TAMPA, Fla. — As part of the inauguration festivities for Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, The University of Tampa hosted a thought-provoking academic symposium on Monday, March 31, titled “The Future of Higher Education.” The panel featured four nationally recognized leaders in higher education who shared candid insights on how universities must evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Moderated by Dr. Stephanie Russell Krebs, UTampa’s vice president for Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, the panel included:
- Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, president of The University of Tampa
- Dr. Susan R. Wente, president of Wake Forest University
- Dr. M. Brian Blake, president of Georgia State University
- Dr. Victor Boschini Jr., chancellor of Texas Christian University
Dr. Krebs set the stage by noting that the idea for the panel came directly from President Dahlberg, who personally selected the panelists out of admiration and professional respect.
“This is a panel of visionaries,” said Krebs. “These leaders bring courage, passion, and innovation to their roles. Today is about pausing to reflect on how we’re shaping the future of higher education — together.”
The first question, which asked panelists to describe the essence of their institutions in one sentence, sparked laughter and thoughtful responses. Chancellor Boschini described TCU as “a school of 13,000 that feels like a school of 2,000,” while President Dahlberg summarized UTampa as a place of “learning by thinking and learning by doing,” focused on developing leaders and global citizens.
When asked what excites and worries them most about the future, President Dahlberg didn’t hesitate.
“It’s the same thing: change,” she said. “Higher education must continue to evolve as society does. But we’ve faced great challenges before, and we’ve always adapted. That gives me hope.”
President Blake echoed the sentiment. “The students keep me up at night and keep me going,” he said. “Seeing them succeed, especially first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds, reminds me why we do this work.”
Much of the conversation centered on the student experience. Dr. Wente highlighted Wake Forest’s Thrive program, which addresses student well-being across eight dimensions — including mental, social, financial, and spiritual health. She also shared the university’s efforts to integrate academic advising and residential life to ensure students feel connected from day one.
President Dahlberg spoke about UTampa’s own commitment to wellness through the UTampa Cares initiative, which focuses on belonging and resilience.
“We’re equipping students not just to succeed academically but to thrive in environments where they may disagree with others and still grow,” she said.
Another major theme of the panel was innovation. President Blake described Georgia State’s use of AI-powered chatbots and data analytics to improve student success and reduce dropout rates. Chancellor Boschini pointed to TCU’s early adoption of a data science master’s program, which now rivals the popularity of its MBA.
“We need to embrace innovation while staying true to our mission,” said Boschini. “Higher education might move slowly, but it endures. That’s our strength.”
The discussion also explored universities’ roles as anchor institutions within their communities. Both Wake Forest and UTampa have engaged in major redevelopment projects to support their local economies and create opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning.
“We’re not just in the community — we’re part of it,” said Wente. “Our students grow through those experiences, and our cities grow because of them.”
Audience questions ranged from faculty roles in the future to preparing students for a digital-first world. The panelists stressed the importance of experiential learning, adapting teaching models, and preserving the core values of mentorship, intellectual growth, and civic engagement.
The symposium closed with each panelist offering words of wisdom to President Dahlberg as she begins her journey at UTampa.
“You only get one chance to make a first impression,” said Boschini. “And students always come first.”
Dahlberg thanked her colleagues and the UTampa community for a memorable and forward-thinking event.
“Today has been about partnership,” she said. “Let’s continue to imagine the future — together.”
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Thumbnail image caption: From left to right, Dr. Victor Boschini Jr., Dr. M. Brian Blake, Dr. Susan R. Wente, Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg and Dr. Stephanie Russell Krebs on the stage of the Charlene A. Gordon Theater during the “The Future of Higher Education” symposium on March 31. Photo courtesy of Steve Ifantis.