Courage lives here.
With a 134-year history rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, Saint Leo University is a place of belonging for all those in pursuit of a greater purpose in life. Here, we courageously pursue truth and knowledge, put people first, make learning accessible, and let our Catholic faith lead us forward.
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
Charles Onyeneke ’17
While Reverend Charles Onyeneke ’17 began his journey to religious life as an 8-year-old altar server in Nigeria, it was faith in himself and his academic institution that helped him become an ordained priest. As an international student living in the United States for the first time, Charles discovered the power of patience and a “listening ear” from his professors as he earned his master’s degree in theology from a university he chose because of its strong Catholic values. “Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Physical therapist and front-line health care supervisor Brent Patterson ’21 found faith and compassion from his Saint Leo professors and classmates as he confronted the mental and physical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructors knew each person, and they never hesitated to be there for their students. Brent’s instructors and classmates eased the pressures of front-line life and treated each other as family. In his online classes, he found open discussion and a university that demonstrates faith, values each person, and encourages everyone to succeed. “As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
For Brooke Wittington ’17, finding her place among a small group of peers was paramount to her journey as an educator. Working toward her bachelor’s degree as an adult at Saint Leo’s education centers, Brooke became inspired by instructors who emerged as her role models. Because of Saint Leo, Brooke learned to create transparency and personal connections in the classroom. She developed a true understanding of student relationships and how to build them, earning the hearts of her fourth-grade students and the admiration of her colleagues as a 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. “As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
Charles Onyeneke ’17
While Reverend Charles Onyeneke ’17 began his journey to religious life as an 8-year-old altar server in Nigeria, it was faith in himself and his academic institution that helped him become an ordained priest. As an international student living in the United States for the first time, Charles discovered the power of patience and a “listening ear” from his professors as he earned his master’s degree in theology from a university he chose because of its strong Catholic values. “Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Physical therapist and front-line health care supervisor Brent Patterson ’21 found faith and compassion from his Saint Leo professors and classmates as he confronted the mental and physical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructors knew each person, and they never hesitated to be there for their students. Brent’s instructors and classmates eased the pressures of front-line life and treated each other as family. In his online classes, he found open discussion and a university that demonstrates faith, values each person, and encourages everyone to succeed. “As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
For Brooke Wittington ’17, finding her place among a small group of peers was paramount to her journey as an educator. Working toward her bachelor’s degree as an adult at Saint Leo’s education centers, Brooke became inspired by instructors who emerged as her role models. Because of Saint Leo, Brooke learned to create transparency and personal connections in the classroom. She developed a true understanding of student relationships and how to build them, earning the hearts of her fourth-grade students and the admiration of her colleagues as a 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. “As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Tayhana Taylor ’24
Working for a “Big Four” accounting firm was always part of the vision for Tayhana Taylor ’24 when she left Jamaica to attend Saint Leo University. To help make her goal a reality, Tayhana’s professors taught her that success is not a linear path and inspired her to seek out the advice of others. Tayhana completed three internships with accounting firms large and small and now will graduate from a small university that’s helping her make big connections. “Saint Leo believes in me. My professors have impacted my perception of what I can accomplish.”
#CourageToBeMore
During Black History Month, we are profiling Saint Leo University faculty members as they share who inspires them and how they have used that inspiration to encourage their students.
The late Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell is a Black political figure who inspires Dr. Austin Trantham in his profession as a political scientist and educator.
Trantham said while serving as secretary of state, Powell demonstrated the power of constructive dissent by providing rational counterarguments to prevailing wisdom as part of decision-making processes. “The ability to respectfully consider opposing viewpoints is missing in politics today, and so, Powell’s example continually reminds me to treat others` opinions with respect and dignity.”
Click the link in our bio. to hear from more of our faculty as they share the performers, politicians, thinkers and doers, and family and friends who inspire them this month.
During Black History Month, we are profiling Saint Leo University faculty members as they share who inspires them and how they have used that inspiration to encourage their students.
The late Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell is a Black political figure who inspires Dr. Austin Trantham in his profession as a political scientist and educator.
Trantham said while serving as secretary of state, Powell demonstrated the power of constructive dissent by providing rational counterarguments to prevailing wisdom as part of decision-making processes. “The ability to respectfully consider opposing viewpoints is missing in politics today, and so, Powell’s example continually reminds me to treat others` opinions with respect and dignity.”
Click the link in our bio. to hear from more of our faculty as they share the performers, politicians, thinkers and doers, and family and friends who inspire them this month.
Big man on campus! 🦁🐾
#couragetobemore #saintleouniversity saintleouniv
Valentine`s Day is almost here! Today we`re sharing another great reason why our students love Saint Leo University.
Valentine`s Day is almost here! Today we`re sharing another great reason why our students love Saint Leo University.
It`s Leo Love Week! As we celebrate Valentine`s Day this week and throughout February, we are sharing the many reasons our students love Saint Leo University.
Why do you love Saint Leo? 💚💛
#couragetobemore
It`s Leo Love Week! As we celebrate Valentine`s Day this week and throughout February, we are sharing the many reasons our students love Saint Leo University.
Why do you love Saint Leo? 💚💛
#couragetobemore
This week, Saint Leo University celebrated our spring sports at our Spirit Bash! Our community enjoyed music, dance and cheer performances, and a free lunch in the Dining Hall while meeting our spring sport coaches and athletes.
Support our spring sports by coming to an upcoming game! Follow @saintleolions for schedule updates and more.
#couragetobemore
This week, Saint Leo University celebrated our spring sports at our Spirit Bash! Our community enjoyed music, dance and cheer performances, and a free lunch in the Dining Hall while meeting our spring sport coaches and athletes.
Support our spring sports by coming to an upcoming game! Follow @saintleolions for schedule updates and more.
#couragetobemore
🌟 Ready to embark on your journey as a #SaintLeoLion? Follow these steps to register for a campus tour and make the most out of your visit! 🦁✨
📅Mark your calendar: Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM, and on select Saturdays.
🔖 Don’t forget to bookmark this post for easy access to registration instructions. #SaintLeoUniversity #couragetobemore
🌟 Ready to embark on your journey as a #SaintLeoLion? Follow these steps to register for a campus tour and make the most out of your visit! 🦁✨
📅Mark your calendar: Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM, and on select Saturdays.
🔖 Don’t forget to bookmark this post for easy access to registration instructions. #SaintLeoUniversity #couragetobemore
Future Lions, mark your calendars! We will host our next on-campus open house on Saturday, February 3. Prospective students and families will learn about academic and student life, campus involvement, financial aid, and more.
Saint Leo University is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a token of our commitment, we are delighted to offer a chance to win a $1,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends our open house event.
Click the link in our bio. to learn more details about our open house and this exciting scholarship opportunity.
Future Lions, mark your calendars! We will host our next on-campus open house on Saturday, February 3. Prospective students and families will learn about academic and student life, campus involvement, financial aid, and more.
Saint Leo University is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a token of our commitment, we are delighted to offer a chance to win a $1,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends our open house event.
Click the link in our bio. to learn more details about our open house and this exciting scholarship opportunity.
In honor of National Coaches Day, a few of our Saint Leo coaches have shared some words of wisdom or a particular quote they use to motivate their teams. We appreciate our coaches and all of the ways they support and inspire the Saint Leo community.
In honor of National Coaches Day, a few of our Saint Leo coaches have shared some words of wisdom or a particular quote they use to motivate their teams. We appreciate our coaches and all of the ways they support and inspire the Saint Leo community.