For Julie Benson, working at the University represents a bit  of a homecoming. She launched her professional career in Tampa at the then-Florida Division of the American Cancer Society. She went on to development and advancement roles in higher education, including at USF, Penn State, UCF and Washington State. Then in August, Benson was named UTampa’s executive vice president for advancement. 

The UTampa Journal asked her about her career, her journey and what it’s like for her to be a Spartan.

Talk a little about your connection to Tampa and the University.

I was born in Tampa, and while we moved away when I was very young, I would spend spring breaks and summers here, so Tampa was always like a second home for me. When I came across this position, it was like, This might be a chance to go back to Tampa, and then I started really looking at the University and realizing what a fantastic opportunity was here. To see how much it has grown … Wow! To be part of the next phase of that growth, well, that’s what I like to do — so that’s what got my attention. And then, the people who support the University, the leadership, the alumni and the dedicated trustees I met in the process are what kept it.

Has anything surprised you since you took the job?

Since I’ve been back, it seems like, even in my own friend circle, everyone I talk to says something like, ‘Oh, my daughter goes there,' or ‘My kids graduated from there.’ This University touches so many more people than I expected. We have nearly 12,000 students, which is a good-sized institution, but there’s a familiarity to UTampa that just feels right. That we have maintained a personalized student experience even with all the growth is one of those game changers that sets us apart from any other institution where I've worked. There’s an interconnectedness. There’s an ability to get things done. There’s a collective willingness to come together as a team and move the institution forward — it’s exciting.

You went to Kansas State for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. What were you like as a student?

I participated in Greek life and other student organizations. I was a marketing and business major, and I’m probably the one person who didn’t want to graduate because I enjoyed the learning environment so much and tried to get the most out of it. You could find me at a speaker series or cheering on the Wildcats at a football or basketball game. I just loved everything about it.

It sounds like you're a sports fan. What’s your favorite?

I would say football is probably first. But then I’m a big college basketball fan, as well. I go to March Madness every year, and I love women’s volleyball. Baseball, too. .... One unique thing about me — I’ve been to more bowl games and more football and basketball games than probably anybody.

How do you describe UTampa to people who are unfamiliar with it? 

It’s easy to say, ‘It’s beautiful,’ and it is. It is a spectacular campus, but to me, it’s so much more than that. There are so many good things going on here. Our students are motivated. They’re deeply intelligent. They’re committed. They work hard. They’re polite. I’m continually impressed by the dedication and achievements of our faculty, staff and students. We have a network of volunteers who work tirelessly to promote the University. It’s unique in my experience to have so many people who want to part of the fabric of the University and the student experience. 

Of the traditions and events that you've seen here so far, what have you enjoyed the most?

There have been so many! In my first month here, I attended the Minaret Society Dinner. I truly loved learning how we celebrate our donors. We have some very generous people who support the University, and it’s important to me that we make sure we recognize them. And, of course, the Gasparilla Brunch is such a unique alumni tradition that should never be missed. Night at the Rat was fun, too, bringing generations of alums together and hearing their stories. Here at the end of the semester, I enjoyed the Senior Brunch — it’s so special to get to learn where all of them are headed next. ... I’ve gone to a volleyball game and baseball, too, and I want to do more of that. I’ve also enjoyed the Charlene and Mardy Gordon Concert Series. More people should know about these amazing performances happening on campus.  

If someone saw you at an event on campus, what do you wish they would approach you to talk about?

I want people to come introduce themselves. I want to hear about their experiences. An alum from the 1970s and somebody who graduated in the early 2000s or who graduated last year all will have had very different experiences as students, and I want to know how we can get them connected back to UTampa. Also, I always want to know how we can do things better. 

Besides going to games and the fun on campus, what’s something you enjoy in your free time?

My family is so important to me, and so I spend a lot of  time with my mom and visiting family and friends back in Kansas. I love to travel, whether it’s a weekend cruise or going abroad. I just like exploring new places. I’m looking forward to dusting off my paddle board, too, and spending more time at the beach.

Can you talk about giving to your own alma mater — and why you do that? 

I benefited from the generosity of donors through the scholarships I received. Now, I have the opportunity to pay it forward through a scholarship fund that I established. 

I also believe in giving to the institutions where I work. It was a privilege to be a Minaret Climber and donor during UTampa’s recent Giving Day. I can’t ask others to give if I’m not supporting the institution myself. 

As you find yourself at home at UTampa, what  lessons do you bring from other stops in your career?

We can never say “thank you” enough.