University of Tampa professor honored for entrepreneurship

Professor Rebecca White, director of the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center in the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa, received the Legacy Award from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers, according to the University of Tampa.

White was given the award at the consortium's conference in Dallas.

The Legacy Award acknowledges White's contributions to the field of entrepreneurship education, her commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and her impact on students, academics and the broader community, UT officials say.

The consortium is an academic organization addressing the emerging topics that affect university-based entrepreneurship programs.

With a 25-year career, White holds the Walter Chair of Entrepreneurship and has led UT's entrepreneurship program since 2009.

At the University of Tampa, White is responsible for curriculum development across several entrepreneurship degree programs. Under White’s leadership, UT says, the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center received numerous accolades, including the esteemed NASDAQ Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the consortium.

In her nomination packet, White received letters of support from entrepreneurship center directors and professors at schools including University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, San Diego State University and the University of Cincinnati.

Frank Ghannadian, dean of the UT's Sykes College, says that White has been pivotal in curating a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical industry insights, benefiting hundreds of students annually.

"Her strategic collaborations with industry leaders and startups have ensured a rich eco-system for budding entrepreneurs, facilitating mentorships, internships and hands-on project opportunities," says Ghannadian. "The Legacy Award exemplifies her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent and bridging academia with the real-world challenges and opportunities of the startup arena."

The University of Tampa is a private university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. The university serves more than 10,800 students from 50 states and most of the world's countries.