Dr. Ronald L. Vaughn | University of Tampa | University President | 1995-2024
Vaughn served as president of The University of Tampa from January 1995 to May 2024, guiding the institution through its most transformative era.
During his tenure, full-time enrollment more than quadrupled, with record numbers set for 25 consecutive years. Academic offerings expanded to more than 200 programs, and the University’s annual budget grew from $28 million to $380 million. This remarkable growth fueled the addition of more than 750 faculty and staff, and the campus itself was reshaped with over 70 new construction projects—an investment of nearly one billion dollars.
President Vaughn also inspired historic levels of support. He led two comprehensive campaigns that raised a combined $250 million, with a third underway at his retirement, ensuring a bright future for generations of Spartans.
Beyond the campus, he was a dedicated servant to the Tampa Bay community, lending his leadership to organizations such as the Straz Performing Arts Center, the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Downtown Partnership, and the Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.
His extraordinary contributions earned him more than 40 awards, including the Liberty Bell Award from the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Patrons of Culture and the Arts Impact Award, and induction into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame.
Vaughn’s legacy is one of vision, growth, and service. His impact will be felt not only on this campus, but across the city and community he helped elevate.