UT Media Coverage

Tampa Bay Water Solution Simple: Charge Heavy Users More

By Robert Beekman and Brian Kench, Special to the Times
Tampa Bay Times
May 17, 2012

Robert Beekman and Brian Kench, business faculty at UT, proposed an alternative solution to the recent water restrictions that have come because of the draught. Rather than restricting water usage, the two suggested increasing the cost of water for higher usage. They suggest the price mechanism will do a sufficient job in allocating resources. Full story

Finding Roots in a New Home

By Kristin Wright
WTVT – Fox 13
May 16, 2012

The 100-year-old grand oak tree on The University of Tampa’s campus has been moved 400 feet to its new home, making room for a new athletic complex. Video

Similar stories appeared in the St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune and Bay News 9.

UT Baseball to Host NCAA Regional

By Travis Bell
WTSP – Channel 10
May 14, 2012

The top-ranked University of Tampa baseball team has been awarded the 2012 NCAA Division II South Region Baseball Tournament, which will include a total of eight teams. The double-elimination tournament will begin Thursday, May 17, and end with Monday's regional title games. Full story

As Florida Graduates Hit the Market, Some Tough Pearls of Wisdom

By Robert Trigaux
Tampa Bay Times
May 13, 2012

In a wrap-up of commencement speakers from Florida institutions, The University of Tampa’s speaker, Raymond James Financial chief operating officer Dennis Zank was noted. He offered a 21st century, global competition update to the old "work hard, play hard" mantra. Now it's "work, work, play," he said. "This motto is something deeply embedded into the Raymond James culture and reinforces the absolute necessity of hard work," he said. Full story 

Nonbelievers Flex Their Political Muscles

By Kimberly Winston, Religion News Service
The Washington Post
May 9, 2012

One of the biggest growth areas in political activism around religion is coming from the nonreligious. Ryan Cragun, an assistant professor of sociology at UT, sees the growing political organization among nontheists as a sign of their maturation as a movement. “They are reaching a level of maturity where organization is necessary to maintain structure and keep the movement going,” Cragun said. “But until you are talking about lots of money or lots of voters — and I don’t think they have either of those at this point — I don’t think they are going to be national players.” Full story

Similar stories appeared in the Huffington Post and Religion News Service. 

UT Moving Grand Oak Tree for Lacrosse Stadium

By Kathy Steele
The Tampa Tribune
May 8, 2012

The feat of digging up, moving and replanting a grand oak tree takes a lot of love and some careful planning. It is no small matter to move about 70 feet of shade from one spot on the campus of The University of Tampa to another spot about 400 feet away. But arborists expect to complete the task by the end of the week. The process is not new to the University which moved two grand oaks in 1999. Full story

A similar story appeared on WTVT-FOX 13 and ABC Action News.

Hector Manley Plans to Kayak Entire Mississippi River for Charity

By Ashley Porter
WTSP – Channel 10
May 4, 2012

Hector Manley ’12 graduated in May and begins a 2,400-mile journey kayaking down the Mississippi River this summer. The trip combines his love for adventure with his passion for helping others. Part of the money raised from "Paddling for a Purpose" goes to The Wheelchair Foundation. The other part benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. "It's not every day you hear of a double amputee who wants to do this. And you know, I want people to think like that, to think bigger than themselves, to set goals," Manley said. "I want to show people that they can achieve anything they set their mind to." Full story

A similar story appeared on Bay News 9.

Weighing the Importance of the GPA

By Josh Cascio
WTVT-FOX 13
May 4, 2012

With options to boost a GPA, like AP, honors and dual-enrollment classes, it begs the question, how high of a grade point average should students aim for? "There's really not a single answer for that," said Dennis Nostrand, the vice president for enrollment at The University of Tampa. Nostrand says it all depends on which schools the student is considering, and their interests. Full story  

UT Professors Get Lesson on Coping with RNC

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
May 2, 2012

UT recently posted some advice on its website to professors with recommendations for coping with the Republican National Convention in August. In addition to planning for traffic delays, UT encouraged professors to invite candidates for local offices to speak on campus during that week. Full story  

