What happens when a judge returns to the very institution that once ignited her legal dreams, not to revisit the past, but to reimagine the future? Universities are more than just places of learning—they’re communities where ideas are exchanged, values are shaped, and futures are built. The energy and direction of these communities often reflect the vision of those at the helm. When a university is known for its innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to student success, it’s usually because a dedicated leader is guiding the way. At St. Thomas University, that spirit of leadership is clear.
With a deep understanding of both academic rigor and the importance of a supportive campus culture, the university’s current dean has become a driving force for positive change. Honorable Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, Dean of St. Thomas University College of Law, brings not only expertise and experience but also a genuine passion for empowering students and faculty alike. Her leadership continues to shape the university’s path forward, inspiring excellence and fostering a vibrant, engaged academic community.
A Judge’s Journey to Academic Leadership
Tarlika Nunez-Navarro’s path into education was transformative. Before stepping into academic leadership, she served as a Circuit Court Judge, a role that demanded clarity, discipline, and deep knowledge of the law. While holding that judicial position, she began teaching Advanced Trial Advocacy courses in the evenings. What started as a side passion quickly became a calling.
Through those evening classes, she discovered a new purpose: mentoring future lawyers. For Dean Nunez-Navarro, teaching wasn’t just a transfer of knowledge—it became a mission to uplift, inspire, and prepare the next generation of legal minds. That experience ignited her transition into academic leadership, where she could make an even greater impact.
Returning to her alma mater, St. Thomas University, was a full-circle moment for her. As a proud graduate of STU Law, she credits the institution with opening the doors to her legal career and helping her achieve the dream of becoming a judge. Now, as Dean, she’s committed to creating the same life-changing opportunities for others that STU once gave her.
Her journey is grounded in service, shaped by experience, and defined by a passion for guiding others, one student at a time.
Raising the Bar for Legal Education
For Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, St. Thomas University is more than just an academic institution—it’s home. As an alumna whose legal journey began within its halls, her vision is deeply personal and purpose-driven: to elevate the university to new heights so that it continues to transform lives, just as it did for her.
A Philosophy Rooted in Purposeful Leadership
“I believe leadership is about service first—if you’re not serving, you’re not leading.”
Tarlika Nunez-Navarro
Tarlika Nunez-Navarro’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that true leadership is about service, empowerment, and collaboration. She leads from behind—trusting her team’s expertise, encouraging innovation, and providing the guidance necessary for collective success. Rather than commanding from the front, she listens with intention, values diverse perspectives, and challenges her colleagues to grow alongside her. For Dean Nunez-Navarro, leadership is not about individual accolades, but about creating opportunities for others to excel. Her approach fosters a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and purpose-driven progress. Above all, she remains committed to cultivating servant leaders—professionals who use their knowledge and influence to uplift communities and create lasting, positive change.
Her leadership centers on creating life-changing opportunities for students, especially those from underrepresented communities. By strengthening academic excellence, increasing accessibility, and fostering a service-minded culture, she envisions a law school that not only prepares students for the courtroom but also inspires them to lead with integrity and compassion in every arena of life.
St. Thomas University College of Law: A Year of Excellence
Bar Passage Success
- 83% July 2024 bar passage rate
- Highest in school history
Enrollment Growth & Applications
- Largest and most qualified Fall 2024 1L class enrolled
- 64% increase in Fall 2025 applications
Faculty Achievements
- Welcomed 14 new faculty members with top credentials
- 23 scholarly articles and 1 book published
Student Success
- Pipelines to elite externships:
- Florida Supreme Court
- U.S. House Judiciary Committee
- Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program
- Trial Team: Chester Bedell Mock Trial Champions (3rd year in a row)
- Moot Court: National Finalists + Best Brief Awards
Alumni Milestones
- 4 alumni joined the judiciary
- Including the first alumna on the Florida Third District Court of Appeal
Other Notable Highlights
- Hosted Florida Bench & Bar CLE – record scholarships generated
- #3 in Hispanic enrollment (nationally ranked)
Recognized for
- Racial Justice Excellence
- Tax Law Distinction
- Hispanic Student Support
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Tarlika Nunez-Navarro sees both challenge and opportunity on the horizon. Chief among them is the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the legal profession—a force that is redefining how legal services are delivered, how cases are built, and how justice is accessed.
“The rapid evolution of AI will be one of the biggest challenges in the next 3–5 years,” she explains. But instead of resisting change, Dean Nunez-Navarro is leading St. Thomas University College of Law to embrace it head-on. “We are preparing our students to use AI responsibly and effectively, both in academic work and in legal practice.”
Her proactive approach is rooted in a belief that legal education must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant. By redesigning classroom setups and increasing access with future hybrid programs, she and her team are making changes to help students graduate prepared for the challenges of tomorrow’s legal world.
