Christian Hardigree, regional chancellor at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, has made the “bittersweet” decision to leave the school.

Hardigree was named the new president of Texas A&M University-Victoria on Oct. 10. Her last day at USF St. Petersburg is Nov. 3.

Hardigree called leading the campus “one of the greatest honors” of her career in a letter to the campus community. She succeeded Dr. Martin Tadlock in July 2022 and became the sole finalist for her new role Sept. 18.

“Being part of the USF St. Petersburg community has been a true privilege,” Hardigree wrote. “This is an extraordinary place – one where people care about each other, lift each other up and, most importantly, always put our students first. The passion I have witnessed has been inspiring, and it is because of you that this campus continues its amazing upward trajectory.”

In a separate letter, President Rhea Law wrote that USF would begin the process of identifying an interim regional chancellor soon and share details in the coming weeks. Hardigree’s departure comes at a pivotal point for the university.

Law announced she was stepping down in February, following a national search for a new president. A committee announced Sept. 30 that Moez Limayem, USF’s former Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, was the sole finalist.

“As much as I love USF St. Petersburg, it has been my dream to serve as a university president,” Hardigree said. “When Texas A&M University-Victoria offered me this opportunity, I couldn’t pass it up.”

Hardigree guided USF St. Petersburg through six hurricanes. While most were glancing blows, the 2024 storm season caused over $5 million in damage to the campus.

Law credited Hardigree’s steady leadership and ability to quickly create community connections. “She also played a key role in strengthening USF St. Petersburg’s alignment with the broader university, ensuring the campus contributes meaningfully to USF’s success as a member of the Association of American Universities and many other initiatives,” Law said.

Hardigree, just three hours into her first day as regional chancellor, expressed appreciation for an “incredible opportunity to have a small-time feel with the chutzpah of a large institution.” The campus expanded research opportunities for students and established a popular campus comfort dog program during her tenure.

USF St. Petersburg also received several significant investments with Hardigree at the helm. Those included $34.3 million for the Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences and Research and Teaching Facility, and $7.5 million for a new Office of Veterans Success facility and programming.

The school has also received over $3.5 million for the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Risk to Resilience Lab, a research center dedicated to studying and mitigating the impacts of human trafficking in Florida. Hardigree helped land $1 million to support the Eileen Hoffman Hafer Umatter program, which provides young adults with intellectual disabilities career training and an opportunity to experience higher education.

Hardigree said her decision to leave was “not made lightly.” She will “never forget the people I have met here,” who have “become like family to me.”

Melissa Seixas, chair of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board, said in a prepared statement that Hardigree had a “meaningful impact” on students and the school. “Her strategic and operational leadership ensured a successful path for our campus community for years to come.”

Hardigree previously served as the founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University in Denver. Texas A&M-Victoria became that university’s 12th regional campus Sept. 1.

The Gulf Coast school was founded in 1973 and serves over 3,000 students. About 4,500 people attend USF St. Petersburg.

Robert Albritton, chair of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, said in a prepared statement that the Victoria campus is “poised for tremendous growth, and Dr. Hardigree is the right leader to guide it there.” He believes her “passion for students” and “track record of building programs that serve local news will ensure the university continues to be a source of pride and opportunity.”

This article provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com.