Key Takeaways
- Saint Leo University is merging its Donald R. Tapia College of Business with the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science (CARDS) to form the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology, effective fall 2025.
- The new college will house undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, and data analytics.
- A bachelor’s degree in business analytics will be introduced, blending AI, data visualization, economics, and marketing analytics to prepare students for data‑driven decision‑making roles.
- A hands‑on drone program will train students in unmanned aerial systems for logistics, public safety, and related industries.
- University leaders emphasize that graduates must be able to work ethically alongside AI, not view it as a replacement for human workers.
- AI tools will be woven throughout the curriculum—for fraud detection and forecasting in finance, threat identification in cybersecurity, and model‑building in investment courses.
- Saint Leo plans to deepen employer partnerships via internships, jointly designed coursework, and capstone projects that align academic training with workforce needs.
- The reorganization reflects a national trend: 21 % of U.S. workers now use AI at work (up from 16 % a year earlier), underscoring demand for hybrid business‑tech talent.
- Founded in 1889, Saint Leo serves students on its Pasco County campus, online, and through education centers nationwide, positioning the new college to meet evolving regional and national labor‑market demands.
Creation of the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology
Saint Leo University announced the consolidation of its Donald R. Tapia College of Business with the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science (CARDS) into a single academic unit called the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology. The merger, set to launch in the fall semester, aims to break down traditional academic silos that have historically separated business and technology disciplines. By uniting these fields under one college, the institution seeks to foster interdisciplinary learning and produce graduates who can navigate the increasingly intertwined demands of modern enterprises. The restructuring reflects a broader shift in higher education, where universities respond to employer calls for professionals who possess both strong business acumen and technical expertise.
Academic Offerings Within the New College
Under the new structure, students will have access to a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. These include business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, and data analytics. The consolidation allows learners to tailor their education across domains—for instance, a finance major can elect AI‑focused coursework, while a computer science student can pursue classes in risk management or organizational strategy. This flexibility is intended to equip graduates with a versatile skill set that aligns with the multifaceted nature of today’s job market, where roles often require fluency in both financial analysis and emerging technologies.
Launch of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics
A notable addition to the curriculum is a newly created bachelor’s degree in business analytics. The program is explicitly designed to integrate artificial intelligence with data visualization, economics, and marketing analytics. Coursework will cover statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and the ethical use of AI in business contexts. By emphasizing hands‑on projects that involve real‑world data sets, the degree aims to prepare students for careers that rely on data‑driven decision‑making, such as business intelligence analyst, marketing analyst, or operations researcher. University officials highlight that graduates will be able to translate complex data into actionable insights while maintaining a strong foundation in business principles.
Introduction of a Drone Training Program
Saint Leo is also rolling out a drone program that provides practical training in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The initiative targets industries such as logistics, public safety, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, where drones are increasingly used for surveillance, delivery, and monitoring. Students will learn flight operations, sensor integration, data collection, and regulatory compliance, and regulatory considerations governing UAS use. The program intends to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and field application, giving graduates a competitive edge in sectors that value both technical piloting skills and an understanding of how aerial data can inform business decisions.
Dean’s Perspective on Interdisciplinary Education
Dr. Derek Mohammed, dean of the Tapia College of Business and Technology, articulated the rationale behind the merger in a university press release. He noted that contemporary organizational challenges rarely fit neatly into traditional academic silos; business leaders must grasp cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, while technology professionals need fluency in finance, operations, risk management, and organizational strategy. The new college was created specifically to develop graduates who can operate confidently at the intersection of these domains. By fostering a learning environment where business and technology perspectives coexist, the university aims to produce professionals capable of leading innovative projects that require both strategic vision and technical execution.
AI Adoption Trends and Workforce Demand
The announcement cites a 2025 Pew Research Center survey showing that 21 % of American workers now use artificial intelligence to complete at least some of their tasks, up from 16 % the previous year. This upward trend underscores a growing employer demand for workers who can leverage AI tools effectively. Saint Leo’s restructuring is a direct response to this shift, aiming to ensure that its graduates are not only familiar with AI concepts but also proficient in applying them within their respective fields. The data reinforces the necessity for academic programs that evolve their offerings to match the evolving skill sets required in the modern labor market.
President’s Vision for Ethical AI Integration
Saint Leo President Jim Burkee emphasized that the university’s goal is to teach students how to work alongside AI responsibly rather than viewing it as a replacement for human labor. In the release, he stated, “The future belongs to professionals who know how to work alongside AI in an ethical way, not compete against it.” This philosophy will permeate the curriculum, encouraging students to consider the societal implications of AI deployment, including bias mitigation, transparency, and accountability. By embedding ethical considerations into technical training, Saint Leo aims to cultivate a workforce that can harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding against potential harms.
Curriculum‑Wide Application of AI Tools
AI applications will be woven into various disciplines within the new college. Finance and accounting students will employ AI‑driven tools for fraud detection, financial forecasting, and risk assessment. Cybersecurity learners will use AI to identify network threats, analyze anomalous behavior, and automate incident response procedures. Investment‑focused courses will task students with using AI to parse large financial datasets, build predictive models, and inform portfolio strategies. These hands‑on experiences are intended to demystify AI technologies and demonstrate their practical utility, ensuring that graduates can confidently implement AI solutions in professional settings.
Strengthening Employer Partnerships
To align classroom instruction with real‑world needs, Saint Leo plans to expand collaborations with regional employers through internships, jointly developed coursework, and capstone projects. These partnerships will allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to actual business problems, gain industry‑specific experience, and build professional networks. Employers, in turn, benefit from access to a pipeline of talent trained in the latest business‑tech competencies. By fostering these relationships, the university hopes to ensure that its programs remain relevant and that graduates are immediately productive upon entering the workforce.
Institutional Background and Geographic Reach
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University has a long‑standing tradition of providing accessible education. Today, it serves students on its Pasco County campus located off County Road 52, offers fully online programs, and maintains education centers across the country. This broad delivery model enables the university to reach a diverse student population, including working professionals seeking upskilling opportunities. The launch of the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology leverages this extensive reach, positioning Saint Leo to meet the growing demand for hybrid business‑technology graduates both locally and nationally.
Conclusion
The restructuring of Saint Leo University’s business and technology colleges into the Donald R. Tapia College of Business and Technology represents a strategic response to evolving workforce demands. By offering integrated degree programs, introducing specialized credentials such as the business analytics bachelor’s and drone training, and embedding AI throughout the curriculum, the university aims to produce graduates capable of thriving at the crossroads of business and technology. Emphasis on ethical AI use, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to interdisciplinary learning further underscore the institution’s dedication to preparing students for the future of work. As AI adoption continues to rise, initiatives like this one will likely become increasingly vital in shaping a competent, adaptable, and responsible professional workforce.