Spotlight On: Frank Ghannadian, Dean, Sykes College of Business
May 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa, discussed how the institution is capitalizing on Tampa’s economic growth to enhance business education. “The Tampa Bay economy has been on a continuous growth trajectory for the past 15 to 20 years or even longer,” he said.
What makes Tampa an ideal location for a business school today, and how is the college leveraging the city’s economic vibrancy to benefit both students and faculty?
The Tampa Bay economy has been on a continuous growth trajectory for the past 15 to 20 years or even longer. Many businesses are located in Tampa, and post-COVID, we have seen a significant influx of individuals relocating to the Tampa Bay area, which is growing at an incredible rate, with approximately 100 new residents moving in each day. These individuals live here, though some may work elsewhere, contributing to the local economy. This migration has increased housing demand, with prices rising beyond national averages.
Given this growth, there is also a strong demand for continuing education. Many individuals seek to complete undergraduate degrees, pursue master’s degrees, or transfer credits from other institutions. The University of Tampa is well-positioned to accommodate these students and integrate them into the Tampa Bay region.
To address this demand, the University of Tampa leverages its proximity to downtown Tampa, where many major businesses and companies are located. This central location allows students to engage with the local business community while providing companies with convenient access to campus resources. Recently, the university has expanded its offerings, including a new Master of Science in Business Analytics and eight graduate certification programs. These programs attract working professionals and businesses in the area.
Additionally, undergraduate enrollment has surged to the point where dormitory space is insufficient. The university now rents a hotel to house students and maintains a waiting list for fall admissions, with some applicants deferred to the spring semester. This growth has strained infrastructure, necessitating new buildings and facilities. While these challenges exist, they are positive indicators of demand. Many universities across the United States face declining enrollment, so the University of Tampa is fortunate to be in this position.
What have been some significant changes for Sykes College with regard to student enrollment and faculty?
The Sykes College of Business has also seen significant growth. Full-time faculty numbers increased by 8% in the past year, bringing the total to approximately 150 full-time faculty members, along with 50 part-time faculty. These faculty members serve around 5,200 students in the business school alone. The college has also launched its first Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, adding value for those seeking a research-focused degree. Beyond undergraduate programs, the college offers a dozen graduate programs, further solidifying its reputation, with the DBA adding significant research value.
What is the current state of higher education, particularly in the business sector and what are some key trends?
There are several notable trends shaping business education today. First, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in student learning. The university has established a task force to address AI’s role in education, ensuring it is integrated into the curriculum. This reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future.
Beyond AI, we emphasize several core competencies. Critical thinking remains a priority, as does effective communication. Ethical leadership is another cornerstone of our programs, as ethics cannot be overlooked in business education. Technical fluency is essential, given the evolving demands of the workplace.
Experiential learning is a hallmark of the Sykes College of Business. Every business student works with a real company before graduating, gaining hands-on experience. The college maintains partnerships with over 300 local businesses, which support our students through internships, projects, and mentorship.
Another trend is the rise of micro-credentials. Many professionals seek specialized training without committing to a full master’s degree. Our graduate programs now offer certification options to meet this demand. Interdisciplinary programs are also growing. For example, the College of Business plans to collaborate with the computer science department to offer a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. This reflects the increasing intersection of business and technology. Overall, these trends underscore our commitment to innovation and adaptability, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world.
With Tampa being home to so many local, national, and global companies, how are you engaging with these industries?
The Sykes College of Business is supported by an advisory board consisting of 30 to 35 companies and corporations. These board members provide guidance on curriculum development, accreditation, and recruitment strategies.
One of the key differentiators for our college is our five outreach centers: the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Leadership, the Center for Ethics, the Institute for Sales Excellence, and the Naimoli Institute for Business Strategy, which houses our SAP program. These centers connect students with over 300 companies, ensuring they gain relevant industry experience.
How is the launch of Human Resource Management progressing, and are there plans to create other workforce-aligned programs?
The Human Resource Management program will officially begin this summer, so it has not yet been fully launched. However, we are optimistic about its potential. We have also introduced new graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Business Analytics, the Master of Science in Information Technology, and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity. These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for technical expertise of the business community.
With startups and accelerators evolving, how are you helping students commercialize their ideas, secure funding, and move forward with their business ventures?
Our entrepreneurship center, known as the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, includes both accelerators and incubators. The accelerators assist students in launching new entrepreneurial ideas, while the incubators provide free space, mentorship, and support to early-stage businesses in the Tampa Bay area.
We currently house five to eight real companies in our incubators, helping them develop products and services. Many of these businesses have grown significantly, with some reaching revenues exceeding $50 million.
In what ways is Sykes College contributing to the economic development of the Tampa Bay region?
Beyond producing skilled graduates, over 50% of our students remain in the region after graduation, securing jobs within the Tampa Bay area or within a 100-mile radius. This is remarkable, considering many are not originally from the area.
Additionally, our faculty actively consult with local businesses, particularly those in downtown Tampa, due to our close proximity. For example, we offer leadership certificate programs in partnership with Tampa General Hospital, training over 200 of their medical staff to enhance leadership in healthcare.
Are there any specific expansion projects or infrastructure investments you can share?
We recently inaugurated a new dormitory, the Grand Center, which opened in September 2024. It provides 600 additional beds, classroom space, and parking for students. Looking ahead, the university is planning a new College of Health and Natural Sciences building along the Hillsborough River, expected to be completed within two years. We are also developing an Honors College, which will be housed in a new campus building.
What makes Tampa Bay a unique place to be?
Tampa Bay is growing rapidly, but this growth comes with challenges, including increased traffic and rising housing costs, especially downtown. We also faced two severe hurricanes in the fall of 2024, which affected many in our community, including some of our faculty. Despite these challenges, Tampa remains a vibrant city with a world-class airport, NFL games, Major League Baseball, and countless cultural events. It is a wonderful place to live and work and is often talked about as a “small city with a big-city feel,” which is why I have been here for so long.
How do you foresee the Sykes College of Business’s role evolving in Florida’s higher education landscape over the next few years?
The Sykes College of Business is already recognized as a top 100 business school in the nation, and in some categories, we rank among the top five in Florida. We aim to further elevate our rankings in the coming years. We also anticipate significant growth, with enrollment expected to reach 6,000 students within the next five years, driven largely by our graduate programs. A key initiative is the launch of our online MBA program in the fall of 2025. Our goal is to strengthen our impact on the Tampa Bay business community through enhanced services and partnerships.
For more information, visit:
https://www.ut.edu/academics/sykes-college-of-business
