Peeking out from North Howard Avenue is Saint Leo University. This is not just another university. It is a story of Benedictine dedication meeting the needs of a changing world.
Saint Leo University’s story began far from Tampa. Monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania first established a mission. This mission landed in what was once called the Catholic Colony of San Antonio Florida. Later, jurisdiction shifted to Belmont Abbey in North Carolina in 1888. The university and abbey share a name with Abbot Leo Haid. He was the college’s founder and first president.
Saint Leo University holds the distinction of being Florida’s first Catholic college. Its doors opened on September 14 1890. That year 32 students enrolled. The curriculum balanced liberal arts with commercial courses. These courses led to a Master of Accounts degree. Early on, the college embraced a military structure. Students wore uniforms and participated in daily drills. This instilled discipline. Saint Leo awarded its first Master of Accounts degrees to five students on June 20 1893.
However, Saint Leo shifted gears in 1920. The faculty decided to focus on becoming a serious English-style prep school. A year later, accreditation came from the Southern Educational Association. The institution was renamed Saint Leo College Preparatory School in 1929. It remained so until 1964.
Saint Leo rediscovered its broader mission in 1959. It reopened as a college. The Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery provided significant support. Initially, only associate degrees were offered. Saint Leo quickly introduced a four-year program. In April 1967, the first bachelor’s degrees were conferred. Fifty-one men and 13 women graduated. Accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools followed in November 1967. It was retroactive to include the initial Bachelor of Arts class.
A significant reorganization occurred in 1969. The Order of Saint Benedict of Florida transferred control to an independent board of trustees. Saint Leo expanded its purpose. It built upon its military history. In 1973, the college began offering degree programs on military bases. Today Saint Leo University is a leading provider of higher education to military service members.
The Master of Business Administration program began in 1994. The first MBA degrees were awarded in 1996. On August 24 1999 Saint Leo College became Saint Leo University. The Center for Online Learning opened later that year. This provided a flexible alternative to traditional programs. In 2002, the online MBA program was added. It enrolled 120 students in its first term.
Now, Saint Leo University offers over 40 degree and certificate programs. These serve more than 15000 students. These students attend the main campus. They are located on military bases and community colleges in seven states. The Center for Online Learning also serves many.
From its humble beginnings to its current status, Saint Leo University exemplifies adaptation and service. It embraces its Catholic roots. It meets the needs of a diverse student body. It welcomes traditional students and military personnel alike. Saint Leo stands as a beacon of education. It adapts to the ever-changing landscape of higher learning.