USF surpasses academic benchmarks

TAMPA — The University of South Florida in Tampa has reached the required number of benchmarks to earn the designation as one of Florida's “preeminent” research universities.

USF president Judy Genshaft announced the achievement last week during her annual fall address at the Marshall Student Center. She also says USF has reached a new record-high endowment level.

USF Tampa's six-year graduation rate has increased to a level (70%) that meets preeminence standards, according to a press release. State universities must meet at least 11 of 12 established benchmarks, which are subject to change in the 2018 Florida legislative session.