Spotlight On: Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, President, University of Tampa

Key points:

• UTampa is doubling down on student success, academic excellence, and long-term financial sustainability.

• Continued enrollment growth and faculty investment underscore the university’s resilience in a shifting higher-ed landscape.

• Deep community and employer partnerships are strengthening UTampa’s role as a regional talent engine.

January 2026 — Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, president of the University of Tampa, spoke with Invest: about expanding the university’s reputation of excellence. “UTampa is an education innovator,” Dahlberg said. “Our philosophy is about broadening your mind and starting a career. We develop students for a lifetime of intellectual growth, professional achievement and meaningful contributions.”

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What recent significant changes or developments have shaped the University of Tampa’s priorities?

Over the past year the University of Tampa engaged in extensive listening, reflection, and benchmarking to determine how best to build on its strong upward trajectory. These efforts reaffirmed the importance of deepening the university’s partnership with the Tampa Bay region, advancing academic excellence, and strengthening long-term sustainability.

One of the earliest visible steps was reintroducing the University as “UTampa.” The name reflects the historic connection between the university and the region. Founded by the Tampa Chamber of Commerce in 1931 to strengthen the local talent pipeline, UTampa still embraces this community-centered mission. The University leases Plant Hall and Plant Park from the City of Tampa, supports the Henry B. Plant Museum, and invests more than $2.5 million annually in their maintenance. These iconic spaces remain open to the public and symbolize UTampa’s long-standing civic partnership.

Today the University contributes more than $1.5 billion each year to the regional economy and serves as a major importer of talent. Looking ahead, UTampa is concentrating on three core pillars: student success, academic and reputational excellence, and maintaining our financial sustainability. After more than one billion dollars of investment in campus facilities over the past twenty-five years, the university is now placing greater emphasis on “people infrastructure,” including faculty growth, staff development, student support, and endowment expansion.

How has the University of Tampa strengthened its resilience to remain adaptable and continue delivering high-quality education in this shifting environment?

While many institutions are facing enrollment declines or consolidation, UTampa continues to grow. Thirty years ago enrollment was approximately 2,400 students. Today the University enrolls more than 11,500. This fall we received more than 43,000 applications for 3,400 seats and welcomed one of the strongest entering classes in its history.

UTampa’s educational model is central to this resilience. Students are drawn to the combination of a strong liberal arts foundation, hands-on learning, and career preparation. Paired with the region’s growth and the University’s reputation for exceptional student experience, UTampa is well positioned to thrive even as national conditions evolve.

What strategies does UTampa employ to maintain its appeal as both an employer and an academic destination in such a dynamic market?

This year we hired 85 new full-time faculty members. At a time when many universities are scaling back, this investment underscores the institution’s commitment to academic quality. Faculty choose UTampa because they want to work with motivated students and contribute to a university that is growing and innovating.

International enrollment remains strong. We are in the second year partnering with the United World College Davis Scholars Program, which brings exceptional students from across the globe. Approximately 80 Davis Scholars from more than 50 countries are currently enrolled, enriching the campus with diverse perspectives.

UTampa’s educational philosophy blends intellectual development with practical readiness. Spartan Ready, the university’s general education curriculum, builds critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning while also preparing students for professional and life success through coursework in financial literacy, digital fluency, and job search preparation. Academic programs embed internships, research, fieldwork, and global study into the learning experience.

To prepare students for a rapidly evolving world, UTampa recently launched three initiatives: AI Across the Curriculum, Internships for All, and microcredentials that enable students to build additional skills aligned with emerging career demands.

How does UTampa collaborate with local employers and economic development organizations to ensure students are career-ready and contributing to regional growth?

Community partnership is part of our DNA. The University was founded through a collaboration between business and civic leaders, and these relationships remain strong. The Board of Trustees includes many of the region’s top executives. The Board of Fellows and Board of Counselors provide networking, mentoring, mock interviews, and support for students preparing to enter the workforce.

Each academic college maintains advisory boards that help ensure programs remain aligned with industry needs. These boards create pathways for internships, applied projects, and career opportunities. Through these relationships, students gain access to a wide range of professional experiences across the Tampa Bay region.

Looking ahead, what are your key goals and priorities for The University of Tampa over the next few years?

UTampa’s strategic priorities focus on increasing impact on students and communities. Student success is central to this work. The University aims to strengthen student support, expand scholarship offerings, and ensure that every student graduates prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

We are enhancing academic excellence through agile curriculum delivery, expanded experiential learning, and innovative microcredentials that help students stand out in a competitive job market. Raising national visibility is another priority. Although UTampa is well known and admired in its primary markets, the university intends to broaden national recognition.

Finally, we are committed to growing our endowment. The endowment surpassed $100 million this year. Continued growth will expand scholarships, enhance support for faculty and programs, and strengthen the university’s long-term stability.

UTampa will continue to build on its strong foundation and serve as a dedicated partner to the Tampa Bay region while preparing graduates for lives of purpose, leadership, and contribution.

Want more? Read the Invest: Tampa Bay report.