Today, John Hitt President of the University of Central Florida announced that he will be retiring after 25 years leading UCF. This announcement hit home. Specifically some of Dr. Hitt's comments about UCF during his tenure as President.  Under President Hitt's leadership, UCF shattered the idea that "Exclusivity is a virtue of higher education." This type of thinking is what allowed me and thousands like me access to higher education. In fact, inclusivity has allowed UCF to become one of the largest universities in the nation while retaining high academic standards (avg. GPA for students 4.05) and amazing research productivity (classified as an intensive research institution).  Under Dr. Hitt's leadership, UCF has proven that innovation, inclusivity, and access to all does not equal compromise in academic standards. It means opportunity. Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for your service and leadership. UCF is a great place to call my Alma Mater.

Since moving to Providence, I've been working out with a group called Training for Warriors (TFW). TFW is a global group of gyms, coaches, and affiliates started by Martin Rooney, trainer to MMA fighters and other athletes. Although I have no aspiration to become an MMA fighter, I do want to be stronger. I am a fierce advocate for the belief that taking care of my body will help me to take care of my mind. And for the time being, my mind is the most valuable income earning asset I have. Anyway, TFW is awesome! Coach Mike with TFW Providence is a great friend and mentor and I cherish the time I spend with the group, even though it's hard to carve the time out of my week. I think it's important to share my progress. So here's the first (of hopefully many) Transformation Tuesdays.