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Born to be a Bull: Rob Higgins Takes the Reins as CEO of USF Athletics

Related Topics: Tommy Tonelli

September 22, 2025

This wasn't just an introduction. It was more like a premiere.

With his typical theatrical flair and a resounding call to action that was difficult to ignore, Rob Higgins took the reins Monday as USF's first CEO of Athletics, a position that will entail much more than the traditional skill-set of a collegiate athletic director.

Instead of a stale question-and-answer format from behind the podium, Higgins wore a lavalier microphone, so he could operate hands-free to purposefully work the crowd of notable Bay area luminaries, media, donors, staff members, student-athletes, and fans at the Pam and Les Muma Basketball Center.