This photo collection includes Stefania Markevich, a sophomore majoring in biology and minoring in Asian studies. Markevich, who is from Belarus, faces the same political situation that led to her family’s exile to Lithuania.

Artists in Academia with Tim Ridlen

Money on the Left
Nov. 1, 2024

Tim Ridlen, associate teaching professor of film, animation and new media, appeared on the Money on the Left podcast series to discuss his new book, Intelligent Action: A History of Artistic Research, Aesthetic Experience, and Artists in Academia.

Minutes, Hours, Days: What’s the Best Way for Schools To Make Up Lost Time?

Tampa Bay Times
Jeffrey Solochek
Oct. 26, 2024

Mathematics lecturer Colleen Beaudoin, who is also on the Pasco County School Board, told the Tampa Bay Times that “we need to make sure the students get the content,” when asked about how and when schools will make up for lost instructional time thanks to the recent hurricanes.

A similar story appeared on ABC Action News.

Are We Worried About the Wrong Demographic Problem?

The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
Oct. 26, 2024

Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, published an opinion piece in The Hill titled, “Are we worried about the wrong demographic problem?” “The real challenge may turn out to be the lack of proven and sustainable strategies for creating decent-paying jobs for the hundreds of millions seeking to attain the dream of joining the global middle class,” he wrote.

Economist: Amendment 5 Homestead Inflation Measure Won’t Save Taxpayers Much

WFLA
Ty Russell
Oct. 23, 2024

Abigail Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, was tapped for insight on Amendment 5, the homestead inflation measure on the ballot. “This could provide some relief, particularly homeowners who have been in their houses for a while,” Hall Blanco said. However, “renters, businesses, as well as people who may have second homes or other properties in Florida (could see their bills go up),” Hall Blanco said.

Tropical Storm Oscar: 'Life-Threatening' Flash Flood Warning Issued

Newsweek
Jess Thomson
Oct. 21, 2024

Hurricane Storm Oscar is currently battering Cuba and may bring enough rain to trigger "life-threatening" flash flooding and mudslides. "It is less common to have storms develop further east in the basin in mid/late October than for storms to form in the western Caribbean," Nicholas Grondin, assistant professor of environmental studies. "Like all tropical cyclones, a sufficient amount of warm ocean water to provide fuel for the storm is key for development."

Volunteer Student Clean Up

WFLA
Oct. 20, 2024

A group of UTampa students came together to help clean up storm debris in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood north of campus. They removed tree limbs that were blocking roads and parks, saying they were happy to be keeping Tampa Bay beautiful after being surrounded by so much damage in the last few weeks.

Spectrum Sports 360

Bay News 9
Mike Cairns
Oct. 17, 2024

Baseball head Coach Joe Urso formed a partnership with the Italian national baseball team and its coach, Mike Piazza, MLB Hall of Famer. The Italian team will use UTampa’s facilities whenever they are in the U.S., and will train by playing exhibition games against the Spartans. Piazza said the Spartans set “an incredibly high standard,” and Urso, who has Sicilian heritage, is hoping that his team can make the overseas trip next time.

A similar story appeared on WDAE-AM and FOX 13.

Hurricane Experts on Whether Tropical Storm Nadine Will Form This Week

Newsweek
Jess Thomson
Oct. 17, 2024

Tropical Storm Nadine has stayed relatively the same strength for several days, but it still has potential to intensify into a more powerful storm. Nicholas Grondin, assistant professor of environmental studies, said “tropical cyclones will intensify if and when they encounter favorable environmental conditions, even if they had been a weaker system for a significant amount of time.”

Hurricane Milton Nears Florida Coast as Thousands Evacuate

The Washington Post
Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Joshua Partlow, Bryan Pietsch, Jason Samenow and Karin Bruilliard
Oct. 8, 2024

University of Tampa students Miranda Carver and Maddy Cortes decided to stay in Tampa during Hurricane Milton, but not in their small off-campus house. Instead, they were at a hotel built to withstand hurricane-force winds. “This is eerie… We’ve just got to really hope and just pray.”