Janet McNew to Retire as University of Tampa Provost

Tampa Bay Business Journal
April 30, 2012

Janet McNew, provost at the University of Tampa, plans to retire at the end of the next academic year. UT President Ron Vaughan will appoint a committee to conduct a national search for her successor. McNew is starting her seventh year at UT as leader of its academic affairs. Full story  

US Veterans Targeted by Marketers in College Selection Process

By Dan Toman
Akron News Now
April 30, 2012

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers financial support for veterans' education, leading some marketers to target vets with deceptive advertising about college opportunities and President Obama to sign an executive order on Friday to curb those abuses. Paul Szoldra, a senior at UT, will be the first of his family to graduate from college. During his eight years at the United States Marine Corps, Szoldra also obtained a degree from the for-profit University of Phoenix. "We're always marketed to by the for-profits," Szoldra told ABC News. Full story

A similar story appeared in Mason County Daily News.

Students Beat Test Stress

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
April 28, 2012

On the last day of classes before final exams begin, University of Tampa sophomore Nick Oliveri figured out a good way to beat the stress. He climbed on the roof of a Kia Sedona and pummeled the van with a sledgehammer. "I really wanted to do some damage," the 20-year-old digital art major said. "I think it might've broken through the roof a little bit." Oliveri's stress reliever was part of an event on campus to benefit UT’s Interfraternity Council. Full story  

When Start of School and RNC Converge, UT Will Be Prepared

By Ashley Jeffery
Bay News 9
April 28, 2012

Come August, 150,000 people will make their way to downtown Tampa for the Republican National Convention. Students will be arriving back at school at the same time. Because of the protest activity and traffic issues the City of Tampa is expecting, the UT campus is making changes to make sure students can still get to and from classes safely. Full story  

Risky Education

By Alex Mahadevan
Gulf Coast Business Review
April 27, 2012

Rebecca White, director of UT’s Entrepreneurship Center, said one of the challenge’s of training the next crop of entrepreneurs is this generation’s natural inclination to avoid risks. To help change the risk-averse tendencies of potential and current students, White has tapped the Tampa Bay business community for help. Full story

Bartow Officials' Romance Draws Complaint

By Suzie Schottelkotte
Lakeland Ledger
April 25, 2012

A romantic relationship between Bartow City Manager George Long and Karen Hielscher, the city's customer service director, has triggered an anonymous letter to city commissioners asking them to take action. "I think the standard answer on this is the best practice is to limit the opportunity or permissibility of relationships between supervisors and subordinates in any circumstance," said Scott Paine, associate professor at UT. "You don't get involved in romantic liaisons with people you supervise. That's straight-up Management 101." Full story 

Jaws: Fact or Fiction?

WFLA’s Daytime
April 25, 2012

With Universal Studios’ digitally restoring Jaws, UT’s Associate Professor Dan Huber weighs in on the movie’s impact on sharks. “After Jaws, lot of people went out and started killing sharks in large quantities, because they felt they had to get revenge against these aggressive animals that were presumably waiting to eat us, but that’s definitely very far from the truth,” said Huber. “There is a one in 12 million chance of being attacked by a shark. The numbers are astonishingly in our favor.”

UT Journalists Go Old School with Campus Newspaper

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
April 25, 2012

Students working for UT’s newspaper went old school this month, removing modern technology while producing a four-page special section for The Minaret. "We went thought a lot of paper and a lot of scraps, a lot of tries and retries," said 18-year-old Chelsea Daubar, the paper's assistant news editor. The Minaret is the second student publication to take part nationwide in the "All on Paper" project. Full story  

Student Loan Interest to Double in July

By Kristin Wright
WTVT-FOX 13
April 24, 2012
Student loan debt in the United States is astronomical and could get worse, if Congress doesn't act by July first when a rate cut is set to expire. UT Financial Aid Director Jackie LaTorella says nearly 60 percent of students at the university receive federal loans. "Students are definitely becoming more realistic about what their ability to pay may be after they graduate," said LaTorella, who hopes Congress acts fast to stop the subsidized Stafford interest rate from doubling. LaTorella says if Congress doesn't intervene, students could be forced to take out alternative loans that are harder to get. Full story  

