Frank Ghannadian, Dean, Sykes College of Business, University of Tampa
August 2026 —In an interview with Invest:, Frank Ghannadian, dean of Sykes College of Business, University of Tampa, emphasized the priority of real-world learning, discussed the college’s launch of two new programs in AI and business analytics, and highlighted the international relevance of their program. “Our mission has evolved to not only teach foundational business principles but also to ensure our graduates are pioneers in the technologically-driven marketplace,” Ghannadian said.
How has the college’s mission or focus changed over the past year, and what priorities are shaping your leadership today?
This past year has been defined by a strategic pivot toward deeply integrating emerging technologies into the core of business education. Our mission has evolved to not only teach foundational business principles but also to ensure our graduates are pioneers in the technologically-driven marketplace. A primary focus has been on artificial intelligence, which we view as a transformative force across all business disciplines. As a direct result of this strategic priority, we are in the advanced stages of developing two new academic programs. One is a comprehensive major in business analytics and the second one is an interdisciplinary minor in artificial intelligence, both designed to provide students with the technical and strategic skills demanded by industry.
Furthermore, this fall 2024 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of our first fully online MBA cohort, expanding our reach to working professionals globally. We also successfully launched a new Master of Science in Human Resource Management, addressing a critical need for strategic HR leadership. These initiatives represent the dynamic academic pathways we are building and are central to the priorities shaping my leadership today, ensuring the Sykes College of Business remains at the forefront of business education.
What emerging trends are influencing business education most, and how is Sykes adapting its curriculum to stay ahead of those changes?
We are observing several powerful trends, with the explosive growth in finance being one of the most significant. We now have over 1,300 students majoring in finance, which constitutes almost 25% of our entire college enrollment. This surge reflects the market’s demand for sophisticated financial expertise. To support this growth and other evolving areas, the university has authorized the Sykes College of Business to hire an additional seven faculty members this coming year. We are actively and strategically recruiting in high-demand fields, specifically in accounting, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship continues to be a major area of influence and growth, powerfully supported by our 25,000-square-foot dedicated center. The center provides an exceptional ecosystem for nascent entrepreneurs, and programs like our CREATE initiative offer a platform for students to pitch new business ventures. We provide them with the mentorship and resources necessary to transition from concept to viable startup, actively fostering the next generation of business leaders.
How are you ensuring that students graduate with the skills, adaptability, and leadership mindset required in today’s global economy?
Our approach is multifaceted, blending proven outcomes with innovative new programs. We have a strong track record of placement, with approximately 90% of our graduates securing employment, entering graduate school, or engaging in other meaningful pursuits within 90 days of graduation. This is a key metric, but we are not complacent and seek to improve. To further enhance adaptability and cross-disciplinary skills, we are developing a suite of certificate programs specifically for non-business majors. These include certificates in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and sales.
These certificates are designed to equip students from all academic backgrounds with essential, employable, business acumen. Additionally, a major university-wide initiative, championed by our president, is to secure universal access to internships. We are focusing heavily on creating high-quality, paid internship opportunities because we believe that substantive, real-world experience is irreplaceable. It is through these internships that students truly cultivate the leadership mindset, adaptability, and practical skills required to thrive in a complex global economy from their very first day on the job.
How have partnerships with international schools in countries like Brazil, France, and Germany evolved?
Our international partnership strategy has matured from foundational relationships to deeply integrated academic collaborations. In France, we have strengthened our ties with institutions that hold dual AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, a mark of exceptional quality. This has allowed us to move beyond simple student exchanges to developing sophisticated joint programs at the master’s level, creating a truly global educational experience for our students. Our relationship with a leading German business school remains robust, focusing on collaborative research and faculty development.
While our engagement with Brazil is structured differently, it is no less impactful. We host a highly successful annual business immersion program, welcoming 30 to 40 Brazilian students each summer. In August 2026, for instance, we will welcome a cohort of 40 Brazilian MBA students for an intensive 10-day program. These students will participate in specialized classes alongside our faculty, engage in case studies, and visit prominent Tampa Bay businesses, providing them with a valuable perspective on the American market and fostering lasting international connections.
What challenges are most significant for Sykes today, and how is the college turning them into opportunities for long-term growth?
We navigate a complex landscape of challenges, both global and local. The geopolitical environment presents significant hurdles, particularly for international students seeking visas, which has contributed to a slight decline in this vital segment of our student body. It is a trend affecting many U.S. institutions. This challenge extends to faculty recruitment, where we may seek to hire talented international scholars. We recently faced a potential obstacle with proposed increases to H-1B visa fees, and we were relieved when the administration announced that individuals already in the United States would be exempt from a previously proposed fee of $100,000. Retaining this global talent is crucial for maintaining the diverse and world-class faculty that enriches our college.
On the local front, the economic climate of the Tampa Bay area, with its cost of living and housing prices exceeding the national average, poses a persistent challenge. It can be difficult for faculty and staff to find affordable housing near our downtown campus, often necessitating long commutes. We are addressing these challenges by intensifying our support for international students and scholars, advocating for sensible immigration policies, and exploring innovative solutions to support our employees’ quality of life, thereby turning these obstacles into opportunities to build a more resilient and supportive community.
As you look to the year ahead, what are your key goals and priorities for the Sykes College of Business?
As we look to the coming year, our priorities are centered on strategic growth and deepening our impact. The successful launch and accreditation of our new majors in business analytics and artificial intelligence is paramount, as these programs are critical to fulfilling our mission of preparing students for the future of business. Concurrently, we are embarking on an ambitious faculty recruitment campaign to bring seven new esteemed colleagues into our community, ensuring we have the expertise to support our expanding programs in accounting, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
A third key goal is the significant expansion of experiential learning. This involves not only scaling up our paid internship initiatives to reach more students but also formally launching the new certificate programs for non-business majors, thereby extending the reach of business education across the university. Finally, we will continue to nurture our international partnerships while proactively addressing the operational challenges posed by the local economic environment. Our overarching aim is to ensure the Sykes College of Business continues on its trajectory of long-term growth, innovation, and academic excellence.
