University of Tampa’s own Stephanie Russell Holz, soon to be Dean of Students, started her UT career in the capacity of Assistant Director of Student Activities twelve years ago. At the time the university was a tiny institution of only 2,200 students and lacked many of the building projects it would acquire by the year 2011.
“Before the building of the Vaughn Center our office was located in Riverside and consisted of only three people,” she recalled.
In more than a decade of service to UT, Holz is proud to have been a part of the construction of new residence halls, a true student center and the Sykes Center for Faith and Values. She counts the formation of a Diversity Fellowship as one of the great triumphs of the university in its tremendous period of growth. The incredible variety of the student body coupled with the close-knit community of campus is what initially attracted Holz to the academic institution.
“I knew that I wanted to be a part of a smaller, more intimate campus,” she explained, “My other favorite aspect of UT is the diversity of the student body.”
Holz expressed some very strong views concerning her new obligations as Dean of Students and the role she should play in the campus community. She believes it will be her duty not only to act as voice of the student body and bring their concerns to the administration, but recognize the many achievements of those she represents and act as mentor in fostering their ambitions.
“The Dean should be a cheerleader for the students,” Holz said.
The current economic crisis and the resulting stress of many students in meeting their financial needs, is an issue the new Dean sees as a major hurtle confronting the university. She also feels it will be necessary to address evolving mediums of technology and communication as well as the ever-changing face of the student body. Attempting to remedy age old problems of drug and alcohol abuse will also be a top priority of the new Dean.
“There always needs to be widespread awareness of drugs, alcohol and safety issues in general to create a safe environment for students,” she affirmed.
Holz hopes to utilize her personal philosophy centered around personal interaction and the importance of bringing students together, to help confront and overcome these issues. She is confident that her extensive experience within the unique character of the university will also aid in this momentous task.
“The twelve years I’ve been here UT has been in a continuous state of constant improvement,” she said.
Despite her well-defined sense of purpose and approach, Holz stated that she would exercise patience in evaluating the machinery of her new office and the needs of the university.
“Anytime you start a new position you want to learn all about it first,” she explained, “I will want to meet with students and different offices to solicit opinions and go from there.”
On her excitement for being chosen as the new Dean of Students at UT, Holz expressed jubilation tempered by humility.
“When the global went out with the announcement I heard a squeal all down the hall and students came pouring in. This really humbled me,” she recounted. “At the end of the day the reason I work at the University of Tampa and have stayed here so long is I love the students.”
Jeffrey Palmer can be reached at jeffrey.palmer@spartans.ut.edu.
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