#United States #St. Thomas University #Miami Gardens #Miami-Dade #Ethics

New Partnership for Ethical Leadership

St. Thomas University (STU) has announced an exciting new collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. This initiative is geared towards enhancing ethical governance, transparency, and public accountability through educational efforts and community outreach initiatives.

On January 24, 2025, President David A. Armstrong, J.D. from STU and Ignacio Vazquez, Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics, formalized this partnership by signing a collaborative agreement in President Armstrong’s office situated on the university’s Miami Gardens campus. This partnership will create unique opportunities where students can delve into ethical practices that significantly affect public service and governance.

One of the primary objectives of this collaboration involves internships and workshops centered around ethics and compliance, as well as public events tailored to cultivate future leaders who are rooted in integrity. “Joining forces with the Commission on Ethics and Public Trust reflects STU’s mission to train students to grow into ethical leaders within their communities,” Armstrong stated. “This alliance reinforces our dedication to embedding ethical values within our curriculum and instilling an understanding of the critical nature of transparency and public trust.”

Through this initiative, students from STU, including those from the Benjamin Crump College of Law, will engage in practical experiences relating to ethics while collaborating with public officials and community leaders. They will also be involved in projects that advocate for best practices in governance throughout Miami-Dade County.

Vazquez expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, emphasizing its alignment with the Commission’s mission to nurture a culture of accountability. “Together, we will equip the future generation with essential knowledge and tools that are crucial for ethical leadership, ultimately crafting a brighter future for Miami-Dade,” he remarked.

Moreover, this collaboration plans to offer continuing education seminars aimed at public officials, covering pertinent topics such as conflict of interest, public accountability, and effective governance practices. These seminars will be organized through STU’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. In addition to this, a speaker series will be launched featuring community leaders and experts in public ethics to engage the wider Miami community.

About St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University is considered one of the leading Catholic universities in the Southeastern United States. It’s a private, nonprofit establishment that emphasizes the academic and professional growth of its students while fostering ethical leadership on a global scale. Rich in cultural diversity, STU is affiliated with the Miami Archdiocese and serves as the only archdiocesan university in Florida, out of only 11 in the entire country.

Since 2018, under the leadership of President Armstrong, STU has witnessed exponential enrollment growth, boasting a community of over 6,500 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrollment students. The university offers diverse academic programs through its various colleges, including Health Sciences, Nursing, Law, Business, and Liberal Arts.

STU is embarking on a significant expansion initiative worth $123 million, marking its most ambitious project since the institution's inception in 1961. This includes the introduction of 400,000 square feet of new facilities such as a residence hall, athletic fields, and an upgraded business school.

About the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust is a standalone agency devoted to ensuring integrity within government operations. Through education, oversight, and enforcement, the Commission seeks to mitigate unethical behavior and enhance public confidence in the governance of Miami-Dade County.