Embracing evolution and building resilience in 2025

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I’ve never been a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. There’s so much pressure, and too often resolutions focus on individual (and sometimes unrealistic) goals – a promise to get in shape, read more, or be more organized at home. Rather than thinking of what I want to change, I like to think about evolution, which emphasizes meaningful, lasting transformation.

At the University of South Florida SF St. Petersburg, we are constantly evolving as a campus. In the world of higher education, change is the only certainty, as we adapt to new challenges and opportunities to better serve our students and communities. This year, we are looking forward to several exciting initiatives that embody that spirit of evolution, and I want to share how they will shape our future.

One of our most ambitious undertakings is the development of an Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences (EOS) facility. We’ve been working on this initiative for a while, but under the leadership of USF President Rhea Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra, we’ve revised the project and are excited about the direction in which we’re headed.

The storms we experienced last fall highlighted the urgent need to fortify existing buildings and enhance our focus on resiliency. Under the reimagined plan, we will invest in hardening and renovating the Marine Science Laboratory building, a multipurpose facility currently used by the USF College of Marine Science. At the same time, we hope to construct approximately 65,000 square feet of new space by our Warehouse Labs building, which is across the street from the Poynter Institute.

The plan also includes space for the Florida Flood Hub, which was established by the state to advance resilience for Florida’s coastal and inland communities, as well as for the USF Office of Sustainability.

Our proximity to Tampa Bay makes us uniquely positioned to lead in this area, and this increased capacity will allow us to expand research and provide opportunities for students to explore the intersections of engineering, marine science, art, sustainability, entrepreneurship, anthropology and public policy, just to name a few. The evolution here is clear: we are building on our reputation as a leader in this space, setting the standard for environmental stewardship and innovation.

In addition to this transformative project, we are grateful to the Florida Legislature and governor for providing $10 million in state funding last year, with USF allocating $6 million of that to renovate the campus home for our Office of Veteran Success. This office has long been a cornerstone of support for our student veterans and military-connected students, offering academic guidance, career counseling and a welcoming community. With these new resources, we can create a state-of-the-art facility that better serves those who have served our country – an evolution that will significantly enhance the student experience for this important group.

We are also committed to expanding opportunities for our UMatter students, a program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. These students bring so much energy, perspective and heart to our university. Our vision for their future includes dedicated spaces for collaboration, a garden where they can learn and connect, and a training kitchen that will help them develop life skills and prepare for careers in the hospitality industry. This initiative is about more than just providing resources; it’s about fostering independence, confidence and a sense of belonging. It represents an evolution of how we think about inclusion in higher education.

Evolution is not always easy. It requires vision, adaptability and a commitment to improvement. But it is also essential. In fact, one could argue that adapting to the new without losing our essence is critical to long-term success. Just as our students grow and evolve during their time with us, so too must we as a university. We are not content to stand still; we are driven to keep moving forward, propelling to new heights.

These projects are just a few examples of how USF St. Petersburg is evolving in bold and meaningful ways. None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our community – our alumni, partners, donors and friends who believe in our mission and invest in our future. Together, we’ll dream big for USF St. Petersburg in 2025.

Here’s to a year of growth, innovation and maybe – just maybe – a little extra time at the waterfront to enjoy our stunning sunsets. That’s a resolution we can all support!

Christian Hardigree is Regional Chancellor of USF St. Petersburg.