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
🌟 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
From Chicago’s government projects to this triumphant moment, I raise my hand as a testament to perseverance and dedication. With the grace of my savior Jesus Christ fueling my journey, I stand ready to inspire others to reach for their dreams with relentless determination. #CourageToBeMore #chicagostrong #boricuapride #drperez
From Chicago’s government projects to this triumphant moment, I raise my hand as a testament to perseverance and dedication. With the grace of my savior Jesus Christ fueling my journey, I stand ready to inspire others to reach for their dreams with relentless determination. #CourageToBeMore #chicagostrong #boricuapride #drperez
Big man on campus! 🦁🐾
#couragetobemore #saintleouniversity saintleouniv
The countdown is on! One month from today, Saint Leo University will welcome our first group of students moving on campus for the upcoming academic year. Click the link in our bio. to find important dates for new University Campus students.
The countdown is on! One month from today, Saint Leo University will welcome our first group of students moving on campus for the upcoming academic year. Click the link in our bio. to find important dates for new University Campus students.
The Saint Leo University community looks forward to hosting accepted students and their families at The MANE Event this Saturday, July 20! This event offers students the opportunity to complete any outstanding new student checklist items while enjoying a day with fellow incoming classmates.
For students still making their college decision, this will be the last opportunity for instant admission to secure a spot at Saint Leo University. During instant admission, students will have a one-on-one session with an admissions counselor, fill out an application on the spot, provide transcripts, and finalize their enrollment by submitting a deposit.
Click the link in our bio. to find more details and registration information.
See you there, future Lions!
The Saint Leo University community looks forward to hosting accepted students and their families at The MANE Event this Saturday, July 20! This event offers students the opportunity to complete any outstanding new student checklist items while enjoying a day with fellow incoming classmates.
For students still making their college decision, this will be the last opportunity for instant admission to secure a spot at Saint Leo University. During instant admission, students will have a one-on-one session with an admissions counselor, fill out an application on the spot, provide transcripts, and finalize their enrollment by submitting a deposit.
Click the link in our bio. to find more details and registration information.
See you there, future Lions!
Mark your calendars! Saint Leo University is gearing up for its annual Day for Saint Leo giving day on April 11. With a theme that connects back to our university identity of being more and doing more, Day for Saint Leo invites all to give to enrich the lives of others. This year donors will have the opportunity to give to more than 30 different university causes.
Mark your calendars! Saint Leo University is gearing up for its annual Day for Saint Leo giving day on April 11. With a theme that connects back to our university identity of being more and doing more, Day for Saint Leo invites all to give to enrich the lives of others. This year donors will have the opportunity to give to more than 30 different university causes.
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.
Saint Leo University hosted the first two cohorts in its Doctor of Theology in Applied Theology Program last week, July 10-13. This was the first residency experience for the online Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree, which launched in August 2023.
Saint Leo’s Doctor of Theology degree focuses on applied theology, “so not only does it include academic research, but it also offers practical knowledge and skills for those who serve in various ministries and organizations within the Church and the wider community,” said Dr. Stephen Okey, associate professor and director of the program. “It builds on our successful Master of Arts in theology program.”
Father Carlos Rojas, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dade City, FL, said he enrolled in the doctoral program, “so I can be a better priest. It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues.”
The doctoral degree is offered online, and most students attend the summer residency in person at the university’s campus.
Saint Leo University hosted the first two cohorts in its Doctor of Theology in Applied Theology Program last week, July 10-13. This was the first residency experience for the online Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree, which launched in August 2023.
Saint Leo’s Doctor of Theology degree focuses on applied theology, “so not only does it include academic research, but it also offers practical knowledge and skills for those who serve in various ministries and organizations within the Church and the wider community,” said Dr. Stephen Okey, associate professor and director of the program. “It builds on our successful Master of Arts in theology program.”
Father Carlos Rojas, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dade City, FL, said he enrolled in the doctoral program, “so I can be a better priest. It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues.”
The doctoral degree is offered online, and most students attend the summer residency in person at the university’s campus.