Embarc Collective Welcomes USF President Dr. Moez Limayem to Board of Directors

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Moez Limayem, President of the University of South Florida (USF), to the Embarc Collective Board of Directors. His appointment enriches our leadership with seasoned insight, diverse networks, and a steadfast commitment to community and innovation.

Our board members bring decades of industry experience and deep networks across multiple sectors, offering institutional credibility and strategic connections that open doors for our founder community. Dr. Limayem is a powerful addition to this group — a leader whose vision aligns closely with Embarc Collective’s mission to strengthen Tampa Bay’s startup ecosystem.

A Leader with Deep Roots in Education and Community Impact

Dr. Limayem began his academic and professional journey far from Tampa Bay, rising from his early education in Tunisia to earning an MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Over the course of his distinguished 35-plus-year career in higher education, he has consistently championed student success, research excellence, and meaningful partnerships between academia and industry.

Before stepping into his current role as USF’s ninth president in early 2026, Dr. Limayem led the University of North Florida (UNF) as president, where his strategic leadership helped the institution achieve record enrollment and student retention and bolstered career outcomes for graduates.

Dr. Limayem’s tenure at USF began earlier in his career, where he served for a decade as Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business. In that role, he strengthened industry engagement, expanded career pathways for students, and helped secure more than $126 million in private support for the college.

Why His Leadership Matters to Embarc Collective

Dr. Limayem’s leadership reflects a blend of academic gravitas and community partnership — qualities that are indispensable as we work to boost Tampa Bay’s innovation economy. Through his work, he has:

• Built long-standing relationships with business, nonprofit, and civic leaders across Florida.
• Elevated talent development and industry engagement through experiential learning opportunities.
• Championed research and innovation initiatives that create local economic impact.

These experiences mirror the values of Embarc Collective — where collaboration, mentorship, and access to strategic networks help founders thrive.

Expanding Strategic Support for Tampa Bay Founders

As a member of our board, Dr. Limayem joins a group of leaders whose collective expertise spans entrepreneurship, investment, technology, education, and community development. Together, our board members provide institutional credibility, strategic guidance, and connections that accelerate opportunities for founders across our ecosystem.

With Dr. Limayem’s insight and relationships, we look forward to new partnerships, amplified resources, and deeper integration between academic innovation and startup growth throughout the region.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Moez Limayem to the Embarc Collective Board of Directors — we’re excited for what we will build together!

About Embarc Collective

Embarc Collective is a 501c3 non-profit that serves as a central landing zone for the most driven and focused startup builders in Florida. Embarc Collective offers vetted, curated live and on-demand coaching and programming, an ever-growing repository of resources and frameworks, and access to a network of corporate customers and investors.