UT Professor Explains Mormonism, Romney View

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
April 24, 2012

People have many misconceptions about Mormonism and plenty of questions about the presidential candidate's beliefs. But while the religion has its quirks, its practices shouldn't cause people not to vote for the presumptive Republican nominee, said University of Tampa professor Ryan Cragun. Cragun, a former Mormon and current assistant professor of sociology at UT, explains Mormon beliefs in a book he co-authored, "Could I Vote For a Mormon For President? An Election-Year Guide to Mitt Romney's Religion.” Full story  

University of Tampa Student to Lobby Congress This Week

By Chris Hopper
Bay News 9
April 22, 2012

University of Tampa sophomore elementary education major Nicole Cawsey is a far cry from a seasoned Washington, DC lobbyist. But the UT student is getting the chance of a lifetime to stand in front of national lawmakers and fight for something she believes in. “I tend to be outgoing and persuasive, and my parents always said I needed to go into government,” Cawsey said. Cawsey is one of only 94 undergraduates in the nation chosen to lobby for a bill that supports affordable education and improved student housing. Full story 

New USF Rules Puts Damper on Smoking

By Mary Shedden
The Tampa Tribune
April 22, 2012

A new smoking policy at USF is compared against other university policies in the state, including UT’s. Gina Firth, associate dean of wellness at The University of Tampa, said UT is developing a new policy toward tobacco use. Currently, smoking is banned indoors and within 25 feet of any building or entrance. The student-led "Breathe Easy University of Tampa" effort is critical to acceptance, as about 70 percent of the 7,000 students live on campus, Firth said. "We don't want aggressive behavior," she said. "That's not going to get the message across." Full story

Lewes resident Kirstin Pollock selected as Miss Florida Spirit 2012

Cape Gazette
April 12, 2012

UT student Kirstin Pollock has been selected to represent the state of Florida as Miss Florida Spirit 2012. She will compete in the national American Spirit Pageant to be held May 31 to June 3 in Orlando, FL. Pollock, 19, is studying communications and recently joined the honors program. She is also a sister of the Delta Beta Chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority. Her personal platform is Be The Match, the national bone marrow donor registry. Full story  

UT Student's Business Gains National Attention

By Kristy Wolski
Bay News 9
April 11, 2012

UT’s Nick Chmura, Student Government president, has received national attention for his business, BetterBoo.com, which was recently named by Inc. Magazine as one of “2012’s Coolest College Start-ups.” Full story  

Bart Ehrman’s New Portrayal of Jesus is Surprisingly Sympathetic

By Yonat Shimron
Washington Post
April 3, 2012

In “Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth,” Bart Ehrman soundly refutes the arguments of his audience—atheists, agnostics and humanists — that early storytellers invented Jesus. Largely missing from the quarrel is an acknowledgement of how far atheists and agnostics have come. “They’re squabbling over the existence of a man, not a messiah or a god,” said Ryan Cragun, a sociologist at The University of Tampa. “No one is saying Jesus was God. If you step back it’s not that cataclysmic.” Full story  

UT Breaks Ground On New Residence Hall

By Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
83 Degrees
April 3, 2012

Ground was broken on the University's seventh residence hall -- tentatively named Residence Hall VII -- on March 22nd on-campus at North A Street between North Boulevard and North Brevard Avenue. At approximately 193,000-square-feet, Residence Hall VII will house 523 rooms total. Each room will be suite-style with a common living room, four single bedrooms and two bathrooms. Full story

A similar story appeared in South Tampa Patch.

UT To Build Athletic Facility On Kennedy

By Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
83 Degrees
April 3, 2012

The University of Tampa (UT) plans to build a new student intramural and athletic field and stadium. In the midst of a $38 million residence hall project, the university will begin construction on the Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex, a multipurpose field and 1,450-seat stadium located on the west side of campus, on the north side of Kennedy Boulevard. Full story

Similar stories appeared in the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Tribune and Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Water Taxis May Move UT Students During RNC Convention

By Carson Chambers
ABC Action News
April 2, 2012
When tens of thousands of people flood downtown Tampa for the Republican National Convention, the University plans to tighten security. "We'll want to make sure that we tell by sight who needs to be here," said Vice President of Operations and Planning Linda Devine. Students and faculty will be required to wear neon green or orange lanyard IDs. Those who don't will stand out. It's just one creative way UT will handle challenges of the convention's proximity. Full story

