News Summary
The University of South Florida has launched Florida’s first Center for Executive and Leadership Education in St. Petersburg. This center aims to provide professional development for mid-level and senior managers through tailored training programs. Funded by a significant donation, the center plans to start enrollment in 2026 and will address current corporate challenges with curriculum designed in collaboration with local businesses. The inaugural series is set to begin in November, focusing on essential leadership skills and knowledge for today’s executives amid an impending leadership gap due to retirements.
St. Petersburg has recently become the home to Florida’s first Center for Executive and Leadership Education, launched by the University of South Florida (USF). This new center, housed within the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, aims to provide specialized training for mid-level and senior managers seeking to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
The center plans to begin open enrollment for its corporate learning programs in 2026. Funded by a generous $3 million donation from philanthropists Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton, the establishment of this center is aimed at filling a notable void in executive education within the Tampa Bay area. Current corporate challenges have prompted USF’s Muma College of Business to collaborate with local organizations to ensure the curriculum effectively meets market needs.
Jon Kaupla, the associate dean at the Muma College of Business, highlighted that the center will actively engage local business leaders to tailor its offerings, thereby ensuring relevance and practical applicability. The programs will focus on non-credit, non-degree courses, which are expected to vary in length from two to six months, accommodating the busy schedules of working professionals.
The inaugural series for the center, titled “Executive Edge: The Six Dimensions of Modern Leadership,” is set to kick off in November. This webinar series will consist of six one-hour sessions designed to cover critical topics such as leveraging emerging technologies, effective communication, and financial acumen — all essential skills for today’s business landscape. The curriculum will intertwine the expertise of USF faculty with insights from industry leaders to provide comprehensive learning experiences.
As the center begins its offerings, it is anticipated to serve as a valuable resource for executives battling various challenges within their organizations. The center’s training courses will focus on providing immediate actionable insights that can be implemented within the workplace.
Moreover, the Muma College of Business at USF has recently earned a significant honor by being invited to join the University Consortium for Executive Education (UNICON), a network that includes prestigious institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. This affiliation is expected to enhance the center’s reputation and improve its educational offerings.
In light of an impending leadership gap as baby boomers approach retirement, the Center for Executive and Leadership Education aims to equip current leaders with the necessary tools to address future challenges. The strategic location in St. Petersburg was chosen due to its accessibility for executives from across the state and its proximity to local business organizations and resources.
Overall, the establishment of the Center for Executive and Leadership Education at USF signifies a notable advancement in professional development opportunities within Florida, particularly for those in the Tampa Bay area seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities.
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Additional Resources
- Business Observer: USF Launching Center for Executive Leadership Education
- Google Search: Executive Education Leadership
- St. Pete Rising: Historically St. Pete – The Oldest Surviving School Building
- Google Scholar: Executive Leadership Education
- WTSP: Trump Administration’s Education Executive Order
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
- Chicago Tribune: Chicago Booth Renaming Executive MBA Donation
- Google News: Leadership Development
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
