Liberal Arts to Tech CEO

SRQ Story Project

Norm Worthington’s career has been defined by change.

Worthington is the founder and CEO of Star2Star Communications, a national leader in cloud communications and perennial winner of awards for innovation and growth. But at New College of Florida he majored in environmental studies.

After graduating in 1982, he went to law school, but also taught himself computer programming, and started a software company. He sold his interest in that company, then co-founded Software Toolworks, which created and published consumer software titles that sold more than 75 million copies, and are still available today.

He took that company public, left and then started yet another; in all he has founded, co-founded or was a lead investor in more than a dozen companies.  Star2Star may be his most successful company yet. 

He believes a New College education is well-suited for the high-tech future.

“Some find it odd that, as a tech entrepreneur, I’m such a passionate advocate for the liberal arts,” he said.  “The institutions of tomorrow won’t need huge numbers of engineers.  They will need people who communicate with empathy and clarity, work efficiently in small groups, and can identify problems and work through to solutions.  

“To me, a good liberal arts education, focused this way, would produce graduates incredibly well prepared for any sort of next step.”

 

New College of Florida

« View The Wednesday Dec 21, 2016 SRQ Daily Edition
« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

Read More

The Future Is Now: A Vision For Sarasota Performing Arts Center

The Future Is Now: A Vision For Sarasota Performing Arts Cente

Mar 2, 2020

FAFSA Help for Families

FAFSA Help for Families

Feb 12, 2020

An Upcoming Company Premiere: Paul Taylor's Brandenburgs

Sarasota Ballet shares an upcoming Company Premiere: Paul Taylor's Brandenburgs

Jan 8, 2020

Sarasota Ballet : Redefining Movement

Sarasota Ballet : Redefining Movement

The Sarasota Ballet | Jan 6, 2020