Students were also interviewed by Chicago Tribune, Forbes, FOX 9 (Minneapolis), FOX 8 (Cleveland), CBS Boston, News 12 (Edison, NJ), TMJ4 (Milwaukee), AJC (Atlanta), N12WC (New York City), CBS Philadelphia, NBC Bay Area (CA), WHO-AM (Des Moines, IA), WVIT (New Haven, CT), KELO (Sioux Falls, SD) and several other news stations about their hurricane experience.

Jobs, Inflation, and the Fed: How They’re All Related

Yahoo! Finance
Robin Hartill
Oct. 4, 2024

A strong job market can drive inflation higher, but high inflation can also reverberate through the U.S. labor market. Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics, explained the balance between inflation and jobs: “Higher prices will eventually slow, or even reverse, demand growth. With less demand, the need for more labor is reduced… By reducing demand for goods, services, and business investments, there’s less pressure on both wages and prices, so inflation slows.”

Policy and Punchlines: An Analysis of the Vance and Walz Spirited Debate

Alive Tampa Bay
Greg Truax
Oct. 4, 2024

David Wheeler, associate professor of communication, was a guest on the OnThePoint show on NewsTalk WHBO AM 1040. He and several other experts analyzed the vice presidential debate.

How to Save Money: 10 Expert-backed Ways

U.S. News & World Report
Geoff Williams
Oct. 3, 2024

Elio Alfonso, associate professor of accounting, gave his No. 1 strategy on saving money: If you usually get a tax refund, adjust your withholding allowances. "Basically, you are giving the IRS an interest-free loan during the year for absolutely no reason," he told the outlet.

A Q&A With Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg

Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine
Jo-Lynn Brown
October issue

President Dahlberg sat down with Tampa Bay Business and Wealth magazine for a Q&A on her background, her experience as a new Tampa resident, and future projects at the University.

Dangerous Helene Charging Toward Florida

FOX Weather
Sept. 26, 2024

Two UTampa students, Terrence Concannon and Johnny Diesel, expressed their concern over Hurricane Helene after it upgraded to Category 4 but before it made landfall. “It’s got a very eerie feeling, very quiet,” said Concannon. “You can definitely sense the feeling of something that’s coming.”

Students were also interviewed by FOX 8 (Cleveland) and FOX 13 about their hurricane experience.

Kate DeSimone Named Collegiate All-American Softball Player

Town Crier (Wellington, FL)
Mike May
Sept. 19, 2024

Kate DeSimone’s hometown newspaper announced her selection to the NCAA DII All-American softball team. Following the Spring 2024 season, DeSimone, now a senior, was also selected as the Sunshine State Conference Pitcher of the Year.

The Art of Sound: The Story of the UT Soaring Bell Tower

WEDU PBS
Sept. 19, 2024

The Ars Sonora documentary made its on-air debut on WEDU Arts Plus. The documentary details the lengthy process of acquiring the Ars Sonora on campus and the symbolism of the bell sculpture.

Theme Park Artist Gets Wild New Show

ABC Action News
Deiah Riley
Sept. 12, 2024

Out of Context, a sculpture exhibit by local artist Michael Hulfish, is now on display at the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the work of Hulfish, a renowned commercial and fine artist whose sculptures, signage and installations have adorned numerous businesses across the country and Tampa Bay.

University of Tampa Drops UT, Will Now Be Known as UTampa

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Breanne Williams
Sept. 12, 2024

The University of Tampa has officially changed its nickname, with the goal of distinguishing itself from universities in other states. The University's president, Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, said it will drop the nickname UT and opt for UTampa to assert its pride in the city it is based in.

A similar story appeared on WUSF, WFLA, ABC Action News, FOX 13, WTTA, Tampa Bay Times, WQYK, WRBQ, Florida Business Observer, WBIR (Knoxville), WDUV and 10 Tampa Bay.

Sitting Down with Univ. of Tampa’s New President

ABC Action News
Deiah Riley
Sept. 6, 2024

President Dahlberg appeared on ABC Action News Exclusive for a sit-down interview. Dahlberg explained her vision for the University, including increasing its name recognition.

