The year was 1985. "Back to the Future" ruled the box office and USF’s women’s swimming team made history by winning the NCAA Division II national championship, marking the university’s first-ever team national championship. Fresh out of her new employee orientation, Kim Williams got to work typing financial aid award letters, unaware of the trajectory her career would take over the next four decades.
Soon, Williams transitioned to a role developing complex data dashboards for university leadership. “The numbers” can tell the story of past performance and help experts anticipate future trends, informing critical decisions. This led to an opportunity in 2013 for Williams to co-create USF’s Office of Academic Advocacy, whose first mission was to improve six-year graduation rates. The team’s work toward that goal became an internationally recognized model for student success. Today, Williams supports Strategic Enrollment Management as a data analyst, motivated by opportunities to help USF students.
As the university celebrates its 70th year, an experienced voice like Williams helps set the tone for fellow employees starting their professional journeys, saying, "USF is a big place, but we truly have the best people.” Her advice is simple: “Most people are willing to explain things, so just ask and be willing to learn.”
The university has changed significantly since Williams first stepped onto campus, but its relentless pursuit of excellence remains a cornerstone, reflected in the many Bold Bulls who, like Williams, are driven to reach greater heights and support the lifelong success of USF students.
Working Bulls Sick Clinic provides care for minor illnesses and injuries for faculty, staff and campus partners. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Located in SWC 310 (Entrance D); walk-ins welcome or call 813-974-2331 (option 2) to schedule an appointment. Learn more.
Remember that flu shots are available on campus.Visit usf.edu/flushots for locations, hours and additional information.
Beware of travel-related phishing scams
Unlike traditional phishing attempts, these scams use real travel reservation information, including hotel names, airfare itineraries, travel dates and booking details to make fraudulent messages appear legitimate. In some cases, attackers gain access to hotel or travel partner systems and contact travelers through trusted communication channels. Learn the red flags in this month’s Fraud Flash Report, brought to you by the Office of Internal Audit.
Stay Informed
Open enrollment and benefits fair
Benefits Fair Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Learn more about important plan changes and the many benefits available to USF employees. Vendors will also be on hand with information about their products and services. This year, the Tampa campus will host a single benefits fair for both campuses. Mark your calendar! Learn more.
Open enrollment begins: Monday, Oct. 12, at 8 a.m. Open enrollment ends: Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.
Update: Multifactor authentication requirements are changing Sept. 18
To better protect university accounts and personal information, USF IT is updating how multi-factor authentication works for university systems. Starting Sept. 18, you will no longer be able to sign in using text or phone call authentication methods, as these are less secure against increasingly strong threats to modern cybersecurity. Click here for instructions on setting up Microsoft Authenticator. Please contact IT for help or guidance.
Exclusive Microsoft webinar for employees
USF IT has partnered with Microsoft to create our semesterly “Tools Enablement Webinar Series” tailor-made for USF faculty and staff. Our webinars deliver hands-on training to boost productivity, collaboration and confidence with Microsoft 365 tools in your daily work. All sessions are remote via Teams. Click here to join the next webinar in October.
Get Engaged
Town halls: Mapping USF’s Future
Oct. 6 | 3 p.m.
USF Tampa campus
Marshall Student Center Oval Theater
Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.
USF St. Petersburg campus
University Student Center Ballroom
Faculty and staff are invited to join a town hall to discuss the university's strategic plan. Attendees will learn how the plan’s vision is brought into focus by the ideas and insights of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. Attend. Participate. Help shape USF’s future. This event is hosted by President Moez Limayem and David Simmons, co-chair of the strategic planning committee and president of the USF Faculty Senate.
USF faculty, staff and students are invited to step into local K–12 classrooms for the Great American Teach-In! Help students discover the possibilities ahead by sharing your career, expertise, experiences and passions. USF Youth Experiences can help match you with a local classroom and provide activity ideas and resources to help you create an engaging, age-appropriate experience. Whether you have 30 minutes or a few hours, you can make a meaningful impact. Sign up here.
Featured Events
Debate-A-Bull: Medical School Admissions – Examining merit-based and holistic approaches
Friday, Oct. 2|10 a.m.-noon USF Health Morsani College of Medicine 560 Channelside Drive
Medical school admission is a highly competitive process that shapes the next generation of physicians. This panel discussion brings together experts to examine merit-based and holistic admissions approaches and how they affect the medical profession and future physicians entering the workforce. Please send questions to Health-TheForum@usf.edu. Click here to register.
2026 USF Small Business Symposium & Opportunity Exchange
Friday, Oct. 9| 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Marshall Student Center Ballroom
This event brings together small business owners, procurement professionals and institutional buyers to explore partnership opportunities, share best practices and support small business growth. Come out for insightful speakers, interactive workshops and the chance to connect with local entrepreneurs.Planning to attend?Click here to register.
USF Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Festival
Oct. 10-11 |9 a.m.-3 p.m.
USF Botanical Gardens 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
The USF Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Festival brings together over 50 local growers (offering expert advice), rare and native plants, artisan goods, food trucks and family-friendly activities — all in the beautiful setting of the USF Botanical Gardens. Pre-sale tickets are only $8.60 (includes taxes) and employees enjoy early access, along with members, at 8:30 a.m.Learn more.
USF Homecoming is Oct. 12-17
Welcome Home Party Oct. 16 |5 p.m. Gibbons Alumni Center Lawn
The Welcome Home Party is a FREE, family-friendly event on the Alumni Association lawn, open to USF alumni, employees, families and community members. Enjoy games, giveaways, music and interactive displays hosted by our alumni groups for everyone in the Bulls community. RSVP today and stay for the parade that starts at 6:30 p.m.
Check out all of the exciting Homecoming events happening Oct. 12-17. Learn more.
The College of Design, Art & Performance’s 2026 event season is underway. More than 75 FREE performances, concerts, exhibitions and lectures are scheduled through December. See all the events here. If you would like to receive regular updates, sign up for the weekly event email.
Last Chance to Vote for Star
Star has earned your vote.
Star, a USF Police Department K9 therapy dog, has been selected by the American Humane Society as a semifinalist for 2026 America’s Best K9 Therapy Dog.
Star’s instinct for human emotion is remarkable. He can sense a person's pain and knows how to respond, bringing great comfort during a difficult time. Read about his superpower then vote. You can vote once per day until Sept. 18.