Entrepreneurship Conference at UT Highlights the Brightest Ideas

By Kristy Wolski
Bay News 9
March 24, 2012

The University of Tampa welcomed about 200 students from across the country this week for the annual Southeastern Entrepreneurship Conference. “Our goal is to build the Tampa Bay region by educating these young men and women and helping to create prospective entrepreneurs,” said Rebecca White, UT professor of entrepreneurship. “And then keep them here in the Tampa Bay region.” Full story and Video  

A University of Tampa Class on Socioeconomic Class

By Janelle Irwin
WMNF 88.5 FM
March 13, 2012

Paul Hillier said it’s not true that Americans don’t like to talk about class. Hillier is an assistant professor in UT’s Department of Communication and he tells students that examples of socioeconomic class are everywhere, especially in the media. During an honors symposium at UT in February, Hillier said he thinks the way it’s portrayed is all wrong. "If you’re in a particular class, it’s your fault, it’s your problem. It’s not society’s problem. And it masks and erases the notion that it’s something that we can address together; something that we can address socially." Full story  

Off to a Good Start: The University of Tampa Lacrosse Program

By Paul Driscoll
Tampa Bay Times
March 9, 2012

After several years of being a club sport, the University of Tampa now has a collegiate lacrosse team. The Spartans are in good hands with head coach Rory Whipple, who launched his fourth startup college lacrosse program with UT. "We're trying to challenge for a Deep South Conference Championship and right now we're undefeated (in conference play)," Whipple said. "We're going to take each game one by one and try to win the conference championship. It would be pretty exciting and a great accomplishment for our players and our program." Full story  

University of Tampa Tweaks Schedule for Convention Week

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
March 9, 2012

The Republican National Convention coincides with the beginning of fall semester at The University of Tampa, and the event will cause a major disruption on campus. But the school just across the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa has decided to continue with its regular academic schedule. The Aug. 27 to 30 convention “presents an unprecedented opportunity for UT students to study our political process," the university's website states. Video and story 

A similar story appeared in the Tampa Bay Times.

A Day in the Life

By Carol Joseph
Naples Daily News
March 9, 2012

Just like his father before him, David Wistocki, a junior at UT pursuing a dual major in accounting and entrepreneurship, has been working from a young age. He started his own business as a disc jockey when he was 12. Although he does some work in Tampa for University events, the majority of Wistocki's business is in Naples, where he got his start. So almost every Friday afternoon, after his classes end, Wistocki packs his car and drives to Naples where he'll DJ two and sometimes three events before heading back to Tampa on Sunday. "If I work hard now, the reward will pay off later, I'm hoping," said Witsocki. Full story  

'Shark Tank' Features Brothers' Skin Care Line Nardo's Natural in St. Pete Beach

By Katherine Snow Smith
Tampa Bay Times
March 7, 2012

Nardo's Natural, a skin-care business run by four brothers (including one UT alumnus) in St. Pete Beach, will be on the reality show Shark Tank at 8 p.m. Friday on ABC. The 3-year-old company's four owners presented a business plan to a panel of self-made multimillionaires and billionaires in hopes that they would invest in the business and finance more growth. Though they are Pennsylvania natives, three of the brothers moved here permanently after Danny Mastronardo ’07 graduated from the UT. Full story

A similar story appeared in the Times Herald 

University of Tampa Appoints Cole Associate Provost

Tampa Bay Business Journal
March 6, 2012

The University of Tampa has appointed Katharine Cole as associate provost and dean of academic services. Cole currently is the associate dean of undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida. Full story  

Aspiring Artist in Tampa Follows His Dream

By Chris Hopper
Bay News 9
March 6, 2012

It only took one painting class at The University of Tampa for senior Jeremy Bell to realize painting was his true passion. "I got that feel of being in the studio and working with the materials it was just like falling in love all over again," he said. Bell first went into the military looking for something more realistic rather than becoming what he calls a starving artist. But he had to follow his dream. "I just remember being here in the studio and working with the charcoal and feeling it on my fingers and just seeing the way the materials interacted with each other," said Bell. "It tugged me, it yanked me right back." Full story  

