In a recent discussion, Michele Flint, Associate Dean of the Tapia College of Business at Saint Leo University, shared her insights on the college's programs, initiatives, and commitment to student success.
Michele Flint's extensive industry experience and academic leadership
The college's open-door policy fostering personal connections and support
Diverse programs and innovative initiatives, including new minors and certifications
Development of a 'collaboratory’ model for real-world, project-based learning
Community-building events and a strong commitment to student success
In a recent conversation, Michele Flint, Associate Dean of the Tapia College of Business (TCOB) at Saint Leo University, shared her vision for the college’s programs, initiatives, and unwavering commitment to student success. With a focus on accessibility, hands-on learning, real-world applications, and vibrant TCOB events, the college offers an exceptional and nurturing environment where students are empowered to thrive.
Expertise and Vision
Michele Flint’s unique blend of industry experience and academic expertise spans over two decades. Her background includes degrees in accounting and a doctoral degree in education, equipping her with the perfect blend of business acumen and leadership in education. Over the years, Michele has worked in diverse areas such as accounting, finance, strategic planning, and product development. Prior to her role at Saint Leo University, she spent 14 years at Daemen University in New York, where she held multiple roles including accounting faculty member, department chair, and Senate president. She also led three successful accreditation efforts and served as a site reviewer for universities worldwide.
Reflecting on her first encounter with Saint Leo University, Michele shared, “I was first introduced to Saint Leo at a conference and was immediately impressed by its forward-thinking initiatives. The SLU faculty presented a program designed to provide courses for deployed military personnel, which left a lasting impression on me.” This initial admiration for the university’s student-centric approach was an important factor in her decision to join the Saint Leo team.
Accessibility and Open-Door Policy
At the Tapia College of Business, accessibility isn’t just a policy – it’s a way of life. The dean and associate dean’s offices are situated among classrooms and faculty offices, ensuring that students can walk in anytime to meet with faculty and administrators. Michele emphasizes this hands-on, approachable culture: “At Saint Leo, students benefit from personal connections with faculty and staff, offering a truly personalized educational experience.” This open-door philosophy fosters an inclusive, nurturing atmosphere where students feel supported in their academic journeys.
A Wealth of Programs and Innovative Initiatives
The Tapia College of Business boasts a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. From Accounting to Economics, Management, Marketing, Sport Business, and Communications, the college offers programs designed to meet the demands of today’s business landscape. Students can also pursue a unique Business Administration degree, a Finance minor, and specialized graduate programs, including a Master’s in Business Administration with various specializations, a Master’s in Accounting, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Several of these programs are STEM-designated, such as Accounting, Economics, and the M.B.A. in Data Analytics.
New and exciting initiatives are also underway. The college has introduced a minor in Broadcasting and Communication for Sport Business and a minor in Business tailored for non-business students. Plans are in place to expand the Business Administration degree, offering students the opportunity to earn up to three specializations. The recent relaunch of the university’s radio station is designed to enhance student learning and foster communication skills.
TCOB is also integrating certifications in data analytics and digital marketing across various accounting and business classes, allowing students to graduate with multiple credentials. The college’s Digital Marketing program offers certifications in Google Analytics, alongside hands-on projects using Google Ads. The expansion of these certifications across various business majors will provide students with competitive, real-world skills. Michele adds, “These initiatives empower students to graduate with multiple credentials and develop critical skills that will set them apart in the professional world. We also believe that these enhanced program features reflect our value-added approach to higher education.”
Collaboratory Model and Real-World Experience
The college is developing a 'collaboratory' model, designed to foster student collaboration in a hands-on, project-based learning environment. One of the early projects involves the student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), where students are crafting new marketing initiatives to highlight the Tapia College of Business. Michele is excited about the potential this model holds: “I’m thrilled about providing our talented students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects. The AMA students bring fresh perspectives and talent to create messages that resonate with potential students.” This model will supplement the many internship opportunities that our students currently enjoy.
Looking ahead, TCOB plans to develop an Entrepreneurship Hub to support local businesses, providing students with invaluable opportunities to apply their skills in real business settings. This focus on experiential learning ensures that students leave with not only theoretical knowledge but practical, market-ready skills.
Building a Strong Community
The Tapia College of Business understands that education isn’t just about what students learn – it’s also about building lasting relationships and a sense of community. The college hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Donut Day on the first day of classes, student mixers, alumni networking events, a Business Day event, and a TCOB Year-end Celebration that includes an ice cream social, a comedy performance and student awards. Additionally, the DBA program organizes residencies and colloquiums that foster peer collaboration and idea-sharing. These activities aim to create a vibrant, connected community where students can network with professionals, forge lasting friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Championing Student Success
The Tapia College of Business at Saint Leo University is dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment that equips students for academic and professional success. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, accessibility, and innovative initiatives, students can expect a transformative educational experience that prepares them for the challenges of the modern business world. As Michele Flint puts it, “We’re not just teaching facts – we’re offering thoughtful guidance and support to help students navigate their unique journeys. Our goal is to help students build meaningful careers and make a positive impact on society through innovative programs and stacked credentials.”
This unwavering commitment to student success is at the heart of the Tapia College of Business’s mission, ensuring that students are not only prepared for their careers but are also poised to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.