By Sophia Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief,
& Josie Osborne, Campus News Editor
One of our favorite stories from Saint Leo University President Dadez revolves around a prism. As he has told us many times, he once encountered two very tall basketball players living in his campus building who were physically uncomfortable in their dorms, forced to live on the top floor without being able to stand upright in the elevator to reach their rooms.
He bought that prism, which sat on his desk throughout his presidency, as a reminder of perspective. And we can say with certainty that throughout his time at Saint Leo University, Dadez always approached things with perspective in mind.
The Lions’ Pride Media Group had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Dadez three times during his term to discuss the university and give students a voice in a unique manner. Each time, Dadez met our questions with thoughtful answers and great anecdotes.
After nearly two decades at Saint Leo as vice president of student affairs and visiting professor, Dadez retired in 2018. Just five years later, he was called back to the university to assume a new role: president.
With 14 members of the Dadez family graduating from Saint Leo, including himself, some may say his return was fate. Others, including Dadez, call it passion.
In a past interview with Sullivan, he said, “I’ve given 100 percent of my time, effort and energy, and sometimes I wonder if it’s still enough. I am very passionate about this institution and want to see it get back on its feet and continue to grow.”
Everyone may wish his return came under better circumstances, but the truth is, Saint Leo needed Dadez. Before him, our beloved university was under probation and facing serious financial hardship. Thankfully, Dadez was able to change that.
“In the past five years, we had a deficit of about $26 million, and we’re nowhere near that. We’re in striking distance to be at a surplus,” said Dadez during that same interview.
But hard work isn’t all Dadez has contributed. He has also fostered a welcoming, loving environment at Saint Leo, always putting people first.
“I’ve had mentors and colleagues tell me it would be best if I didn’t form relationships and friendships with people,” Dadez said in 2024. “However, I truly believe relationships are what make this university special, and I can’t change who I am.”
Including personal donations to multiple programs and scholarships, as well as the connections he has made within the Saint Leo community, it is evident Dadez will leave a lasting impact on our home.
