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One of the greatest highlights of the 2024-25 academic year was the record-shattering $40 million gift from alums Arnie and Lauren Bellini to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. In this episode, Provost Prasant Mohapatra describes the extensive efforts underway as the college gears up to welcome its first students this fall. He also reveals plans for a high-profile AI-cybersecurity conference and dives into several other transformational initiatives, including new degree programs in aerospace-aeronautical engineering and design and construction management.

After more than two years of preparation, women鈥檚 lacrosse 鈥� the first new women鈥檚 athletics program at USF since women鈥檚 soccer began play in 1995 鈥� launches its inaugural season on Feb. 7 at Corbett Stadium. In this episode, Coach Mindy McCord discusses some of the keys to developing a program from scratch, including recruiting student-athletes, the culture she has established within the team and what fans can expect from this fast-paced sport. A first-generation college graduate, McCord stresses the importance of academics to her players (the team鈥檚 fall semester GPA was 3.75), noting that 鈥渕entoring has always been at the heart of what I do鈥� as she helps them prepare for successful and meaningful careers following graduation.

Dr. Sten Vermund brings decades of infectious disease epidemiology and prevention experience to the USF Health College of Public Health, which he will lead beginning in January. He also is the president of the Global Virus Network, which recently relocated its international headquarters to USF. In this episode, Vermund shares his perspective on a variety of topics, including what attracted him to public health and to USF, his plans to continue building the college鈥檚 reputation, opportunities to grow the college鈥檚 partnerships throughout the Tampa Bay region, public health issues that keep him awake at night, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Rhea Law鈥檚 fall address celebrated many of USF鈥檚 recent accomplishments 鈥� including student success, record research funding and a growing national reputation 鈥� that are advancing the university into a bold new era. She also shared priorities for this year that are designed to position USF for the future. Following the address, she sat down to discuss those priorities 鈥� including enhancing and expanding community partnerships and opportunities to grow the research enterprise 鈥� in greater detail. (The conversation begins at the 1:05 mark in the recording.)

USF opens the 2024-25 academic year with two new deans: David Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, and Elizabeth Spiller, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In this episode, we learn about their backgrounds (spoiler alert: Blackwell struggled in his initial attempt at college as a first-generation student, Spiller wanted to be a corporate tax attorney), what attracted them to USF and their priorities for their colleges.

With extensive experience as a USF faculty member and administrator, Eric Eisenberg knows the university鈥檚 many resources can help elevate the Tampa Bay region. He also recognizes that potential partners may not know how to find help at USF 鈥� whether it鈥檚 hiring interns and new graduates, enhancing neig