Dr. Ron Lewis began his University of Saint Francis journey as Director of TRiO Student Support Services from 2014 to 2016. He came back to USF in 2020 as assistant professor of marketing in the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership to continue using his professionalism to benefit USF students.
As TRiO director, Lewis oversaw academic services for first-generation college students to help them excel in school. As Marketing Program Director and Sports Management Program Director, his focus on student success hasn’t changed.
“Our students, in my opinion, are among the nation’s brightest and most dedicated business majors,” he said. “Many of our students take 12 to 15 credit hours while participating in intercollegiate athletics or interning at a local business. Our graduates plan to use what they’ve learned to positively impact the world when they leave school. Students at our school are determined, inspired and committed to their academic goals.”
At USF, Lewis joined a cadre of like-minded education professionals and the business school was a natural fit. “When I worked for TRiO, I frequently collaborated with the school of business to assist TRiO students in the business program,” he said. “In 2020, when I returned to USF, I reunited with previous colleagues and staff members.
“Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging. Wonderful people surround me every day. Every member of our staff is passionate about helping students succeed. As a result, we continuously exchange ideas for ways to improve student motivation and satisfaction in the classroom.”
The collaboration rewards his life, too. “I appreciate the friendships I’ve made with my coworkers,” Lewis said. “Everybody at USF, in my perspective, is genuinely concerned about the well-being and success of its undergraduates. The best part of working at USF is knowing that your efforts are making a difference to the next generation of leaders.”
While he enjoyed the school’s downtown location, the business program’s move this fall to the main Spring Street campus is also positive, he said. “It was a pleasure to work in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Although our downtown campus was terrific, moving to our main campus offers gains. Our students benefit significantly from feeling they are part of the university community. By spending time downtown, we formed and nurtured professional connections that will help our students succeed in school and their future endeavors.”