Dr. Jim Ely

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BS, Marketing, 1970

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
It was a new campus and I liked the way my program was laid out. The quality of education was great and the small campus setting was nice, I didn’t want to feel lost on a big campus. UWF was the farthest away from home (South Dade County) and still in the state of Florida. Campus life was great and I loved the beaches.

What were your goals as a student?
To graduate – I was from a modest background and was the first in my family to go to college. I wanted to get a degree and a job and stay focused on my education.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I have so many! The initial drive to UWF to move here was a 14 hour drive from south Florida and it was my first time away from home. I was so excited. I loved going to the beach every weekend. I remember watching Neil Armstrong land on the moon in July 1969 while I was here at UWF. I remember the drive on highway 90 was amazing. I met my wife at UWF and my roommate became my best friend and was the best man at our wedding. My wife and I carved our initials in the cement of a freshly laid sidewalk – it is still there today!

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Richard Einbeckler – he was a mentor to me in Omega College. He was the head of the business and management department. He was fantastic!

What do you do now?
I have worked for the Florida Department of Transportation for 33 years, the last 18 of those in the FL Turnpike system, of which I am the director. Florida’s turnpike system is the second largest in the United States. I am currently serving as president of the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
I lost my father when I was 14. Coming to UWF was my first time away from home. I was meeting new people in the area and feel I received a quality education and was able to participate in student activities. Back home, I helped run the family business, a restaurant and I didn’t have time for extra-curricular activities in high school.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
I contribute to the Annual Fund, I read the alumni publications, I always speak highly of UWF. I know another UWF alumna, Rosa Roundtree, she and I stay in touch as she is a rising star in Transportation in Georgia. She is on the board of IBTTA with me. It is nice to have a fellow alumnus in my field.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Advice for students – your education is more than the diploma you receive. Be involved in campus life. ’68 – ’71 were the best two years at UWF. If I could return to any time period in my life, that would be it. Advice for the university – never lose the small campus community. Market and promote UWF more in other regions of the state and world. Highlight campus life and the beauty of Pensacola.

You get a great education in a community setting.

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
I am very active in Transportation World – Team Florida. My wife and I live on five acres and have one horse, five dogs, and a bunch of cats. I am currently training to participate in the Spirit Marathon on my 60th Birthday. We have two children, a son Adam who is 28, and a daughter April who is 25.

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