51°µÍø

Message from the dean - May 2026

May 5, 2026

To our family, friends, and community, 

It is a challenging time for the USF College of Marine Science. We want to express, once again, our sincere gratitude to St. Pete Fire Rescue, USF Police Department, and all the first responders who worked to extinguish the structure fire at the Marine Science Laboratory building this past weekend (May 2 and 3, 2026). Their quick response was critical to ensuring the safety of our campus and community.

We are also incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support we are receiving from members of our community, not only in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, but from around the world. It’s clear that the impact of our research stretches across the ocean and that our extended family includes a global cohort of alumni, colleagues, donors, and friends. As we continue to navigate recovery efforts and establish next steps, your messages of care and support have been deeply felt and greatly appreciated.

The College of Marine Science is home to some of the most passionate, talented, and accomplished scholars in the world. We are committed, above all else, to support them in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

It’s time like these that demonstrate the unbreakable strength of our community. We thank USF President Moez Limayem and his team for their commitment to acting expediently to help us secure the best possible facilities for our extraordinary students, faculty, and staff.

We thank you again for your enduring support. It means more to us than you may ever realize. But please know, we will get through this stronger and better positioned to be a global leader in ocean research and education.

Sincerely,

Tom Frazer, dean