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Document Type
Video
Abstract
This is an interview with Bob Rowe: on October 20, 2025, discussing his nearly 40-year-plus career in the Admissions office at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech).
Rowe, originally from upstate New York, came to Melbourne, Florida, in January 1979 and quickly found a job at Florida Tech. He highlights the university's special atmosphere in the early days, characterized by personal relationships with faculty and staff across all departments—a stark contrast to the modern reliance on email. He recalls being able to directly discuss applications with department heads, successfully admitting students who had potential but didn't strictly meet initial standards.
He shares memorable anecdotes about prominent university figures, including Dr. Jerry Keuper (the "MG fiend"), Andrew Revay (who showed anger by raising an eyebrow), and especially Bill Jurgens (who called him during his leukemia diagnosis without asking for a favor). Rowe describes two favorite success stories: a student he recruited named Jonathan, who became a chemistry major, published research, and later served on the Board of Trustees, and another student named Tim, a basketball recruit whose low grades were overcome by his commitment and high test scores, leading him to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering and work for NASA.
Rowe notes the significant physical changes on campus, from the unpaved parking lot to the continuous construction of new academic and residential facilities. He has served under five presidents and shares humorous moments related to each, including the current president, Dr. Nicklow, whom he affectionately calls "Sheldon Keuper."
The COVID-19 pandemic made the job more difficult due to the loss of face-to-face interaction, but Florida Tech's enrollment has continued to see record numbers, driven by the university's specialized majors and Florida location. Rowe details how the Admissions office has grown from two people in 1979 to 13-14 domestic counselors today and explains the admissions funnel from prospect to enrolled student. He also recounts the unique process of buying and installing a section of the old Hedgecock Gymnasium floor in his house.
Rowe concludes by identifying direct entry into the major on day one as one of Florida Tech's most defining and valuable qualities, contrasting it with other universities' "impacted" programs that delay official entry into competitive fields like engineering. He emphasizes the employability of Florida Tech graduates, noting that the average student's degree is comparable to or better than those from prestigious universities. Finally, Rowe expresses his deep passion for his work at Florida Tech, describing the university community as a family and stating that he has no plans to retire.
Publication Date
10-20-2025
Recommended Citation
Rowe, Bob and Patterson, Gordon, "Oral History Interview with Bob Rowe" (2025). Oral History Videos. 30.
https://repository.fit.edu/oh_videos/30
Interview Transcript - Rowe