Coming Full Circle: Reflecting on My Journey with the University of Miami and the Future of Business Education
There’s something uniquely special about returning to your alma mater. This past weekend, I had the privilege of cheering on the University of Miami Hurricanes as they faced off and won against Florida State University. The energy was electric, the crowd was buzzing, and for me, it was a moment of profound reflection as a long time Golden Cane. Standing there in orange and green, I was reminded of just how deeply intertwined my life and career are with this incredible institution. Over the years, attending UM games has become a family affair—a time for us all to come together and celebrate not just our team but the community and spirit that UM represents.
The University of Miami has been more than just a school for me; it’s been a foundation, a launching pad, and a source of lifelong friendships and professional partnerships. I’ve been fortunate to give back to UM in many ways—through various boards, councils, the Volunteer Mentorship program, and as a proud supporter of our evolving business school. In fact, we are proud of the Brett And Maria Family Endowed Scholarship Fund created many years ago. And now, with the recent appointment of Paul A. Pavlou as Dean of the University of Miami Herbert Business School, I’m more excited than ever about the future of business education at UM.
Over past few months, Maria and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Paul personally, and he’s become a friend. That personal connection makes supporting UM’s future even more meaningful. With his background in digital transformation and innovation, Dean Pavlou represents a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the values we hold at T-ROC – The Revenue Optimization Companies. In today’s business world, staying ahead means embracing change, fostering innovation, and bridging the gap between technology and human connection. I see these qualities in Dean Pavlou’s vision for the Herbert Business School, and I couldn’t be more excited about what that means for future Hurricanes.
Reflecting on my journey from UM student to entrepreneur, I realize how much of my success is rooted in the values instilled in me during those formative years on campus. The University of Miami taught me not just about business fundamentals but also about the importance of resilience, adaptability, and integrity—traits that have guided me throughout my career. Today, as I lead T-ROC through the evolving landscape of retail technology, I often find myself returning to those core lessons.
In a world where the pace of change is relentless, universities like UM play a critical role in shaping leaders who can navigate complexity with confidence and vision. The future of business is about more than just profit; it’s about impact, purpose, and the courage to innovate. With leaders like Dean Pavlou at the helm of the business school, I have no doubt that UM will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of change-makers.
So, here’s to the Hurricanes, to UM’s continued legacy of excellence, and to all the students, alumni, and faculty who make this community so remarkable. It’s an honor to be part of this journey, to share it with my family, and to look forward to all the ways we’ll continue to push boundaries together.
#GoCanes #UniversityOfMiami #HerbertBusinessSchool #FutureOfBusiness #Innovation #Leadership #UMAlumni
Source: Brett Beveridge – LinkedIn