Michael Tarwater

UWF Degree and Year of Graduation:
BS, Management, 1975

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I grew up in Pensacola. After completing my studies at PJC, UWF’s location and affordability made it the natural choice.

What were your goals as a student?
My primary goal was to pursue my interest in health care. I was initially considering medicine but through UWF’s co-op program (at Baptist Hospital) I developed a passion for hospital administration. I selected the management program at UWF to support this interest.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
As far as my formal education, the co-op program was amazing. At that time, a student would “work” for one quarter, and then have formal coursework for one quarter. The “working side” at Baptist Hospital and the academic classroom experience supported each other so well…it was a tremendous learning experience. I could see the connection between the theory and practice.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
The professor that taught organizational theory. He came to UWF from the business community and was able to share that experience with the students.

What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am President and CEO of Carolinas Health Care System. Again, I think about the co-op program. I could learn about management theory, finance, statistics, and other areas in the classroom as I was getting real experience in the hospital world. This prepared me extraordinarily well for my first hospital job and for graduate school.

Please describe any other areas that you are involved in, such as volunteer work, mentoring, serving on various boards, etc.
I have served on the board of a number of organizations, including Communities & Schools in Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Foundation of the University of North Carolina, Charlotte and the United Way of the Central Carolinas Finance Committee. I have also served on the College of Business Advisory Council at UWF, the UNC School of Public Health Advisory Council and the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
In addition to reading UWF’s publications, my parents (who live in Pensacola and are UWF graduates) keep me well informed.

What advice do you have for current and future UWF students?
It’s important to be a well-rounded person, so value what you learn in the liberal arts classes, even if they are outside of your major. Also, try to find out what you love to do while you are at UWF through internships, volunteering, or other opportunities.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
It fills a very important role in the Northwest Florida region. UWF provides opportunities to many people who may not otherwise be able to participate in higher education.

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