Investing in Integrity: A Dean's Gift That Keeps Giving

As I approach the fourth anniversary of my initiation as a Deltasig, I feel that it's time to reflect on how being a part of this fraternity has impacted me as a young professional.

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My undergraduate business studies began amid the disorienting conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time when most first-year students are expected to become involved in their business world, the entire world was just tentatively reopening. I was surrounded by many peers who were still carrying the weight of isolation, a hesitation to socialize, often lacking the very social skills that business demands.

I, too, felt a sense of isolation, but for different reasons than my peers who had always had the benefit of brick-and-mortar schooling. My upbringing had always made me feel like an outlier, and now, amidst that sea of hesitant faces, I again found myself adrift.

At that time, ironically, the only people who seemed genuinely willing to engage in the spaces I occupied were the faculty. It was within those interactions that I began to find a sense of belonging, a connection that felt particularly poignant during such a socially fragmented time. 

And then, there was Dean Fountain.

For reasons I'm still not sure of, he saw something in me that I did not see at the time. I'm sure he was aware of my discomfort with the prevailing business school culture, and instead of letting me make the same mistakes as my peers, he offered me a lifeline: Delta Sigma Pi - a professional co-ed business fraternity. An organization that he had known as his own fraternity during his days as an accounting student at the University of West Florida. I know from our conversations that he believes it would provide the values and support that all business students should be seeking.

But he didn't just suggest it. He invested in it. Literally. Dean Fountain paid my first semester dues. Just as he had done and continues to do for many emerging leaders in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business.

That simple act of generosity changed everything for me. It wasn't just about the financial assistance, though that was incredibly meaningful. It was about the act, and the belief that he placed in me and my potential.

The fraternity became my sanctuary. It was a student organization that I helped build (back) from the ground-up after the terrible effects of the pandemic on social engagement. Interacting with like-minded individuals who valued professionalism and ethical conduct took me right back to the culture I was exposed to as a child tagging along to the conventions and conferences my father had attended throughout my life. 

To sum up my four years of involvement: It reinforced the principles that I already held dear and gave me the tools to navigate complexities of the business world without compromising my integrity.

Looking back, I realize how pivotal that moment was. Dean Fountain didn't just give me a chance; he gave me a foundation. He showed me that true professionalism isn't a weakness; it's a strength. And he demonstrated that true leadership is about fostering growth and empowering others.

His mentorship extended far beyond that first semester. He continues to encourage me to be the professional I am today, to uphold my values, and to lead with integrity. His words and actions have shaped my career and my life in profound ways.

To Dr. Fountain, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your belief in me made all the difference. Your investment wasn't just financial; it was an investment in my future, in my character, and in the kind of professional I strive to be. Thank you for being a mentor, a guide, and a shining example of what true leadership looks like. You have made a massive impact on my life, and I will forever be grateful.

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I hope that this story can inspire others to seek out and cherish the mentors who believe in them. And to those in positions of leadership, I hope it serves as a reminder of the power of a single act of kindness and belief.