How to Run Wars with Dr. Abby Hall

Let People Prosper
Vance Ginn
Sept. 3, 2024

Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, was recently on the Let People Prosper Show, to discuss her new book, How to Run Wars: A Confidential Playbook for the National Security Elite.

How Did We Get Pumpkin Spice Everything?

CNN
Ramishah Maruf
Aug. 31, 2024

Mark Lang, associate professor of marketing, analyzed consumers’ yearly excitement about pumpkin spice season, which is upon us earlier than ever. Lang says it signals “the beginning of a season, which, as humans, we like that cycle,” Lang said. “These seasonal things are tied to the patterns of agriculture, and our society was created around agriculture.”

What Are Tariffs, and How Do They Affect You?

Yahoo! Finance
Robin Hartill
Aug. 23, 2024

Michael Coon, associate professor of economics, explains the difference between tariffs and inflation: “Tariffs affect very specific sectors of the economy, and inflation is looking at the economy as a whole. The price of a few goods going up is not inflation.”

College Move-in Week Begins

FOX 13
Aug. 21, 2024

Families are dropping off their students at UTampa’s residence halls to begin another semester. One of the new additions on campus is the Grand Center, a residence hall and academic building that will house approximately 700 students this fall.

A similar story appeared on ABC Action News, WFLA and WTTA.

Twelve Startups Chosen for University of Tampa Incubator Cohort

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Anjelica Rubin
Aug. 20, 2024

The Lowth Entrepreneurship Center has chosen the members of its Spartan Incubator cohort for 2024-2025. The program is designed to cultivate business ideas from recent graduates and early-stage community businesses and turn their ideas into viable businesses. Josh Ray, new venture adviser, said “the level of innovation and drive we’ve seen during the selection process is truly inspiring.”

Data Shows Inflation Is Cooling, but Many Americans Are Still Struggling

ABC Action News
Jamal Andress
Aug. 13, 2024

Inflation on the wholesale prices that manufacturers receive for their products slowed in July, but some Americans still aren't feeling any relief. "When the typical everyday American is sitting here struggling to afford rent, struggling to buy groceries, struggling to pay for gas — the economy is more than just the stock market. The economy is everyday Americans like you and me," said Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics.

This story also appeared on ABC 10 (San Diego, CA), FOX 17 (Grand Rapids, MI), FOX 47 (Lansing, MI), Denver Channel, KATC 3 (Lafayette, LA), KZTV (Corpus Christi, TX), KTVH (Great Falls, MT), WCPO (Cincinnati), ABC 5 Cleveland, Todays TMJ4 (Milwaukee), KSHB (Kansas City), WTKR (Norfolk, VA), ABC 15 (Phoenix), ABC 2 (Baltimore), KJRH (Tulsa), KIVI (Nampa, ID), NewsChannel 5 (Nashville), and several other news stations.

University of Tampa’s New President Is Ready To Elevate Its Impact

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Breanne Williams
July 31, 2024

Just over a month into her tenure, Tampa Bay Business Journal asked President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg about her goals for the University. “We want to have the kind of reputation that opens doors for alumni, nationally and globally,” told the outlet.

University of Tampa Students Prepare for Medical Mission Trip

ABC Action News
Deiah Riley
July 24, 2024

Robin White, nursing program director and associate professor of nursing, was interviewed ahead of last summer’s medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. “The first time that I went 15 years ago,” White told the outlet, “I never intended it to be an annual trip. But it was so life-changing for me that I felt that it needed to be opened up to students.”

UT Spartans Women’s Lacrosse Team Basking in National Championship Glory

FOX 13
Kevin O’Donnell
July 16, 2024

University of Tampa’s summer lacrosse camps on campus attracted more high-level talent after the team won the NCAA Div. II national championship last spring. "Now we're seeing a more competitive caliber athlete that's reached out both in the '26 and '27 class," Head Coach Kelly Gallagher said. "We're excited to get to know them and bring them down and see if they can handle the heat." Gallagher and her staff also earned DII staff of the year honors.

Pede Hollist’s First Draft

The Republic
July 12, 2024

Pede Hollist, professor of English and writing, was featured in The Republic’s (a Nigerian publication) interview column “First Draft.” Hollist wants more people to know about the diversity of Sierra Leonean literature: “I wish people are aware of the efforts by Sierra Leoneans to write in the country’s national languages, and the financial struggles to support young writers.”

