About
About Us
Our College
The Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) is the newest degree-granting college at the University of South Florida and is unique in its mission and its approach. Endowed through generous gifts from Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel, the College and our home at the Patel Center for Global Solutions were established.
Drawing from various definitions of “sustainability” we seek to ensure that these efforts both endure and dramatically expand at USF; that they encourage the natural interconnections among those groups on campus addressing ecology, economics, politics and culture; that they recognize the essential contributions of scholars and professionals in engineering, business, architecture and urban planning, transportation, health, global studies and the natural and social sciences; and, that they serve to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, fulfilling the social and economic requirements of present and future generations.
Our Vision
The Vision at PCGS is to achieve sustainable development, both locally and globally, by fostering social, economic and environmental sustainability; we accomplish this through teaching, research, mentoring students and community outreach, as well as by generating practical knowledge and developing innovative technologies, skills and policies.
Our Mission
- To prepare students to address complex regional, national, and global challenges related to sustainability and the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, geographic, and demographic contexts.
- To offer a dynamic curriculum, top-notch internship experiences, and overall superior education for our students.
OUR BENEFACTORS
The Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions was launched in 2005 with the generous support of Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel. Born in India, Pallavi Patel and the Zambia-born Kiran Patel first met while studying medicine in Ahmedabad, India. Both doctors received their advanced specializations in New York at Columbia University; he in Cardiology, and she in Pediatrics. While in private cardiology practice in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Kiran Patel not only earned a respected reputation as a physician, but also gained a unique vision of the future of medical care. Rather than shun the growing trend toward managed health care, he began to develop solutions that made sense from the physician's point of view.
In 1982, the Patels started physicians' practice ownership and Management Company, which quickly expanded to 14 practices, including Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Cardiology, serving several thousand patients in Hillsborough County.
Rather than complain about "HMO", Dr. Patel, a believer of "control your own destiny." opted to start a physician-owned, physician-run health plan - WellCare! Under his leadership, WellCare grew to become the largest Medicaid HMO in Florida, serving more than 200,000 members. Expanding the horizons in the managed heath care field, in 1999 Dr. Kiran Patel acquired and turned around a struggling New York/Connecticut HMO and together the companies became WellCare Management Group. By this time, WellCare had revenues of over $1 billion, served more than 400,000 members, and employed over 1,200 members.
In 2003, the Patels sold the majority of their interest in their business and Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel turned their attention to many of the family's philanthropic endeavors. They have earned a reputation for generosity for developing and funding a variety of programs in health, education, arts and culture, both locally and around the world.
(Photograph © Christophe Jouany, 2010)
Our Home
In line with the University of South Florida's commitment to sustainable, healthy communities, the U.S. Green Building Council certified the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions building as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold facility.
Visitors to the building note how its design represents the University's role in solving sustainability problems, and its particular strength in the area of water solutions. The building's wave-like lines are reminiscent of flowing water, with an open feel that welcomes the global community. The diverse and multicultural photographs that adorn the building's lobby represent the broad global constituencies that USF serves.
The building converges global research and education by strategically co-locating USF's global initiatives, including USF World, the Patel College of Global Sustainability, Education Abroad, and other administrative offices.
USF Initiative
Reduce heat islands (themal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped
areas) to minimize the impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.
Design Approach
In order to reduce the heat island effect at the Patel Center, the roof and hardscape
were designed to incorporare materials amd techniques that prevent the accumulation
of heat. These include a gravel pathway system, using materials with a Solar Reflective
Index (SRI) greater than 29, and a partially shaded hardscape. The low sloping roof
of the building uses roofing material with an SRI value of 91 for 97% of the total
Project Roof Area.
Did you know?
The heat island effect leads to impaired water quality. Hot pavement and rooftop surfaces
transfer their excess heat to stormwater, which then drains into storm sewers and
raises water temperatures as it is released into streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Rapid temperature changes can be stressful to aquatic ecosystems.
Patel College of Global Sustainability
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave., CGS101
Tampa, FL 33620 USA
Office Location: CGS204
Phone: (813) 974-8368
Directions
11710 USF Genshaft Dr, Tampa, FL 33620 (Physical Address, Opens in Google Maps)
From the East: Take I-4 west to exit 9/I-75 north. Travel north on I-75 for 3.8 miles to exit 265/Fowler Ave. Head west on Fowler Ave. 4.4 miles to the university's main entrance at Leroy Collins Blvd. Make a right at Alumni Dr. and another right at USF Genshaft Dr., which will bring you to the parking lot for the Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions (CGS).
From the West/Tampa International Airport (TPA): Take I-275 north to exit 45B/1-4 east. Travel east on I-4 for 8.1 miles to exit 9/1-75 north. Travel north on I-75 for 3.8 miles to exit 265/Fowler Ave. Head west on Fowler Ave. 4.4 miles to the university's main entrance at Leroy Collins Blvd. Make a right at Alumni Dr. and another right at USF Genshaft Dr., which will bring you to the parking lot for the Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions (CGS).
Parking
Visitors parking on the USF Tampa campus are required to purchase a daily parking
permit from Parking and Transportation Services. Your permit will enable you to park
in visitor parking lots on the USF Tampa Campus. Visitor Parking Permits | Visitor Parking Map