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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayOctober 26, 2026Hillsborough County

University of Tampa appoints Harris Pastides as interim president following Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg's resignation

Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay

The University of Tampa named Harris Pastides as its interim president, effective for the remainder of the fall 2026 semester, following the resignation of Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg last week. Pastides brings prior presidential experience from the University of South Carolina and will lead the university while trustees search for a permanent successor.

Higher EducationLeadership ChangesUniversity Administration
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Why It Matters

The leadership change affects institutional governance, academic priorities, and community relations at the University of Tampa during an open-ended presidential transition period.

Key Facts

  • The University of Tampa appointed Harris Pastides as interim president following Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg's resignation last week.
  • Pastides will transition into the role during the remainder of the fall 2026 semester.
  • James Eyer serves as the chair of the university's Board of Trustees.
  • Pastides served as president of the University of South Carolina from 2008 to 2019 and again as interim president from 2021 to 2022.
  • During his tenure at South Carolina, Pastides led an eight-institution university system and completed a capital campaign raising over $1 billion.
  • Pastides earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany and advanced degrees, including a doctorate in epidemiology, from Yale University.
  • Pastides previously served as chair of the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA Division I Board of Directors.
  • The university has not announced a specific timeline or deadline for selecting its next permanent president.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationNCAA Division I Board of Directors“Board previously chaired by Pastides”OrganizationUniversity of Tampa“Institution appointing the interim president”PersonHarris Pastides“Appointed as interim president”OrganizationUniversity of South Carolina“Institution where Pastides previously served as president”OrganizationSoutheastern Conference“Athletic conference Pastides previously chaired”PersonTeresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg“Former president whose resignation preceded the appointment”PersonJames Eyer“Chair of the University of Tampa Board of Trustees”OrganizationArnold School of Public Health“School where Pastides previously served as dean”OrganizationYale University“Institution where Pastides earned advanced degrees”OrganizationState University of New York at Albany“Alma mater where Pastides earned his bachelor's degree”