Today is the 10th of March, 2026, and big changes are on the horizon for Saint Leo University. Jim Burkee, who took the helm as president just six months ago, has been tasked with redirecting the institution for its next phase of growth. With a vision to transform Saint Leo into the largest Catholic university in the United States, Burkee is paving the way for ambitious development plans.
Currently, DePaul University in Chicago holds the title with approximately 21,000 enrolled students. Burkee believes that Saint Leo has the potential to surpass that number, and he is committed to making it happen. Part of this vision includes the development of a campus master plan to assess capacity for additional students and necessary infrastructure.
A Focus on Workforce Demand
Burkee’s strategy is heavily focused on aligning the university’s offerings with the burgeoning demand for skilled labor in technical fields. According to federal labor projections, millions of jobs remain unfilled in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. This gap is already evident in the Tampa Bay region, where businesses are struggling to find qualified graduates.
To address this need, Saint Leo plans to expand its programs in AI certification and technology, as well as forge partnerships with employers. As part of this initiative, Burkee anticipates that international students will play a significant role in enriching the university’s diverse community. A new partnership with IBM has also been announced, positioning students to meet future job market demands. Starting in the fall of 2026, every student will be required to obtain an AI certification through the IBM SkillsBuild platform, enhancing their employability regardless of their field of study.
Building Relationships and Enhancing Experience
To further strengthen connections with the business community in Tampa Bay, Saint Leo will be hiring staff dedicated to corporate partnerships and career services. The goal is to establish hundreds of formal relationships with employers within the next year, providing students with vital opportunities for internships. In fact, the university plans to implement a program requiring all undergraduate students to complete an internship before graduation.
Burkee is also keen on restoring the culture of accountability and operational discipline that was established under former president Arthur Kirk. This involves developing systems to measure student experiences through direct feedback, ensuring that the university continually improves its offerings.
A Period of Reinvention and Growth
As Burkee leads this charge, he describes the upcoming years as a phase of rebuilding and sharpening the university’s mission. With an eye on expanding technology programs and deepening employer relationships, Saint Leo is poised for growth and increased enrollment. For more detailed insights on Burkee’s ambitious plans, check out the full article on TBBW Magazine.
Understanding the broader context of education in the United States is essential, especially for international students considering Saint Leo. The U.S. higher education system is known for its success in research and global rankings, despite its youth—Harvard, the first institution, was founded in 1636. However, there have been fluctuations in enrollment, with the number of students peaking at over 21 million in 2010, then declining to 18.1 million by 2023. Approximately 5.4 percent of the U.S. population attends college, which is about two percent more than in Germany.
In the U.S., differences in the education system can lead to a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in fields that require vocational training in Germany but necessitate a college degree in the U.S. Furthermore, the decentralized nature of the American education system allows institutions to have autonomy over admissions, curriculum, and accreditation, reflecting the diversity of goals and funding structures across various colleges.
For more information about the U.S. education system and its implications for international students, visit the DAAD’s detailed overview at DAAD.