Inflation Falls in New Report, Economists Believe the Fed Could Cut Interest Rates

ABC Action News
Larissa Scott
July 12, 2024

In a newly released report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index dropped 0.1% from May, the first time prices fell since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The CPI came out, I think the inflation rate was 3% year over year,” said Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics. “Most economists were projecting about 3.1%,” said Stockwell. This drop could be a sign that inflation is cooling after an unexpected surge earlier this year.

Amica Insurance Review

WalletHub
Lilah Butler
July 1, 2024

Jennifer Burton, associate professor of marketing, was tapped for an expert opinion on the car insurance provider Amica. Burton cited Amica’s high customer satisfaction rate and broke down the factors that calculate such a strong rating.

The Goal of a National Privacy Law in the United States

Tech Policy Press
Joseph Jerome
June 27, 2024

Joseph Jerome, visiting assistant professor of communication, lists 10 issues that are priorities to consider in light of the American Privacy Rights Act facing potential committee markup.

Another Side of Key West? Its Rich Black History

Afar Magazine
Victoria Walker
June 18, 2024

The general population knows Key West’s history as a military town with rail connections and eclectic vibe, but many people do not know its stories of Black history. “Key West is much more laid-back, more unique, more eccentric [than Orlando or Miami]—that’s what they sold to a large extent; that [they were] not a generic tourist destination,” says Robert Kerstein, author of Key West on the Edge and professor emeritus of government.

2024 Business of Pride: David Gudelunas, ‘Voice’

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Brooke Strickland
June 14, 2024

Tampa Bay Business Journal named David Gudelunas, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, as a “2024 Business of Pride” honoree. Gudelunas’ research focuses on sexuality and media representation, and he has made it his mission to promote an inclusive learning environment at UTampa.

Family Atmosphere at Core of Tampa Spartans National Championship Baseball Program

Forbes
Tom Layberger
June 14, 2024

UTampa’s baseball team credits much of its success to the strong team chemistry cultivated by a family atmosphere. Head Coach Joe Urso has preached the importance of family to his team since he first started coaching, and even new players quickly latch on. “We lost a lot of players from last year’s team, and we didn’t know how everything was going to click as far as that family feeling with bringing everybody together,” said outfielder and recent grad EJ Cumbo. “It clicked right away in the fall when we did a lot of team-building type stuff.”

The Bailey Buzz

News-Gazette (Champaign, IL)
Jennifer Bailey
June 13, 2024

The friends and family of Jake Stipp, MBA student and pitcher for Spartans baseball, are celebrating his national championship win in his hometown of Danville, IL. Stipp summarized his season to reporter Jennifer Bailey, saying the championship was “the biggest sports highlight of (his) year.”

University of Tampa Baseball Team Makes History With 9th National Championship Win

WFLA
Sara Filips
June 9, 2024

Spartans baseball’s ninth national win ties the Spartans with Florida Southern for the most championships in this division. This win also marks six national titles since 2000, which the university says is more than any other school at the NCAA level.

A similar story appeared in Tampa Bay Times, WUSF, WXGL (Tampa), WFLA, WTTA (Tampa), WMTX (Tampa), FOX 13, WXTB (Tampa), WQYK (Tampa), WJNO (West Palm Beach) and WFLF (Orlando).

University of Tampa Baseball Team Nears NCAA Division II History

Tampa Bay Times
Brett Friedlander
June 7, 2024

Leading up to the baseball national championship, Head Coach Joe Urso and his team were gearing up for another win. Now that the team has secured their ninth championship victory, Spartans baseball is tied with Florida Southern for the most national championship wins in NCAA Division II.

Higher Interest Rates, Please: The Fed Must Raise Its Long-Term Target for a Soft Landing

The Hill
Vivekanand Jayakumar
June 7, 2024

Vivekanand Jayakumar, associate professor of economics, wrote this opinion piece about when and how the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. Jayakumar theorizes that policy makers relying on data to make decisions are using a backward-looking approach that is more reactive than proactive.

