“We Can’t Educate Brilliance Just to Watch It Leave”: Henderson on Retaining Tampa’s Student Talent during USF Tour

During a recent visit to the University of South Florida, mayoral candidate Alan Henderson toured campus facilities and spoke with students studying AI systems, healthcare, accounting, and other high-impact disciplines that will define the future of Tampa’s workforce. Henderson emphasized that these programs are producing not just job-ready graduates—but world-ready thinkers. “We genuinely can’t afford to be a city that educates brilliance just to watch it leave,” he said. “If we’re serious about leading, nonetheless even competing on a national level, we need to make sure our brightest minds see a future here.”

Henderson outlined a vision for a Tampa that acts as both an incubator and a launchpad for local talent—by building stronger public-private partnerships, attracting innovation-driven employers, and positioning the city as a hub for next-gen research & industries. From aerospace, to tech, to healthcare, to film. “Tampa’s next mayor can’t just manage budgets—we need someone who can be an ambassador,” he said. Henderson’s team has already begun laying the groundwork, holding early talks with firms in sectors like space technology and integrated innovation. His message to USF students was clear: “You shouldn’t have to leave Tampa to lead. Under my administration, we’ll be investing in you—and building an economy that grows with you.”