Harris Pastides, Ph.D., began serving as UTampa's interim president on Nov. 2, 2026.

A nationally respected higher education leader, Pastides served as president of the University of South Carolina from 2008 to 2019 and returned as interim president from 2021 to 2022. He brings decades of experience advancing academic excellence, student success, research, philanthropy and community partnerships.

During his 11-year presidency at South Carolina, Pastides led an eight-institution university system through a period of significant academic advancement and growth. The university earned national recognition for its Honors College and academic programs, achieved record levels of research funding and completed a capital campaign that raised more than $1 billion. His leadership also strengthened partnerships with business and community organizations.

“I am honored to join the University of Tampa at such an important moment in its history,” Pastides said. “The University has an impressive legacy, a strong sense of community and a bright future. I look forward to getting to know its students, faculty, staff and alumni, and to strengthening relationships throughout the Tampa Bay community. My focus will be on listening, building on the University’s considerable strengths, and working together to sustain its momentum and position it for continued success.”

A first-generation college graduate, Pastides earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany and advanced degrees from Yale University, including a doctorate in epidemiology. Before becoming president, he served as dean of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health and held senior leadership positions in research and health sciences. He also served as chair of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, bringing to the University of Tampa national experience in collegiate athletics governance.