Catonsville Grad Sophi Wrisk Wins Division II Lacrosse Championship With University of Tampa

Baltimore Sun
Craig Clary
June 5, 2024

Kelly Gallagher, women’s lacrosse head coach, was quoted in a story about star player Sophi Wrisk: “She has such a great IQ as an athlete and she is just so much fun to play with because she connects so well with her teammates and she is always in the right place at the right time,” Gallagher said of Wrisk, who scored five of the Spartans’ 13 goals in the national championship win over Adelphi University.

Bay Area’s Top Coaching Brotherhood Resides in Tampa Spartans’ Dugout

Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
May 31, 2024

Spartans baseball Head Coach Joe Urso and Assistant Coach Sam Militello have played baseball together since they were in Little League. They have different skills in the sport, so their coaching partnership requires them to trust each other on their respective specialties. “He doesn’t question (me), he just knows that, ‘All right, whatever you say, this is what we’re going to do,’ and vice versa,” says Militello. “So I think that’s a big thing, and we’ve had that from Day 1.”

University of Tampa Acquires ‘Love’ Sculpture to Anchor New Public Art Trail

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Alexis Muellner
May 30, 2024

The University of Tampa campus will now feature Richard Indiana’s iconic “LOVE” sculpture. The sculpture is the first installment of an interactive sculpture trail planned for campus and funded by longtime donors Gene and Patsy McNichols.

A similar story appeared on ABC Action News and 10 Tampa Bay.

Urso, Militello’s Family-Like Bond Key to University of Tampa Baseball’s Success

WFLA
Kenny Morales
May 29, 2024

Baseball coaches Joe Urso and Sam Militello’s relationship has helped build the Spartans into a national power. During their tenure, UT has won five national championships, and 24 conference championships, and earlier this month, the duo celebrated their 1,000th career win together. “They’ve got a very special bond,” Spartans catcher Santiago Garavito said. “They’re like peanut butter and jelly, they just go together.”

University of Tampa Clinches First-Ever Women’s Lacrosse National Championship

WFLA
Kaycee Sloan
May 29, 2024

UT’s women’s lacrosse won the NCAA national championship for the first time in program history.

A similar story appeared on FOX 13.

Sour Patch Kids Oreos? Peeps Pepsi? What’s Behind the Weird Flavors Popping up on Store Shelves

Associated Press
Dee-Ann Durbin
May 20, 2024

Snack brands like Oreos and Frito-Lay have been experimenting more with “shock flavors,” like ranch-flavored ice cream or mustard-flavored Skittles, after positive feedback from Gen Z. Mark Lang, associate professor of marketing, explains that the trend “sends the message that (these brands) are current and fun.”

This story also appeared on KFH-AM (Wichita, KS), South Florida Times, Long Island Press, WMBC (New York City), The York Dispatch (PA), Jamaica Gleaner (Jamaica), The Daily Reporter (Columbus, OH), Hanford Sentinel (CA), Weatherford Democrat (TX), Japan Today, Lehigh Valley Live (Easton, PA), The Seattle Times, Columbian Progress (MS), KFOR (Oklahoma City), Kosciusko Star-Herald (MS), and more than 570 other publications.

In the Fog of Forever War, the U.S. No Longer Recognizes Alternatives

The Hill
Christopher Coyne and Abby Hall Blanco
May 17, 2024

Abby Hall Blanco, associate professor of economics, co-wrote this opinion piece about U.S. foreign policy amidst the global landscape of war. She states that, while other countries are in conflict with each other, “It is exceptionally difficult for many to rise above the fog of war and look at the big picture. But they must do so, or else we will remain mired in a myopic and continuous cycle of war-making, moving from one crisis to the next.”

Tampa Spartans Baseball Coach Joe Urso 1 Win Shy of 1,000 for Career

Tampa Bay Times
Joey Knight
May 16, 2024

Head baseball coach Joe Urso has amassed 999 wins after almost 25 years coaching the Spartans. He’s one of three local coaches to have reached the milestone at one school, and one of the other three coaches is head volleyball coach Chris Catanach.

St. Petersburg Is Counting on 7% Growth to Fund Rays Project. Is That Risky?