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Beginning of USF!!
Florida Governor LeRoy Collins signs into law House Bill 1007, written by Representative Sam Gibbons, creating a new state university in Hillsborough County. -
USF building begins
The Florida Cabinet approves a resolution to build the new university on the Fowler Avenue property. At the time, a private civilian airport occupied the space, which had functioned as the Hillsborough Army Airfield during World War II. USF would later be built on the practice bombing range just north of the airfield. -
John S. Allen - 1st president of USF
The Board of Control names John S. Allen the first president of USF. -
"University of South Florida"
The Florida Cabinet approves the name "University of South Florida," in part because it is the southernmost university in the state at the time. -
Groundbreaking Ceremonies
Groundbreaking ceremonies take place on the new Tampa campus. Contracts for the first three buildings were awarded shortly thereafter. -
The 1st Major State University Planned
A convocation ceremony marks the first day of classes for USF’s first-ever students. With classes under way, USF becomes the first major state university planned, built and opened in the 20th century, as well as Florida's first university located in a major metropolitan area. -
St. Petersburg Campus
USF occupies the site of the St. Petersburg campus on Bayboro Harbor. -
1st USF Basketball Game
The first USF basketball game is played against the University of Florida at Curtis Hixon Hall. USF wins, 85-78. -
The USF Sun Dome
The USF Sun Dome is inflated and booked for concerts, sporting events and commencement ceremonies. -
USF's baseball team wins!
USF's baseball team wins its first Sun Belt championship. -
USF Health opens the revolutionary Center
USF Health opens the revolutionary Center for Advanced Medical Learning Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa. -
“Emerging Preeminent University"
The Florida Board of Governors designates USF as the state’s first “emerging preeminent university,” recognizing its strong trajectory toward national prominence. -
USF Rankings
The University of South Florida ranks 25th among public universities for research spending and 42nd among all universities nationally. -
Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center Opens!
The new Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center opens to the public. As the hub of student life on the USF Tampa campus, the center features an expanded dining center, food court, a 1,200 seat ballroom, meeting spaces and lounges.
