Keiser University Melbourne Associate Director of Admissions Ron Lewis, a dedicated educator and accomplished author, has made significant strides in both his professional and creative endeavors. With over 25 years of experience in higher education and a passion for guiding students, Lewis recently released his debut novel, “Seeker from Eden 3,” a captivating young adult sci-fi novel that explores the depths of human resilience and the quest for freedom. Born in Kentucky, raised by a father enlisted in the army, and having moved to Florida in 1984 to study economics at the University of Florida, Lewis brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his roles at Keiser University.

In 2014, Lewis saw the next step in his educational journey as a master’s degree, something that was always a lifelong goal for him. When the opportunity to apply at Keiser University came, it was a natural fit. Having started working at Keiser in 2011, he felt a strong connection to the institution. “Education was sort of the natural selection, a natural draw,” he said.

Reflecting on his time as a student at Keiser University, Lewis shared how it influenced his passion for research and writing. “When I started that degree program, it was in an online environment, and there was a 25-year stretch between the completion of my bachelor’s and entering my master’s program. The online environment requires a lot of individual effort and research, and my experience was one of the most challenging and rewarding,” he recalled. The constant encouragement and tough lessons from his professors helped him develop into a better student and writer.

In 2016, as class valedictorian, Lewis had the privilege of presenting the commencement speech. “Achieving a 4.0 GPA and being part of our leadership distinction program while raising a young daughter and being active in our community was a turning point for me,” he said. Having his entire family, including his then six-year-old daughter, present at his graduation made the achievement even more special.

Lewis’s journey with Keiser University began before he entered his master’s program. His work at Keiser played a significant role in shaping his academic pursuits. “I had been with Keiser before starting my master’s, and it was a natural progression for my career,” he said. The rigorous research and writing demands of his master’s program reignited a passion that had been dormant for years.

Recently, Lewis released his novel, “Seeker from Eden 3,” a project deeply influenced by his education at Keiser. “The two years of constant research and writing during my master’s program led me to discover a passion for writing. My professors’ guidance and encouragement were instrumental,” he said. Balancing his professional responsibilities with writing was a matter of time management, using spare time to pursue his hobby that later turned into something more.

A Protagonist Must Decide

The story unfolds in a self-sustaining facility built to preserve humanity after an environmental cataclysm. Generations of sanctuary residents have lived strictly controlled lives under the rule of a hidden nobility.

The protagonist, Opal Five, is a brilliant young woman on the cusp of a prestigious career. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is recruited by rebel Seekers who reveal the dark and dangerous secrets of Eden 3. Subterfuge becomes Opal’s new reality as she embarks on a journey that takes her Outside, encountering unexpected challenges and allies.

“What would you sacrifice to be free?” This question drives the narrative of “Seeker from Eden 3,” as Opal navigates a world where her choices could redefine humanity’s future.

Lewis described the moment he rediscovered his love for writing: “After finishing my degree, I took a few months to decompress but felt something was missing. I found an old screenplay I had written 20 years ago and spent six months finishing it. It was such a fulfilling experience that I decided to write a novel next.” His novel, inspired by his love for science fiction, was born from a dream. “The concept of the book came to me in a dream, and I ran with it from there,” he explained.

A Career that Keeps Giving

One of the most rewarding aspects of Lewis’s job is attending graduation ceremonies. “Seeing students who have overcome numerous challenges achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. The work we do in higher education changes lives, not just in terms of financial gain and social mobility, but in opening what I refer to as a portal of belief,” he explained.

Looking back, the most impactful aspect of his time at Keiser University was developing an appreciation for what students go through. “Understanding that most are adult learners with jobs and families helps me relate to their struggles and achievements,” he said.

Lewis continues to find a home at Keiser University and in education. His future goals include contributing to student success at the university and pursuing his passion for writing. Currently working on a sequel to his novel, he encourages others to take up writing for enjoyment, even if not for publishing. “The work we do here has the ability to impact generations, setting an example for families and helping individuals achieve their goals,” he concluded.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.