Tom Stewart embodies “Panther for Life” through a 32-year career defined by an unwavering commitment to the Florida Tech community. Arriving in April 1994, he has transitioned from managing the outdated, 250-seat Evans Hall to overseeing a modern, multi-unit dining operation that serves as the heartbeat of campus life. His tenure is marked by a rare blend of visionary infrastructure planning and a deeply personal dedication to the well-being of every student, faculty member, and staff person who walks through his doors. Tom’s legacy is defined by his active role in expanding the university’s footprint and fostering a sense of community through food.
Tom had significant input in the design of the Panther Dining Hall, advocating for an open floor plan with diverse culinary stations (Wok, Pizza, Pasta, Deli, and Home Style). This eliminated the traditional “military-style” tray lines, allowing students to navigate freely and socialize.
Under his leadership, dining services grew from serving fewer than 400 students to over 2,600 today. He successfully launched vital social hubs such as the Rathskeller (a pizza delivery and game room hub) and converted the Black Cats Cafe into a high-traffic, center-campus pizza shop. He also partnered with a sushi company to produce 300 fresh boxes daily on campus, meeting student demand for “brand-name” quality and variety without needing a full-scale franchise build-out.
Tom transformed the dining hall into a venue for cultural education through the Global Kitchens series. Under his guidance, the Paris event won a national award, and these events continue to act as a “front door” for the university, attracting hundreds of community members to campus.
His commitment to quality extends beyond the plate; it also encompasses the financial security of his team and the satisfaction of the student body. He was instrumental in redesigning meal plans to offer “unlimited service.” By moving away from restrictive weekly meal counts, he ensured students have constant, flexible access to high-quality nutrition.
Tom has fostered a culture of extreme loyalty, managing a staff of 120 with remarkable retention rates. He successfully lobbied to raise staff wages, making Florida Tech a leader in hospitality pay in Brevard County.
Unlike commercial restaurants, Tom guarantees his staff a 40-hour week regardless of seasonal lulls. This commitment to his team has led to a culture of longevity, where he works alongside legends like Peggy Zinsmeister (35 years) and Mike Ducatte (34 years).
His most profound impact is seen in his innovative problem-solving and his leadership during times of crisis. Recognizing that “compostable” trays were ineffective due to a lack of local facilities, Tom introduced 5,000 reusable OZZI “green boxes.” His “box or card” exchange system was so successful that he served as a consultant for Virginia Tech to help that school implement similar models.
He also holds a legendary record of maintaining service through numerous hurricanes. He developed a system of “survival bags” filled with water and convenience foods distributed to students sheltering in place to ensure they are fed even when it is unsafe to leave their dorms.
These exemplary efforts and outstanding accomplishments make Tom Stewart our Most Valuable Panther.