UT Runners Sweep 5k Events

By Bill Ward
TBO.com
March 4, 2012

On March 3, Charles Toledo ’13, got to bask in a little sunshine of his own by emerging from a strong field to win the Publix Super Markets 5-kilometer race. Toledo overcame the competition – and temperatures that climbed near 80 degrees by midmorning – to cover the 3.1-mile course in 15 minutes, 35 seconds. Women's 5k winner Jessica Butler also is a member of the UT cross country and track squads. And after suffering two illnesses that nearly wiped her entire 2011 season as a runner for the Spartans, a healthy Butler showed what she could accomplish by winning Saturday's race in 17:45. Full story  

Gonzalez, Crate Win Again in Gasparilla Half Marathon

By Bill Ward
TBO.com
March 4, 2012

University of Tampa's Elias Gonzalez ’04 braved blustery winds and falling temperatures Sunday morning to successfully defend his individual title at the Gasparilla Half Marathon presented by Sports Authority in Tampa. The 35-year-old Gonzalez, a former standout runner for UT now working for the county tax collector’s office, led the field of 4,693 runners from start to finish, covering the 13.1-mile course in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 13 seconds. Full story  

Student Newspapers Try New Strategies to Beat Financial Challenges

By Beckie Supiano
The Chronicle of Higher Education
March 4, 2012

Student newspapers face many of the same challenges as their professional counterparts, particularly in finding a way to make money online. Dan Reimold, UT assistant professor who follows news about student papers on his blog, College Media Matters, said the challenges campus papers face haven't necessarily changed much in recent years, he says; they have simply continued, making matters worse over time. "I think finally it's the student papers' turn," he says. Full story  

The Owner of Two Businesses, This UT Student is Driven to 'Dominate'

By Chris Hopper
Bay News 9
March 4, 2012

Jared Shlager ’14 not only eats, sleeps and studies in his dorm room, but he also runs two businesses out of it. He started a pet product design company when he was 16 and, in October, started an online business through which he sells healthy pet products. Of course, Shlager would like to be able to bum around the University of Tampa campus, hang out with friends more and enjoy this beautiful Florida weather, but now it's about managing his time. "So you have to learn how to manage your time, and sometimes you have to sacrifice, like, hanging out with friends or sleep even." Full story  

America's Coolest College Start-ups 2012

By Nicole Carter
Inc. Magazine
March 4, 2012

BetterBoo, a startup Internet site created by UT Student Government President Nick Chmura, has been named one of the Coolest College Startups by Inc. Magazine for 2012. He is listed as one of 19 startups. Full story
 

Tampa Police PSA Advises College Students of Dangers around RNC

By Ashley Jeffery
Bay News 9
March 3, 2012

The relative serenity of the University of Tampa campus will turn to organized chaos when the Republican National Convention descends on downtown Tampa in August. The University of Tampa Student Government Association recognizes the need for student awareness. When it comes down to it, students said they're glad the city and their school are putting their safety first. Full story

A similar story appeared on Central Florida News 13.

Emerging Artists Find Their Place at Gasparilla Festival

By Esther Hammer
The Tampa Tribune
March 2, 2012

The 42nd Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is one of the largest outdoor art festivals in the country, consistently delivering top quality one-of-a-kind creations in a variety of styles and media. The University of Tampa's art department is showcased this weekend in that two of its senior art students will show in the Emerging Artist category. Jeremy Bell and Sara Novio are both figurative painters who have studio space next to each other at UT. Full story  

Tech Company Site Visit on the Agenda for UT China Trip

Tampa Bay Business Journal
March 1, 2012

A mix of local business leaders and University of Tampa faculty are headed to China. The weeklong trip is part of the UT's Sykes College of Business inaugural Global Access Partnership. The group is slated to visit Beijing and Hong Kong cultural areas, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The trip is designed for the group to experience the nuances of global markets and cultures firsthand as to infuse international competence into the Tampa Bay business community. Full story
 

University of Tampa Produces Video Warning of Crime

By Chip Osowski
TBO.com
Feb. 28, 2012

“We don’t ever want the message to be stay in your dorm room,” said Stephanie Russell Holz, dean of students. “The goal is safety. The goal is awareness.” She said students should take a cab and stay with friends, “and really just try to make good safety choices at night.” Video

Similar stories ran on ABC Action News and WTVT-FOX 13.

