Oral History Interview with Richard Enstice, 2025

Authors

Richard Enstice, Florida Institute of Technology
Gordon Patterson, Florida Institute of Technology

Document Type

Video

Abstract

This interview with Richard Enstice by Gordon Patterson, dated September 25, 2025, covers Enstice's decades-long career at Florida Tech, beginning with his arrival in 1966. Enstice discusses his academic path from a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (one of the first to graduate with ABET accreditation) to a master's degree, and his subsequent decision not to pursue a Ph.D. due to the lack of financial support for full-time Ph.D. students with a family.

A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to his impressions of key figures and programs:

• Dr. Walter Nunn, his major advisor and head of the electrical engineering program, is described as technically excellent, dedicated, and eccentric, often putting his own money into the labs and focusing intently on his work to the exclusion of other aspects of life.
• Dr. David Woodbridge of the science education program is characterized as a "con artist" with okay ideas but a dubious reputation for his off-campus program ventures.
• The Science Education Program was a good, exciting program that Enstice enjoyed and taught in every term.
• Enstice compares five university presidents: Jerry Keuper, John Miller, Lynn Weaver, Anthony Catanese (Tony), and Dwayne McCay. He views Lynn Weaver as having moved the university forward the most, particularly with new buildings. He had problems with McCay, who he felt wanted instant results and discouraged faculty from teaching in favor of 100% administration. Tony Catanese was a "front man" and "showman" who sought fame and glory (e.g., wanting to build a football team) and largely avoided faculty problems. Jerry Keuper is noted for not having people to "ground him," leading to mistakes like hiring Woodbridge.

Enstice details his diverse roles, including his time as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (his most enjoyable position). He also discusses his role as a "problem solver" for Harry Weber (including a cultural challenge with Indian graduate students), and his accidental involvement in off-campus programs. He points to the development of the Link Building and the strategic plan for reaccreditation as key forward moments.

Publication Date

9-25-2025

Recommended Citation

Enstice, Richard and Patterson, Gordon, "Oral History Interview with Richard Enstice, 2025" (2025). Oral History Videos. 15.
https://repository.fit.edu/oh_videos/15