VIJAYAWADA: Vijayawada native Suryakanth Prasad Gottipati (20) has been elected as the Student Body President of the University of South Florida (USF), representing over 60,000 students across three campuses. The accomplishment highlights his exceptional leadership skills and serves as an inspiration for students worldwide.
An undergraduate in Computer Science, Surya oversees a USD 28 million budget (approximately Rs 300 crore) and leads an executive cabinet focused on advancing student-government initiatives. His administration is anchored by the VOICE agenda, which emphasises unity USF campuses, inclusivity, collaboration with stakeholders, and empowering students with valuable resources and opportunities.
A product of VP Siddhartha Public School in Vijayawada, RMK Public School in Chennai, and FIITJEE Vijayawada, Surya pursued his passion for technology and governance after moving abroad for higher studies. His interests in Generative AI and leveraging technology to improve campus life have shaped his vision for innovation and service.
Surya credits his leadership capabilities to his upbringing in Vijayawada. His father, GV Ramakrishna Prasad, a lawyer, and his mother, Padmaja, a homemaker, played a significant role in fostering his resilience and commitment to service.
“My son’s journey reflects the perseverance and dedication we instilled in him. Seeing him to lead on a global platform gives us pride and hope,” said Prasad. Surya’s leadership journey began as a freshman senator in USF’s Student Government. He excelled in several roles, including Director of University Affairs, before successfully running for Student Body President in May 2024.
As President, he has tackled critical policy and financial challenges. He successfully advocated for flexibility in the 120-credit-hour cap for engineering programmes, collaborating with faculty and administration to balance academic rigour. The proposal, approved by the Board of Trustees, is now awaiting submission to the Board of Governors.
Additionally, Surya addressed a deficit in the A&S Grant Fund by reallocating Education and General (E&G) funds, ensuring financial stability while preserving essential student services.
“I am committed to leaving a lasting legacy as an Indian leader in the university’s history by the end of my tenure in April 2025, focusing on the betterment of students. This position allows me to integrate my passion for technology and leadership to enhance the student experience,” Surya told TNIE. “The VOICE agenda reflects my commitment to uniting campuses and empowering every student,” he added.
Surya’s accomplishments symbolise his determination to bridge cultural and academic diversity while driving meaningful change within USF and beyond.
“I credit this achievement to my parents, friends, campaign team, and the students and alumni of all three campuses,” Surya said.