By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing
It's been one year since USF was invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities and its dynamic labs and groundbreaking fieldwork have solidified USF’s status as a leading research university. In just the past six months, USF has broken records, united the community in support of its athletics programs and established numerous innovative partnerships. Here are some of the standout achievements.
Research funding reaches record high of $692 million
![Faculty member in a lab](/news/images/2024/headlines-from-the-first-half-of-2024/headline-1.png)
USF’s funding from federal sources increased by 27%, more than tripling the national average. Funding from private partnerships grew by 11% to $218 million, while funding from state and local sources nearly doubled to $82 million.
New on-campus stadium renderings released
![Rendering of the on campus stadium](/news/images/2024/headlines-from-the-first-half-of-2024/rendering-new.png)
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new stadium is scheduled to be held during the university’s annual Homecoming Week celebration, scheduled for Oct. 14-19.
USF to launch new college focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing
![Faculty member stands at front of classroom in front of screen, demonstrating cybersecurity](/images/news/2024/usf-plans-to-launch-college-focused-on-artificial-intelligence-cybersecurity-and-computing/cybersecurity-article.png)
USF is the first university in 91ÉçÇø and among the first in the nation to announce plans to create a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity.
International headquarters of the Global Virus Network moved to USF, co-discoverer of HIV joins faculty
![USF Health team and Global Virus Network team give the "Go Bulls" signal](/news/images/2024/headlines-from-the-first-half-of-2024/gvn.png)
The Global Virus Network is a distinguished organization comprised of virologists spanning in excess of 80 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in more than 40 countries working collaboratively to advance knowledge about viral pathogens and pandemic viruses.
USF’s basketball renaissance unites and excites a community of fans
![Basketball stadium full of fans](/images/news/2024/basketball-renaissance-unites-and-excites-a-community-of-fans/hero.jpg)
The USF men's basketball team broke several program records, including securing their first regular season conference title, setting a new record of 25 wins and selling out three home games at the Yuengling Center.
USF ranks among the top 15 public universities in new patents
![patent wall](/images/news/2024/usf-ranks-among-the-top-15-public-universities-in-new-patents/patent-wall-hero.jpeg)
The National Academy of Inventors ranked USF in the top 15 for producing U.S. utility patents for the 11th consecutive year.
New partnership will advance U.S. Army innovation, bolster talent pipeline
![Faculty and student in lab](/images/news/2024/usf-to-advance-us-army-innovation-bolster-talent-pipeline/article.png)
The five-year educational partnership agreement coalesces faculty from throughout the university to conduct critical defense research and provides student internships – helping broaden the talent pipeline for future military needs.
USF to lead statewide initiative to address shortage of mental health professionals
![Building](/images/news/2024/usf-to-lead-statewide-initiative-to-address-shortage-of-mental-health-professionals/article.png)
The state of 91ÉçÇø awarded USF $5 million in recurring funds to create the 91ÉçÇø Center for Behavioral Health Workforce to enhance recruitment and retention efforts and expand pathways to behavioral health professions.
USF earns Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation for its support of military families
![USF student veterans](/news/images/2024/headlines-from-the-first-half-of-2024/military.png)
The state program recognizes USF for providing critical support to military-connected students and families as they transition into higher education and sustained resources throughout their academic journey.
USF hosts first-ever community festival
![Father and son with Rocky at Bulls Family Fest](/news/images/2024/headlines-from-the-first-half-of-2024/family-fest.png)
Thousands of Tampa Bay community members attended the first-ever Bulls Family Fest, a unique program designed to get kids interested in higher education at a young age.