Today is the start of my 25th year at The University of Tampa (UT). It has been, and continues to be, an incredible journey. The people at UT are part of my family. Professionally, UT was my first stop out of graduate school. My first real ‘big boy’ job.
I have been witness to the amazing transformation of this campus from a beaten down, marginal university, to a jewel for the city of Tampa with an excellent reputation. The modern, urban, campus sprawls over 100 acres with over $200 million of new construction over the past decade.
I think I have grown up a lot over these years. The things that use to bother me ten years ago don’t even faze me anymore. I call it maturity by default. Older, not necessarily wiser, and certainly more tolerant.
I have enjoyed the thousands of students who have touched my life over these years, some who still stay in touch with me. The rewards of teaching keep on giving. I am so blessed to call UT home, and I love this environment where I can practice my craft.
About Hemant Rustogi