Focus on 40 Honorees/
Alumni Board of Trustees Members
Reinhard Metzger
UWF degree and year of graduation:
B.S. Industrial Technology, 1969
Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I started my college career on a football scholarship at McNeese State. After two years, I decided I needed to concentrate more on my education. I had relatives in Crestview and knew about UWF. It was a small new school and I decided to give it a try.
What were your goals as a student?
I knew I wanted to work my way into running a major company.
What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I recall the special attention and close scrutiny provided by my professors.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Tom Committe — he was tough!
How did UWF help you progress to this point?
I got my beginning at UWF. The academic environment provided me an opportunity to learn a lot in a short period of time. The discipline of the academic environment with emphasis on student participation gave me practical hands-on experience.
Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing golf and fishing in Canada and Alaska.
What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
1. Respect the opinions of your professors and your peers.
2. Find your professional path early in your career and stick to it.
3. Nothing replaces hard work and attention to detail.
What do you do now?
Since March I have taken a step back from the corporate world and enjoyed some time off. Recently I began working with some private equity firms on acquisitions and I enjoy that.
What quality makes UWF special or unique?
UWF gave me an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective in an environment where professors were able to spend time with individual students. For me, this created a learning environment that was more an experience than simply sitting in a lecture.
How do you stay connected to UWF?
For many years I commuted from the East coast to the West coast for business. The Alumni newsletter and giving through the Annual Fund has allowed me to stay in touch with UWF.