Strengthening Success for Veterans

Currently serving as the assistant director of the Office of Veteran Success at USF St. Petersburg, Todd Post is on a mission to enhance the student veteran experience.He oversees the Military Families and Veteran Success Center, a hub of support services designed to empower military-connected students throughout their college journey. From academic advising and career counseling to peer mentoring and community outreach, Post ensures comprehensive and timely assistance is readily available.

Thomas Smith, Ph.D. was named interim regional chancellor of USF St. Petersburg in November of 2025. He serves as the chief administrative officer, collaborating with university leadership to advance the campus’s mission and strategic goals. He also acts as the public face for the campus to the community and stakeholders.

In addition, Smith is the vice provost of academic affairs. In this role, he serves as a liaison to the USF Provost’s Office, providing leadership and vision for academic affairs priorities and how that vision is implemented on the St. Petersburg campus. Working with campus deans and stakeholders, Smith supports the academic units and centers in St. Petersburg, focusing on communication, collaboration and campus connectivity.

Smith has been at USF St. Petersburg for more than 25 years. A human rights expert, he has published widely on research interests, including international humanitarian law, Turkish politics, and foreign policy. Smith is the former campus dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. He is a co-founder of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs, now a flagship event that attracts thousands each year and previously served on the board of directors of the Florida Holocaust Museum. He earned his undergraduate degree in anthropology from the College of William and Mary and his master's and doctorate in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.

Stephanie Goforth is a retired financial services executive with more than 20 years at Northern Trust, where she served as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Marketing for Wealth Management. She has held significant leadership roles at the University of South Florida, including former Member and Vice Chair of the USF Board of Trustees and Chair of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board. Mrs. Goforth remains deeply engaged in the community and currently serves on the USF Foundation Board, where she is Chair of the Philanthropy & Donor Engagement Committee.