TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The University of South Florida now has its first-ever CEO of Athletics.
Rob Higgins was named to the position at an event at the school on Monday morning.
“While this will always be the University’s athletic department, it’s now officially team Tampa Bay’s as well,” said Higgins.
He takes on the job at an interesting time, when USF’s football team appeared in the national rankings for the first time in years, and as the school prepares to build a new football stadium on campus.
“To think about where it’s coming now, is really amazing and the on campus stadium is going to be such a game changer for this campus and this community,” said Higgins.
His job will be to attract top athletes and work on the business side of college athletics.
“When you look at the evolution of college athletics as a business, it’s really important to make sure it’s got the right moniker, right title associated with it. So, it really is more of a Chief Executive Officer title,” said Higgins.
He has previously worked as the Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. A job he’s held since 2004.
Higgins is a USF graduate and once worked as an equipment manager for the basketball team, washing team uniforms and sweeping floors.
Now he says he will work to bring sports and entertainment events to the new stadium.
“I envision it being able to carve out a space in the overall sports and entertainment landscape that not only is really vital to team Tampa Bay, but also to the country,” said Higgins.