Strategy 1 - Rationale

Promote nationally and internationally distinctive research and graduate programs.

The University of South Florida has evolved into a major urban research institution through the efforts of an outstanding, highly productive faculty. These faculty have made major discoveries that improve the quality of life and enhance the economic development of our communities. The research capacity of the University is closely linked to its graduate programs, particularly at the doctoral level. Graduate education attracts the high quality, diverse faculty and students needed to support the research effort. Even though USF is a relatively young university, it is already ranked among the top 100 public research universities on several measures of Top American Research Universities (2002). In order to continue to increase its stature among this elite group of institutions, USF must focus investments in strategic areas of competitive advantage, build graduate programs in areas that have the greatest potential for achieving national and international distinction, and improve the university’s infrastructure to support research. The actions below reflect the contributions of the academic colleges, health sciences, and research administrative areas.