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The University of Tampa Department of Athletics has received its first head coaching endowment.

The position comes as a gift to create the Stu and Diane Williams Head Baseball Coach position.

Stu Williams journey with UTampa began much like many of us, as he arrived on campus, sight unseen, from Livingston, New Jersey, dropped off at McKay Hall by his parents.

For Williams, that moment was transformative. As a first-generation college student, The University of Tampa was more than just a place to earn a degree—it was a life-changing experience where he built lifelong friendships, learned from dedicated professors, and became a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Williams graduated with a degree in economics and went on to a career in banking, holding executive leadership positions with regional banks in both Jacksonville and Tampa.

He earned an MBA from Jacksonville University and completed a graduate degree in banking from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers.

It’s not just William's professional success that sets him apart; it's his commitment to service. From chairing nonprofit and civic organizations, to carrying the Olympic Torch not once, but twice—William's leadership and dedication to community are unparalleled.

And of course, his love for The University of Tampa has never wavered. Williams has been involved with the Board of Counselors, the Board of Fellows, and currently serves on the Alumni Association Board and the Alumni Campaign Steering Committee. Together with his wife, Diane, they are proud supporters of UTampa and our baseball program.

Williams has been a shining example of living our university's motto, Esse Quam Videri, "to be, rather than to seem."

In 2019, he was recognized with the Esse Quam Videri Award, the highest honor a graduate can receive from The University of Tampa, which speaks to his profound impact on our university and beyond.

"I cannot express how much the support of Stu and Diane means to our program," says head coach Joe Urso. "We are blessed to have dedicated and generous supporters like Stu and Diane, which allows our program to continue an unrivaled amount of success that spans across all NCAA sports, at all levels."

This article first appeared on TampaSpartans.com.