David Blackwell joined the University of South Florida, in 2024, from the University of Kentucky, where he previously served as the university’s provost and chief academic officer, dean of the Gatton College of Business and, most recently, associate dean for professional graduate business programs. As provost, Blackwell led the university through record enrollment growth while maintaining academic preparation and increasing diversity, as well as record retention and graduation rates. Under his leadership as dean, the University of Kentucky’s business college increased overall enrollment by 36 percent; increased freshman enrollment by 67 percent; and achieved record rates of retention and graduation. During his tenure, the college raised over $100 million in philanthropy, including the $65 million expansion and renovation of the Gatton College facility, one of the premier business education facilities in the country.
- College alma mater? University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
2. Favorite TV show of all time? The Sopranos.
3. Preferred place for a business meeting? My office.
4. Most used phone app? Text.
5. What time do you wake up on workdays? 6:15 a.m.
6. What’s a life hack you swear by? The Katherine Hepburn wardrobe model. Solid suits—light gray, charcoal, navy, blue and black. Solid shirts—blue or white. Black belt and shoes. Any color tie, when needed. This way I don’t have to think about what to wear and everything matches.
7. First album/cassette tape/CD you remember buying? Joe Cocker, on cassette, in the early 70s:
8. Favorite local restaurant? Don Julio’s, at Tampa Palms.
9. Last book you read? The Bomber Mafia, by Malcolm Gladwell.
10. Biggest business failure? As a consultant, I failed in my efforts to prevent a major music retailer from avoiding bankruptcy.
11. What was your first cell phone? Motorola flip phone.
12. Something you cook really well? Breakfast tacos.
13. Most famous person you’ve ever met? It’s a tie: Alec Baldwin or George Bush. I actually played tennis against Alec Baldwin, years ago.
14. What is the last thing that made you laugh really hard? Mom: “David, take out the trash!!” David: “But Mom, I have a bone in my leg!” It’s a silly joke but my best childhood friend told me this joke decades ago and every time I think of it I start laughing—nearly uncontrollably.
15. What is a movie you will NEVER watch again? A Clockwork Orange.
16. Last place you traveled for fun? River cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
17. What was your first car? Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
18. Charity you support? I like to support veterans’ and first responders’ causes.
19. What is something silly you got in trouble for as a child? I forgot to check the oil in our family’s second car, as my dad instructed. He was driving the car and the engine threw a rod. I paid for that one for months.
20. Best advice ever received? As a leader, stay calm, especially in the most challenging circumstances. Be kind.