The Board of Fellows, established in 1972, sees its mission to serve as "goodwill ambassadors" within the community, as well as to provide financial and other support to the University.
Made up of over 110 business leaders and professionals, the Fellows increase the University's visibility through special events and outreach, and raise funds for scholarships. Through their activities, members of the Board of Fellows also find rewarding opportunities to network with peers who share their belief in the value of higher education.
The Fellows Forum is held annually by the Board of Fellows.
The Board of Fellows leadership for 2023-2024 is as follows:
- Jami Gold, Chair
- Misha Hart, Immediate Past Chair
- Casey Ellison, Vice Chair
- Liza Mizel, Treasurer
- Maggie Andretta, Membership Recruitment Co-Chair
- CJ Steadman, Membership Recruitment Co-Chair
- Irene Ferguson, Membership Engagement Co-Chair
- Kari Larocco, Membership Engagement Co-Chair
- Ashley Jarocki, Socials Co-Chair
- Lauren Menendez, Socials Co-Chair
- Brian Hanrahan, Communications Co-Chair
- Michelle Griffin, Communications Co-Chair
- Erica Shea, Business Network Symposium Co-Chair
- Brad Salzer, Business Network Symposium Co-Chair
- Brian Hanrahan, Fellows Forum Co-Chair
- Shannon Brown, Fellows Forum Co-Chair
The Board of Fellows asks members to:
- Serve on a Fellows or Trustee Committee
- Support and attend scheduled Fellows's events
- Support UT as a goodwill ambassador
- Nominate potential members
- Financially support the Board of Fellows and the University by fulfilling the annual financial requirements of one of the following:
- Fellows Member: $2,000 ($500 membership dues plus $1,500 Annual Fund contribution)
- Minaret Society Fellow: $3,000 ($500 membership dues plus $2,500 contribution; Also includes an invitation to the Minaret Dinner)
See The Board of Fellows Membership Overview (PDF) for giving level details.
For more information, please contact the Board of Fellows at fellows@ut.edu, (813) 257-3582.
Opportunities with the Board of Fellows include:
Business Network Symposium in UT’s Vaughn Center
The Board of Fellows hosts three Business Network Symposia each year. Each event traditionally features three Tampa Bay CEOs discussing issues of local economic importance. A complimentary breakfast is provided.
The Fellows Forum is the Board of Fellows' flagship event and features nationally recognized business leaders discussing and debating a topic of relevance. Proceeds from the Forum fund the Board of Fellows Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to a business major.
The Minaret Dinner in November is a formal dinner celebration in honor of University donors for their gifts of at least $2,500 to the Annual Fund within a fiscal year.
Throughout the year, Fellows are also invited to networking socials on campus and in the surrounding area, such as the Kickoff Social, Member Socials and annual Holiday Party, to interact with other board members and the University community.
