By Jasmin Parrado
After almost four years, Christian Hardigree will be ending her tenure as the regional chancellor at The University of South Florida St. Petersburg this fall.
Hardigree’s departure follows the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents announcing her as the sole finalist three weeks ago in its presidential search for its Victoria campus, which was newly instated as its 12th institution on Sept. 1.
“When Texas A&M University-Victoria offered me this opportunity, I couldn’t pass it up,” Hardigree shared in an email Oct. 10 announcing her resignation. “But please know that this decision was not made lightly. You have become like family to me, and I will never forget the people I have met here.”
In her message, Hardigree recounted USF St. Petersburg’s accomplishments, reflecting on the campus’ developments in research efforts and the expansion of academic programs that marked her time as the second regional chancellor since 2022.
USF President Rhea Law touted Hardigree’s contributions in a consecutive university-wide email the same day, announcing the leadership update and noting that efforts to find an interim regional chancellor for USF St. Petersburg would shortly commence.
“Since joining USF St. Petersburg in 2022, Chancellor Hardigree has been a steady leader, quickly forming connections with the local community and serving as an advocate for our students, faculty and staff,” Law said.
Hardigree’s aspiration for university presidency became apparent last spring after Murray State University declared her one of four finalists for its 15th presidential search, alerting USF students to her potential resignation.
Texas A&M outlined Hardigree’s accolades, noting her previous tenures as both founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University and founding director at Kennesaw State University’s School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality.
As “a seasoned higher-education leader and attorney” with a juris doctorate and a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration, Hardigree was touted as a highly capable and promising future president.
“With [Hardigree]’s experience and vision, A&M–Victoria will become an even stronger engine of opportunity for South Texas,” said Glenn Hegar, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System in its press release.
During her time as regional chancellor, Hardigree oversaw various investments in research initiatives such as the Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences Research and Teaching Facility and the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Risk to Resilience Lab.
Additionally, Hardigree navigated active natural disaster seasons on the waterside campus, leading measures and post-damage efforts after an onslaught of six hurricanes.
Hardigree will remain at USF St. Petersburg until Nov. 3.
Post Views: 80
Written by: Jasmin Parrado on October 14, 2025.
Last revised by: Julia Ferrara
