By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
A group of prospective students from Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in South Korea spent a week exploring the Tampa Bay area and getting an inside look at USF’s Fintech Center at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.
The international visit was part of a strategic new partnership between USF’s Muma College of Business and SKKU, aimed at expanding USF’s global presence and enriching the educational experience for students pursuing a degree in finance and fintech. Fintech refers to the integration of technology into financial services and has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic and vital aspects of business today.
During their time at USF, the students from SKKU met with fintech faculty, learned about academic programs and joined panel discussions with leaders in the fintech industry.
“By welcoming global perspectives, we are not only enriching our academic community but also preparing our students to lead in the dynamic, interconnected world of business and finance,” said Gary Patterson, dean of the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and campus dean of the Muma College of Business at USF St. Petersburg.
Eleven students and faculty members from SKKU met with fintech faculty at Muma College of Business.
The Fintech Center at USF St. Petersburg is an entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to helping students, faculty, the business community and entrepreneurs succeed and make a positive impact in the fast-growing fintech sector.
Industry growth in fintech is spurring new academic programs at the university. USF currently offers an undergraduate degree in finance with a concentration in fintech. Starting in fall 2025, USF will offer a master’s degree in fintech, with a bachelor’s degree in fintech available in fall 2026.
“This is a win-win for our universities,” said Jung Chul Park, associate director of the Kate Tiedemann School of Business at USF St. Petersburg. “We can offer students a curriculum with more technical content that will meet the demands of the industry.”
As part of the partnership, students from SKKU will have the opportunity to start their graduate studies at SKKU and complete their graduate degree at USF.
The STEM-designated fintech program also provides students with three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization that improves chances of securing an internship or job in their field of study. The OPT is typically one year, which can make it difficult for companies to hire international students.
“From their perspective, this could be a great platform for students to learn advanced, cutting-edge skills through an education at USF and work for a company in the Tampa Bay area,” Park said.
Fintech education and programming is growing at USF as rapidly as the field is evolving. This growth was spurred by a transformational $14 million gift from Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton back in 2022, which has supported the university's vision in becoming a “hub of excellence” in fintech.
In 2024, the Fintech Center launched an online certificate program that teaches about the dynamic world of fintech. The eight-week program provides a non-technical, foundational understanding of fintech and its impact on the future of business for students, entrepreneurs and working professionals.
SKKU students join panel discussion with Michael Wiemer, Amanda Reineke and Sam Tuffaha at Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.
In addition, a multiyear partnership between the Muma College of Business and Tampa Bay Wave is assisting high-potential, high-growth startups in the industry through mentoring, pitch coaching and investment training. The Fintech|X Accelerator has worked with more than 50 startups to transition them into sustainable, scalable and profitable businesses.
Amanda Reineke, CEO and co-founder at Notice Ninja, a tax notice compliance solutions company, was part of the accelerator program. During a panel discussion with SKKU students, Reineke, Michael Wiemer, director of the USF Fintech Center, and Sam Tuffaha, consulting partner at VIVAT, a global software solutions company, shared valuable advice for those pursuing degrees and future careers in finance.
“Whatever industry space you’re in, you want to enjoy it. It will give you more curiosity to expand, learn, create and bring more to your company,” Reineke said. “I think if you have a passion, a product and an idea, run with it. There’s so much opportunity here."