University of Tampa President Ronald Vaughn was selected as the 2008
Business Executive of the Year, and UT was selected 2008 Business of the
Year in the education category, by the Tampa Bay Business Journal at an
awards ceremony on Dec. 4.
Vaughn was one of seven finalists,
and UT was chosen as one of two finalists. The winners were screened and
selected by an independent panel of judges from Tampa Bay’s business
community.
Vaughn, who has been president of UT since 1995, has
overseen a period of unprecedented growth and stability at the
University. UT has seen record enrollment in the past decade, and
educates approximately 5,800 graduate and undergraduate students at its
downtown Tampa campus. Last year students, faculty and staff provided
more than 80,000 hours of community service to local organizations, and
UT’s annual economic impact is approximately $500 million. UT has seen
more than $210 million in new construction since 1997.
A recent
article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal states that UT, under Vaughn’s
leadership, has taken a more comprehensive approach to the education
and development of its students than other universities. This philosophy
has led to new programs focusing on the development of leadership
skills, life skills and spirituality.
The article also states
that with many families feeling the sting of the financial crisis, UT
has ramped up efforts to make financial aid available to students.
Most
recently, Vaughn received the 2007 H.L. Culbreath Profile in Leadership
Award from Leadership Tampa Alumni and last year was named Tampa Bay
CEO of the Year for community action.
The event was sponsored by
the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance and Audio
Visual Support Service Inc., and was held at the A La Carte Event
Pavilion in Tampa.