President's Message
It’s awards season here at the University of Tampa, and I’ve had the honor and pleasure to attend ceremonies all spring that recognize student and faculty accomplishments and celebrate campus leadership.
I’ve been inspired by the stories I’ve heard at these events. When we welcomed a new class of student leaders into our Diplomats program, it was especially meaningful to mark the occasion with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor ’81, a proud alumna who addressed the Diplomats at the induction ceremony. Her presence — and her message about resilience, curiosity and responsibility — offered a powerful example of how a UTampa education can shape leaders who make a difference.
I’ve been impressed by the projects from our graduating President’s Leadership Fellows. Through collaboration, mentorship and real-world problem solving, this cohort has been challenged over its time at UTampa to think beyond themselves and consider how their actions can create lasting impact.
We saw that in action during spring move-out from the residence halls. One group of Leadership Fellows led a donation drive, benefitting three area nonprofits, which received thousands of pounds of household items, food and clothing that our students no longer needed as the semester ended. The work of these Fellows reflects a core belief we hold at UTampa: leadership is about service.
I see this, too, in our faculty. This year’s recipient of the Louise Loy Hunter award, the highest honor given to UTampa faculty members, is Kayte Branch, associate dean of the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education. Dr. Branch, a professor of criminology and criminal justice, is known for expertise in her field and for a commitment to mentoring students, expertly guiding them toward professional and personal successes and helping them to develop into leaders themselves.
I’m reminded of one other special event I attended this spring. I enjoyed contributing to a conversation with UTampa’s Student Government leadership about building school spirit on campus and instilling pride in being a Spartan. These students already walk the walk and talk the talk — we had our first-ever Student Government Minaret Climber on Giving Day this year, and I’m excited to see what more is to come from them.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to equipping students with qualities that define great leaders — integrity, resilience and the wisdom to lead with both. By integrating these principles into every aspect of the UTampa experience, we ensure that our graduates are prepared to set the pace and the example in the careers and communities they choose.
At the University of Tampa, we are proud to cultivate leaders who embrace that responsibility with vision and purpose.
Go Spartans!
Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, Ph.D.
President