The University of South Florida’s rapidly expanding real estate program has received a significant boost with a $1.25 million donation from alumnus Jeffery Hills, president of Tampa-based Eisenhower Property Group. This substantial gift is earmarked to support the development of a proposed Master of Science in Real Estate program, slated for a potential fall 2027 launch, and further solidifies USF’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in real estate education.
Key Takeaways
- A $1.25 million gift from alumnus Jeffery Hills will significantly enhance USF’s real estate program.
- The funds will support the development of a proposed Master of Science in Real Estate program.
- USF aims to become a regional hub for real estate education, leveraging Tampa Bay’s dynamic market.
- The program benefits from experienced leadership and strong industry connections.
Accelerating Real Estate Education
The substantial contribution from Hills is set to accelerate USF’s push into specialized real estate education. The funds will be instrumental in faculty hiring and curriculum development, particularly for the envisioned Master of Science in Real Estate program. This initiative, potentially launching in fall 2027, aims to equip students with the skills needed for various roles in brokerage, development, private equity, lending, acquisitions, and portfolio management.
Experienced Leadership and Industry Integration
USF’s real estate program is under the guidance of Randy Anderson, PhD, who joined the Muma College of Business in June 2025. Anderson brings a wealth of experience, having previously established and led successful real estate programs at Florida International University and the University of Central Florida. His expertise, combined with a strong emphasis on industry connections, positions USF to capitalize on the thriving real estate market in Tampa Bay. A 40-member advisory board, comprising senior real estate executives from Tampa Bay and other major markets, is actively shaping the curriculum to ensure graduates are "day one ready" for industry demands.
Building a Comprehensive Academic Pathway
The university is already seeing strong student interest, evidenced by the rapid growth of its undergraduate real estate minor, launched in 2024. This minor attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of real estate. Building on this momentum, USF plans to introduce real estate concentrations within the Master of Science in Financial Analytics and the professional MBA programs in fall 2026, pending approval. These concentrations will cover foundational, investment, and development aspects of real estate. The proposed Master of Science in Real Estate, a 30-credit-hour program designed for completion in approximately one year, is currently navigating the university and state approval processes.
Preparing Students for Market Dynamics
Anderson emphasizes the importance of preparing students not only for periods of growth but also for market downturns. The curriculum is being designed to foster an understanding of real estate cycles and risk management, enabling students to make sound decisions throughout their careers. The program welcomes applicants from various academic backgrounds, provided they possess strong quantitative and communication skills, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded cohort ready to contribute to the region’s ongoing development.
Sources
- USF real estate program receives $1.25 million gift, St Pete Catalyst.
- USF real estate program accelerates with $1.25M gift, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.