TAMPA, Fla. — Students, faculty, alumni, and local leaders gathered on the morning of Monday, March 31, to celebrate a historic moment for The University of Tampa — the inauguration of its 11th president, Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg.
The day began early, with check-in starting at 8 a.m. and a pre-ceremony performance by the UTampa choir filling Plant Hall’s Fletcher Lounge with music. The choir exited by 9 a.m., just as faculty began to process into the ceremony. By 9:30 a.m., the formal processional had begun, with President Dahlberg entering the room at 9:35 a.m., met with a standing ovation.
In his opening remarks, James W. Eyer Jr., chair of the UTampa Board of Trustees, described the day as the start of a “new chapter” in the university’s nearly 100-year history.
“The investiture is not only a symbolic gesture of passing the chain of office,” said Eyer, “but a representation of the confidence and trust that the board, the university community, and the greater Tampa Bay area have in Dr. Dahlberg’s leadership.”
Dahlberg, who took office in June 2024, previously served in high-level academic leadership roles at Texas Christian University, Cooper Union, and UNC Charlotte. Her diverse experience and background in engineering, higher education, and innovation were praised throughout the morning by speakers from both the university and the wider Tampa community.
Ryan Cragun, professor of sociology and chair of the Faculty Senate, reflected on how the university has grown during his time on campus.
“We’re at an inflection point,” said Cragun. “We’ve grown rapidly in size and scope over the last three decades. Now, with President Dahlberg’s leadership, we must continue adapting — investing in people, programs, and progress.”
Cragun also emphasized UTampa’s strength in student-faculty collaboration, highlighting undergraduate research and small class sizes as hallmarks of the UTampa experience.
Alumni speaker Lorraine Hoffberg, class of 1998, delivered a heartfelt speech, drawing connections between her own journey and the evolution of the university.
“From a small office tucked in the corner of a now-defunct building to the vibrant campus we see today,” said Hoffberg, “UTampa has been a constant in my life.”
Abigail King, senior government major and Student Government president, expressed appreciation for President Dahlberg’s immediate impact on the student body.
“She hit the ground running,” said King. “From Weeks of Welcome to hurricane recovery efforts to supporting our athletics programs, she has made every student feel seen.”
Christina Hurley, chair of the Alumni Association Board, spoke on behalf of UTampa’s more than 45,000 alumni around the globe.
“President Dahlberg brings the energy of a visionary and the humility of a listener,” said Hurley. “She is a force of nature.”
Other dignitaries included U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson, and Victor Boschini Jr., chancellor of Texas Christian University, who traveled from Fort Worth to support his longtime colleague.
President Dahlberg’s own remarks were both personal and forward-looking. She spoke about her Lebanese-American roots, her family’s dedication to education, and her professional journey from engineering to higher education.
“I see my role as president not as a destination but as part of a continuum,” said Dahlberg. “Building on the work of the 10 presidents who came before me, I will strive to strengthen UTampa’s impact, elevate our national profile, and deepen our partnerships with this amazing city.”
She outlined three pillars for her presidency: enhancing student success, advancing UTampa’s national reputation, and growing the university’s endowment.
“Our story began during the Great Depression,” said Dahlberg. “We have always been a resilient institution — rooted in community and committed to excellence. The next chapter starts today.”
The ceremony concluded with a musical recessional, and guests were invited to join a reception on campus.
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Photo courtesy of Steve Ifantis.