By Jilian Geer
TAMPA, Fla. — Since the summer of 2024, students, faculty, and visitors of The University of Tampa have noticed sculptures appearing around campus and transforming the landscape. These installations are a part of the newly established McNichols Sculpture Trail, a public art initiative that aims to enhance the campus atmosphere and spark conversation and inspiration.
Contrary to public belief that the sculptures are funded by UTampa, the art walk was made possible by a generous donation from Gene and Patsy McNichols. The trail, which officially launched in the summer of 2024, is set to include 15 to 20 sculptures strategically placed throughout UTampa’s 110-acre downtown campus.
The four well-known statues on campus include LOVE by Robert Indiana, What Was Vincent Thinking? and Poise by Kevin Robb, and On a Roll by Jack Hill. The two new sculptures added since the beginning of the 2025 Spring semester are Zephyr by Jeremy Guy and DNA of Success by Robert Romero.
Each sculpture was chosen through a collaborative process involving art historians, sculptors, and collectors to ensure a diverse mix of styles and themes.
“The purpose of the McNichols Sculpture Trail is every sculpture represents a human characteristic that we want spartans to have. So an example of that is love which is why the Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture was the first one we did,” said Scott Gossen, the assistant vice president, design, construction, and facilities. “Every sculpture will have its own specific human characteristic and we are curating sculptures to fit each one.”
Since the sculptures have arrived on campus, reactions have varied. Some students question how the sculptures align with the university’s values, while others are either indifferent or love the artistic influence the pieces add.
“I know there’s a lot of controversy over the statues, but I actually really like them because they add a unique touch to our campus and are honestly just fun to spot,” said Kylie Morissette, a senior at UTampa. “My favorite has to be the banana [On a Roll]. Every time I see it, it just makes me smile.
Aside from students at UTampa, the faculty also has mixed emotions when it comes to the new additions.
“I think that the fascinating part of public sculpture is that it arouses such emotion, which depends on a range of things from location to the way it is executed and the subject matter,” said Alexander Nixon, an art history and art and design professor at UTampa. “My only criticism is that the banana sculpture is something that belongs in a recreational area and not in the sacred area of sports. It feels like it belongs next to the river where people hammock and so that it is visible from across the river.”
The sculptures are strategically placed in various locations around campus, creating a natural walking path for students and visitors to explore. The art walk begins near the Benson Alex Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center, continues past the Sykes College of Business, then behind Plant Hall, and moves to the Southard Family Building. The two newest additions expand the art walk to the Grand Center and the science wing of Plant Hall.
The addition of public art on campus has initiated discussions about aesthetics, space, and UTampa’s evolving identity. As more pieces are added, the trail is expected to become an integral part of the university’s campus culture. Whether students view the sculptures as inspiring or simply decorative landmarks, these sculptures are here to stay while continuing to shape the atmosphere of campus for years to come.
To learn more about the McNichols Sculpture Trail, visit the UTampa website.