University of Tampa Group Takes Educational Trip to Cuba, Despite Ongoing U.S. Trade Embargo

By Liz McKibbon
WMNF 88.5 FM
Feb. 23, 2012

A group of University of Tampa students and professors traveled to Cuba as part of a cultural studies class. They presented their experiences to a standing-room-only crowd at UT’s Vaughn Center Feb. 22. Seventeen students and three professors made the trip from east to west across Cuba, mirroring the path of many revolutionary movements they studied as part of the course. “All throughout the city at night, there are festivals going on, little parties, people celebrating the music, celebrating the culture, being one with each other and bonding in their communities,” said student Eric Kahler. “And it was just something that as an outsider, I felt welcome, though, to be a part of. I felt brought in by the Cuban people and it was an experience I’ll never forget.” Story, audio and video  

Robert Rahway Zakanitch's Patterned Paintings Hint at Our Memories

By Lennie Bennett
St. Petersburg Times
Feb. 23, 2012

Pattern and color are on view big time at Scarfone/Hartley Gallery at The University of Tampa. Robert Rahway Zakanitch, a painter, is a founder of the pattern and decorative movement, which gained momentum in the 1970s. Zakanitch's most famous work is the Big Bungalow Suite, five acrylic-on-canvas panels, each measuring a monumental 11 by 30 feet, and one of them is in this show. Getting the big one is a coup for the area, and we can thank Dorothy Cowden, the gallery's director, who also directs the visiting artist program in the print studio on campus. Full story

A similar story appeared on WTVT-FOX 13.
 

Food, Fuel and Efficiency Key Areas of Industry Growth at Fellows Forum

By Chris Wilkerson
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Feb. 21, 2012

The University of Tampa’s 25th Fellows Forum was buzzing with energy Tuesday morning — in part because two of the three speakers are in the business of fueling things. Dave McCurdy, president and chief executive officer of the American Gas Association, and Jim Prokopanko, president and CEO of the Mosaic Co., both spoke on how their companies see fuel, whether it is for people or machines, as an important national issue. Full story
 

'It's a First-World Problem'

By Jeremy Campbell
WTVT-FOX 13
Feb. 17, 2012

Relatively minor problems, like cell phone batteries dying or the ocean being too cold to swim in on a winter day, have been dubbed “First World” problems by those venting on Twitter with the hashtag #FirstWorldPains. "Three billion people, half the world's population, live on less than $2.50 a day. That's how we look at poverty globally," said Joshua Hall, UT assistant professor of economics, putting First World problems in perspective. Full story and video  

Mindful of History, Mormon Church Reaches out to Minorities

By Hamil R. Harris
Washington Post
Feb. 17, 2012

Since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began ordaining African American men into the priesthood in 1978, after the church’s then-president said he had a revelation from God, Mormons have reached out to minorities and worked to address the religion’s racially fraught history. The number of blacks embracing the faith is climbing. Ryan Cragun, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Tampa, said there were almost 3.2 million Mormons in the United States in 2008. About 94,700, or 3 percent, were black. Full story

Similar stories appeared in the Charlotte Observer and Daily Herald.

JD Alexander's Influence Wanes

By Craig Patrick
WTVT-FOX 13
Feb. 17, 2012

Term limits are forcing JD Alexander out of the Florida Senate. His plan to cut USF's budget by nearly 60 percent will now be challenged by Will Weatherford, a rising leader in the Florida House. "As people realize that the budget is no longer on his (Alexander's) desk... his influence diminishes dramatically," said Scott Paine, an associate professor of government and world affairs at UT. Full story
 

Will Lobbying Effort Defeat USF Cuts?

By Craig Patrick
WTVT-FOX 13
Feb. 15, 2012

Thousands of students and local business leaders are urging state lawmakers to not cut USF's budget by nearly 60-percent. "These things, especially when they come in big numbers, scare legislators," said University of Tampa’s Scott Paine, an associate professor of government and world affairs. Full story
 

Freddie Solomon, 59, Dies after Nine-Month Battle with Cancer

By Rick Stroud
St. Petersburg Times
Feb. 14, 2012

Freddie Solomon was called by many endearing names during his remarkable football career. As the lightning fast option quarterback at The University of Tampa, he was Fabulous Freddie. As a two-time Super Bowl champion receiver with the San Francisco 49ers, teammates referred to him as Casper the Friendly Ghost. To the young people he mentored for more than two decades, he was Coach Solomon. Solomon died Monday after a nine-month battle with colon and liver cancer. He was 59. Full story

Similar stories appeared in Sports Illustrated, Tampa Tribune, CBS News, MiamiDolphins.com, Tri-City Herald, The Register-Guard and the Huffington Post.
 