Another implicit challenge she has tackled is balancing tradition with innovation—honoring the deep-rooted values of justice and service while equipping students with tools that didn’t exist a decade ago. Through faculty expansion, courtroom tech investment, and curriculum shifts, she is building a law school that reflects both timeless principles and modern possibilities.
For Dean Nunez-Navarro, challenges are not setbacks. They are “divine detours”—critical growth points that shape the institution and its students for the better.
Innovation at the Core of Legal Education
Under Dean Nunez-Navarro’s leadership, St. Thomas University is aligning legal education with the demands of a modern legal landscape. The school is developing a state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced courtroom technology, allowing students to practice in real-world litigation settings.
A new hybrid JD program is also in the works, designed to expand access for working professionals. With the rise of AI in law, STU is integrating responsible and ethical AI use into its curriculum, ensuring students are prepared for tech-driven practice.
Instruction is personalized and data-informed, especially in bar preparation, with individualized plans that support student success. Faculty are also embracing new teaching models, including flipped classrooms and experiential learning, keeping pace with legal education trends.
The True Measure of Impact and Legacy in Education
According to Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, education is more than just academic excellence—it’s about empowerment, ethics, and purpose. Her definition of impact is rooted in something timeless: passing the torch to the next generation. It’s beyond producing top-performing students or raising bar passage rates—though she’s done both—it’s about shaping servant leaders who are prepared to uplift the communities they represent.
As she puts it, “Impact means producing ethical, community-focused lawyers who serve others.” This belief drives her leadership philosophy and her approach to legal education. Her legacy, she hopes, will be measured not by titles or accolades but by the ripple effect of graduates who use their training to fight for justice, champion underserved communities, and lead with compassion.
Her model is simple yet transformative: mentor with intention, teach with integrity, and always place the student at the heart of the institution. In doing so, Dean Nunez-Navarro isn’t just preparing students for careers—she’s preparing them to leave their own legacies.
Going Beyond Administrative Roles
According to Dean Nunez-Navarro, being featured as one of “The Most Inspiring Leaders in the Educational Sector to Follow in 2025” is a recognition of visionary educators who are redefining the future of learning through innovation, inclusivity, and impactful leadership. It honors individuals who go beyond administrative roles to serve as catalysts for change—those who uplift students, empower faculty, and lead with purpose. Dean Tarlika Nunez-Navarro exemplifies this honor through her transformative work at St. Thomas University College of Law.
From her unique journey as a Circuit Court Judge to becoming an academic leader, she has reimagined legal education with a focus on access, excellence, and ethics. Under her leadership, the university has reached historic milestones in bar passage rates, student outcomes, and national recognition. Her servant-leadership model, commitment to innovation, and passion for shaping future-ready professionals make her a true inspiration and a leader to watch in 2025 and beyond.
An Open Letter to Educators, Leaders, and Changemakers
As an educator and leader, one guiding principle has shaped my vision:
We must teach our students how to think critically, not what to think.
In today’s fast-moving, information-rich world, the role of education must go beyond delivering facts. It must develop minds that question, analyze, and lead. Teaching students what to think creates conformity; teaching them how to think fosters innovation, empathy, and resilience.
When we nurture critical thinking, we empower students to explore different perspectives, make thoughtful decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society. Our classrooms should be spaces where curiosity thrives, where questions are welcomed, and where disagreement leads to deeper understanding, not division.
To educators: inspire inquiry, not just answers. Encourage dialogue, not dogma.
To students: Your curiosity is your strength—never stop asking why.
To leaders and parents: support education systems that value independent thought over memorized truth.
Now more than ever, we need minds that can think boldly and ethically. Let’s make that our shared mission.
With purpose,
Tarlika Nunez-Navarro
Dean, St. Thomas University
5 Key Takeaways: Tarlika Nunez-Navarro’s Blueprint for Transformational Academic Leadership
1. From Judge to Dean: A Full-Circle Leadership Journey Tarlika Nunez-Navarro returned to lead her alma mater, bringing courtroom experience into academic leadership.
2. Servant Leadership at Its Core: Her leadership philosophy centers on service, empowerment, and collaboration—creating a culture where students and faculty thrive through shared purpose and mutual respect.
3. Raising the Bar in Legal Education: Under her guidance, the university achieved its highest bar passage rate, saw a 64% increase in applications, and expanded academic programs with an eye on the continued pursuit of excellence.
4. Embracing Innovation to Future-Proof Legal Learning: She is actively preparing students for a tech-driven legal future through hybrid JD programs, AI-integrated curricula, and real-world courtroom experiences.
5. Legacy Built on Empowerment and Ethical Leadership: Her impact is measured not by accolades but by the servant leaders she shapes—graduates who fight for justice and uplift their communities.
