When he was 18, Thomas Highsmith joined the U.S. Air Force. His 25 years of service formulated the core beliefs that would follow him into his teaching career.
“The military taught me to ‘treat others the way you want to be treated,’ and that’s something I carry with me in everything I do,” he said.
After retiring from the Air Force, Highsmith pursued a career in both teaching and real estate. He became an adjunct business professor at Eastern Florida State College, where he had previously coached basketball in 2004. He credits Maria Parnell, a speech professor, for helping him transition into teaching during this crucial period of his life.
A Passion for Teaching & Lifelong Learning
As a professor, Highsmith teaches a variety of business courses, including Introduction to Business, Business Management Principles, Marketing Principles, and Public Administration and Management. His diverse education, including an undergraduate degree in Human Resources from Park University and two master’s degrees (Public Administration and Business Administration from Barry University) help him bring a rich understanding of both practical and theoretical business concepts to the classroom.
Despite his extensive academic background, Highsmith is the first to admit that his students have just as much to teach him.
“I believe in collaboration, not just standing up there and lecturing. I want to hear from my students, and I want them to hear from each other,” he said.
Highsmith’s teaching philosophy is centered around dialogue, with the aim of turning every class into a conversation.
“Students come to class with such a wealth of knowledge, often from different backgrounds. We learn from each other, and that’s what makes the classroom experience so valuable.”
From Education to Application
For Highsmith, teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about preparing his students for the challenges they will face in the business world. With his background in real estate, Highsmith brings practical experience into his lessons as a business professor. His students aspire to enter a range of business careers, from entrepreneurs to future real estate agents.
“One thing I emphasize in class is that business is not one-size-fits-all. Some of my students want to start their own businesses, and others just want to understand the business world to be successful in a corporate environment,” Highsmith explained.
But his advice for anyone looking to enter the business world is simple: “You get out of it what you put into it. Owning a business isn’t about luxury vacations and an easy life. It’s about working harder than you ever have before. You’ve got to be willing to put in the work if you want to succeed.”
The Importance of Communication
As a real estate agent with Homesmart Coastal Realty, Highsmith understands firsthand the critical relationship between strong communication and good business.
“It’s not just about knowing the right people; it’s about building relationships,” he said. “In real estate, you need to be able to communicate effectively, whether you’re talking to potential clients, lenders, or business partners. Good communication opens doors.”
His work as a realtor, much like his work as a business professor, revolves around relationships.
“Helping someone find their forever home is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” he shared. “But it’s also about giving people the opportunity to become homeowners, showing them that they can achieve something they may not have thought was possible.”
A Vision for the Future
For Highsmith, success isn’t just about personal achievements. It’s about lifting others up and creating lasting connections that benefit everyone.
“Whether it’s in the classroom or out in the community, I want to be someone who helps people succeed and reach their goals,” he said.
Looking into the future, Highsmith aims to continue making strong connections with his students — connections that can even span generations.
“One of my favorite moments was when a student said he was excited to take my class because his mom had taken my classes years ago. That’s when it hit me: What I do in the classroom really matters,” he reflected. “It means I’ve had an impact, and that’s something I’ll always cherish.”