UT Joins Lacrosse Boom Among Florida Colleges

By Dan Lucas
TBO.com
Feb. 13, 2012

Lacrosse, a mainstay sport at Northeast colleges, finally has roots in Florida, which has five NCAA Division II programs. UT’s Coach Rory Whipple, the winningest active coach in Division II with 229 wins, hit the Northeast hard and found several athletes interested in coming to the Sunshine State. "We want to be the college that's recruiting the best kids from Florida to come to Tampa," Whipple said. "Also, the local kids - it's booming at the high school level." Full story and video  

Air Kisses: Same Price, Less Chocolate

By Chris Chmura
WTVT-FOX 13
Feb. 10, 2012

Hershey's new Air Delight brand tastes the same as its predecessors, but infuses select bars and Kisses with an ingredient that's typically free: Air. "It's great value for them, because they can reduce their costs and still sell their chocolate," said University of Tampa marketing professor Erika Matulich, who added that the aerated chocolate business is worth billions worldwide. Story and video
 

University of Tampa Clears Land on West Kennedy, Plans to Build

By Carson Chambers
ABC Action News
Feb. 10, 2012

What's unfolding on a swath of land just west of the University of Tampa's campus will help transform the downtown Tampa corridor. "I would say that what we're doing on Kennedy is going to be a dramatic improvement for the way you come into or leave downtown," said Daniel Gura, vice president for development and university relations for UT. The University is building a new $38 million residence hall along Kennedy Boulevard, is giving a facelift to the Bob Martinez Athletic Center and this week crews started clearing two additional UT-owned parcels on Kennedy Boulevard. Full story
 

UT Art Students Painting for a Cause

By Kathryn Bursch
WTSP – Channel 10
Feb. 7, 2012

Several UT art students have donated a piece to the Florida Holocaust Museum to help the St. Petersburg facility raise funds. "The idea of equality and fighting for human rights, a lot of people don't do that type of stuff nowadays," said Princess Smith about the museum. Said Jeremy Bell, "Spending the time to give back to the community and knowing it's being put towards a positive cause, making a difference, especially towards children, it really means a lot and I'm glad I could be a part of it." Full story and video
 

Kids in Foster Care 3 Times More Likely to Get Dangerous Drugs

By Mike Deeson
WTSP – Channel 10
Feb. 7, 2012

Twelve percent of children in Florida who have been removed from their homes and are in state foster care are prescribed psychotropic drugs. "Very often these children are given drugs that were not intended or tested for children. It's called 'off label use,'" says UT psychology professor Joseph Sclafani. "The problem is sometimes they are overprescribed and we don't know when to stop and we don't know what the long-term effects are going to be down the road, because the child's brain is still developing," he says. Full story and video  

Florida Nursing Education Programs Post Big Gains

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Feb. 6, 2012

An effort by Florida lawmakers to address the nursing shortage in the state has led to significant increases in student enrollment and graduates. At UT 39 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in nursing program took the test in 2011, compared to 35 exam takers in 2010 and 56 exam takers in 2009. While 100 percent of the UT graduates passed in 2009 and 2010, the passage rate fell to 97 percent in 2011. Full story 

Senior White House Officials Hear from Hispanic Community at Tampa Summit

By Shelley Rossetter
Tampa Bay Times
Feb. 4, 2012

The University of Tampa played host to more than a dozen senior White House officials and policy makers on Feb. 3 as they met with Hispanic leaders and community members in Tampa to discuss issues affecting the area's Latino population. Education, the economy and immigration were at the top of the list for those attending the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit at UT, the 13th summit held by the White House in the past year. Full story 

Similar stories appeared on Hispanic Business.com, the Tampa Tribune, Miami Herald, ABC Action News and Central Florida News. 

