Edward Dadez, President, Saint Leo University

In an interview with Invest:, President Edward Dadez of Saint Leo University highlighted the launch of a master’s in artificial intelligence and a new nursing partnership with AdventHealth, providing hands-on learning experience. Dadez also emphasized Saint Leo’s commitment to affordability, with initiatives like “Finish in Four” to support timely degree completion and reduce costs.

What are some of Saint Leo University’s key accomplishments over the past year?

One major focus has been expanding our STEM programs — we recently launched a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, bringing our STEM-related programs to 15. This growth supports both international students who need extended visas and domestic students increasingly interested in STEM fields. Another highlight is our new bachelor’s degree in nursing and a partnership with AdventHealth Zephyrhills where a dedicated education unit was created. Our nursing students can now gain hands-on experience directly in the hospital setting, which has been transformative for their learning.

We’ve also rebranded our Skills Academy to include new certifications, micro-credentials, and upskilling opportunities. Next year, we’ll be opening the Benfica Residential Academy on campus. This is a partnership with the professional soccer team from Portugal. The academy will bring 60 to 100 high-school students to our campus, where they’ll use our facilities and attend classes, in collaboration with Bishop McLaughlin High School. There’s already huge interest, with over 600 applications from high-school students wanting to be part of this Academy. Initiatives like this have really helped raise our profile, which is something we’re eager to continue.

What makes Saint Leo’s location unique for students, and how does it stand out in Florida’s higher education landscape?

One of the things that sets us apart is the close-knit, personal learning environment we offer. After two years of online learning for many students, they’re seeking that connection, which we provide through what we call “radical hospitality.” This means creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive community that celebrates diversity. I recall speaking with a student who considered transferring to a larger college because she felt a little overwhelmed by how everyone here knew her name, even faculty and staff. But that’s part of who we are; at Saint Leo, you’re never just a number. We genuinely care about the growth and success of everyone in our community, and that’s something that resonates deeply with students seeking a more personal experience.

What do you see as the strengths of higher education in Florida, and in what direction do you think the sector is headed?

One trend nationwide is that fewer high-school graduates are opting for four-year degrees, while we’re seeing more first-generation students, minorities, and adult learners entering college. We’re prepared to meet these changes. Many of our key staff, myself included, are first-generation college graduates, so we understand the unique challenges. Additionally, there’s an increasing focus on mental health, especially post-COVID. Students face a lot of pressure, and we’re committed to providing support to help them succeed academically and adjust to university life. At the same time, there’s a concerning lack of public support for higher education’s value, which is ironic considering many of those doubting it have college degrees themselves. Private schools like ours often get overlooked in terms of affordability, but once scholarships and aid are applied, the actual cost can be similar to state schools.

How is Saint Leo adapting its programs to align with workforce needs? 

To start, we’ve expanded initiatives like our paraprofessional to professional program, which transitions school support staff into certified elementary, middle, and high-school teachers. This program is crucial, especially as counties across Florida face teacher shortages. With the support of state grants, we’re working closely with districts like Pasco and Hernando Counties to build a stronger teaching workforce.

Another key initiative is our Command Officer Management Program, a leadership development track for law enforcement officers. We partner with several local agencies, including Pasco and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Offices, the City of Tampa and many other law enforcement agencies in our local area, to provide leadership training and up to 12 undergraduate or graduate credits for officers identified as future leaders. This program helps them build strong foundations in leadership that will serve their communities.

Lastly, our nursing program is thriving, particularly with our partnership with AdventHealth Zephyrhills. This partnership allows nursing students to gain excellent learning experience in a hospital setting, and we’re exploring additional hospital partnerships to bring even more students into the field.

How is Saint Leo integrating innovative tools to enhance remote learning and improve the student experience?

We’re proud to be approaching 30 years in online learning, having been one of the early adopters. Originally, this grew from our presence on military bases, where service members could continue their education remotely while actively serving. We’ve maintained that forward-thinking approach, even using early versions of Zoom-like technology for remote classes, connecting faculty on our main campus with students at various locations nationwide.

Now, we’re incorporating more simulated learning experiences across disciplines. For example, in some courses, students interact with avatars to practice classroom management or counseling scenarios, allowing them to gain real-world exposure in a controlled environment. This experiential learning with avatars helps students build confidence and skills before they enter actual classrooms or counseling roles.

How is Saint Leo addressing affordability and funding challenges?

Affordability is indeed a challenge as room and board costs and salaries increase. Our approach is to keep tuition manageable by growing enrollments and focusing on student retention. We’re also actively fundraising for scholarships, which has been critical, and we’ll continue seeking new ways to support our students financially.

On the retention side, we’ve implemented several initiatives. One is our “Finish in Four” program, which helps students map out their path to graduation within four years, or even three to three and a half years if they attend summer sessions or have dual enrollment credits. This helps students understand they have some control over costs based on their pace. We’re also offering three-plus-one programs, where students complete a bachelor’s degree in four years and can immediately step into a master’s program, like an MBA or MSW.

Additionally, our Lions Care program proactively identifies students in need, whether it’s mental health support or financial aid. This program provides immediate follow-up, offering resources or extra financial assistance where possible to help students stay enrolled and achieve their career goals.

What is Saint Leo’s vision for the future of higher education?

Our focus is on building greater awareness of Saint Leo in the Tampa Bay area. We’ve seen an increase in students from local counties, which is a great step. Historically, the university was somewhat insular, but we’re actively working to open up more. For instance, we’ve hosted events with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Pasco County EDC, East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and other community groups, bringing more young people and adults to campus. The beauty of our campus speaks for itself, and these experiences give potential students a chance to see Saint Leo up close.

Additionally, we’re enhancing student support programs, especially around retention. We have student success coaches who, alongside faculty advisers, check in regularly with students to ensure they’re thriving. This can be as simple as showing them where resources like the Writing Center are located. We’re also focusing on updating our technology and infrastructure, especially in areas like cybersecurity and AI, to stay current with industry needs.

Another important goal is strengthening partnerships with local businesses, corporations, and other educational institutions. Collaboration can often be more beneficial than competition, and I believe the Tampa Bay area is well-suited to foster those collaborative relationships for the benefit of students across institutions.

On a personal note, I’d say I truly love what I do here. I’ve been president for two and a half years, but I’m approaching my 25th year at Saint Leo. Having previously been at institutions like Virginia Commonwealth, Ohio State, Dayton, Michigan State, Bucknel and Chowan, I never imagined Florida would be where I’d live the longest as well as stay. But once I came here, my family and I found our home. My wife, my brothers, my sons, and even nieces and nephews have earned fifteen undergraduate or graduate degrees from Saint Leo, including my MBA to assist with my professional growth. Now my grandson in Rhode Island is considering coming here, so it’s truly a family place for us. I’m passionate about this institution, and my goal is to keep pushing forward and building on the progress we’ve made.