program after Michael Kelly returned home to lead Navy athletics, and the Bulls turned to one of their own after a national search, hiring Rob Higgins. He is the first alum to serve as athletic director, and he was also named the first CEO of Athletics in program history on Tuesday.
“As we embarked on this search, it became clear that this moment was different for the University of South Florida. Our next leader couldn’t just be an athletics director – we needed a CEO of USF Athletics. In this new era of college athletics, not only is the role about providing a top-tier experience for our student-athletes across all sports, it now requires a business approach to build a competitive enterprise, grow revenue, embrace innovation, lead through change and position our university — and the Tampa Bay region — on the national stage,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford in a statement. “Rob Higgins has proven during his time with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission that he isn’t afraid to dream big. He’ll bring that same ambition to USF and we’re excited to welcome him back home to lead our next chapter.”
Higgins comes to USF from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, where he served as executive director since 2004. He helped bring numerous events to the Tampa area, including two Super Bowls and several NCAA football and basketball postseason games, during his tenure.
““Rob is a terrific example of the impact our alumni make every day. Through his tireless efforts over the past two decades, Rob has helped elevate Tampa Bay through hosting events that generate economic impact for our communities, attract thousands of visitors to the area and grow the region’s brand to audiences across the world,” said USF President Rhea Law, the first university alum to serve in her role. “We’re proud of all his success and look forward to everything he will accomplish as our CEO of USF Athletics.”
Higgins will be formally introduced on September 22 at a press conference as the new leader of the athletic program.
“I never imagined that an opportunity to volunteer as a young boy at USF basketball games would take me down a path to a career of over 20 years serving at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and now the opportunity to return to my alma mater as the first CEO of Athletics. Cliches are often rooted in some truth, but this truly is a dream come true. I could not be more honored to take on this responsibility and could not be more excited to get started,” Higgins said. “Go Bulls!”