Tampa Bay Business Journal on ABC Action News

By Sean O'Reilly
ABC Action News
Feb. 3, 2012

Tampa Bay Business Journal editor Alexis Muellner talks with ABC Action News on this week's headline stories. Included in the mix is a report on UT’s expansion efforts. The University is building an 11-story, $38 million residence hall on a site bordering Kennedy Boulevard. Video

A similar story appeared in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Florida Has Highest Rate of U.S. Foreclosed Loans

By Carol Massar
Bloomberg
Feb. 1, 2012

The state of housing in Florida will take years to fix, but Brian Kench, associate professor of economics, said there are signs of improvement. “In 2008 when you drove down a street in Tampa Bay, nearly every home was for sale,” said Kench. “Today, maybe one or two are for sale, so it’s a very different world.” Video
 

Alki Arts Hosts 'Neo Soul' by Jeremy Bell

By Rose Egge
KOMO – West Seattle News
Feb. 1, 2012

In honor of Black History Month, Alki Arts will be hosting the Seattle debut of artist and UT senior Jeremy Bell ’12 for the month of February. His evocative work has been aptly referred to as 'Neo Soul' by those eager to collect his art form. Created by layering paint, charcoal and wax, these layers allow him to create depth and levels representing and highlighting the individualistic complexity and beauty of any given person. Full story
 

Hillsborough Voters Show Strong Support for Romney

By Mike Salinero and Kevin Wiatrowski
Tbo.com
Jan. 31, 2012

Turnout for the Florida Republican primary was light in Hillsborough County and statewide. The turnout raises questions about how fired up Republican voters will be about defeating President Barack Obama in November. But Scott Paine, a UT associate professor, said in 2008 a measure to lower property taxes also was on the ballot which might have led to greater voter turnout. "Going to the polls to vote to have your taxes cut, that's a pretty strong motivator to a lot of people," Paine said. Full story
 

Reid Wilson on the 2012 Primaries

C-SPAN
Jan. 31, 2012

Reid Wilson, editor-in-chief of the National Journal, talked about the Florida Republican primary, upcoming other primaries and the potential battleground states in the general election. Through Skype he answered questions from UT students visiting the C-SPAN Campaign 2012 Bus which stopped at UT on its “Road to the White House” tour. Video  

UT Set to Build Much-Needed Residence Hall

By Josh Poltilove
The Tampa Tribune
Jan. 30, 2012

To fill an ever-increasing demand for student housing, The University of Tampa is about to build its largest-ever residence hall. Slated for completion in August 2013, the $38 million structure will be 11 stories high and accommodate 523 students. Full story

Similar stories appeared on MSNBC.com, ABC Action News and Bay News 9.

Researcher Receives Grant to Study 'Tiger Eye' in Paso Finos

The Horse magazine
Jan. 29, 2012

Rebecca Bellone, associate professor of biology at The University of Tampa, has received a $3,200 grant from TriLink BioTechnologies to facilitate research on the genetics of the "tiger eye" in pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses. Under the supervision of Bellone, the research is being conducted by a UT undergraduate student, Elizabeth Kowalski. Full story
 

Fuzzy Facts Can Make Crime Rankings Suspect

By Carl Bialik
The Wall Street Journal
Jan. 28, 2012

The unreliability of crime statistics can lead to suspect crime rankings for several reasons, including how different countries interpret and then report homicides. While the number of homicides in the US has declined, experts wonder about the reasons and the truth to the statistic. Associate Professor Anthony LaRose said the reasons might be more related to demographic shifts than societal changes. "The aging population is probably the most important factor in the reduction in homicide rates." Full story

Bialik wrote more about this in his blog, quoting both LaRose and Associate Professor Sean Maddan.
 

Mulberry Workers' Meals Contribute To Overspending

By Suzie Schottelkotte
The Lakeland Ledger
Jan. 23, 2012

Scott Paine, associate professor of government at the University of Tampa, speaks on the issue of Mulberry city workers overspending on meals. He said government budgets need to be flexible enough to respond to unforeseen issues. At the same time, the public needs to know its tax money is being spent wisely, he said. "Governmental spending has to make sense to the public," he said. "If there's ambiguity, the public perception is that something is wrong. If it doesn't look appropriate, it should be the concern of any public official to address that." Full story 

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