History
1975-Present » National & International Prominence
For 25 years, the University of Florida diversifies and expands into one of the top universities in the nation. UF is a leading public research university situated in what Money magazine calls "the best place to live" in the United States. With a focus on excellence in research, teaching, technology and athletics, the University of Florida will certainly remain a leader in higher education.
1975 » Marston Assumes UF Presidency During Economic Recession » Rampant inflation and the oil crisis cause the university to severely restrict use of energy and supplies. Even paper for final exams is limited and employees are encouraged to take leave during the winter holidays so the buildings will not have to be heated. President Robert Marston realizes that UF cannot depend solely on state money and encourages support from the private sector.
1984 » Criser Presidency Strengthens UF » In 1985, UF is added to The Association of American Universities, a prestigious higher-education organization comprising the top 63 public and private institutions in North America. UF's placement serves as recognition for an outstanding research university with world-renowned programs in medicine, agriculture, engineering, business and law.
1990 » Lombardi Leads UF Into Top Tier Of Universities » John Lombardi makes UF a computerized campus, which he accomplishes in one way by creating the Student Computer Requirement in 1997. Students come to know Lombardi for his casual and accessible demeanor, his red pick-up truck, his strolls across campus with his coat slung over one shoulder and those famous black-rimmed glasses.
1996 » Gator Football Wins National Championship » The Gators win their first national football championship, defeating FSU 52-20. The team is coached by Steve Spurrier and led by quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who also wins the Heisman Trophy. Florida's broad athletic program has received national attention since the 1980s for both men's and women's teams.
1998 » Research Yields Growth » The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute opens in a $60 million building adjacent to the Health Science Center and Shands at UF medical center. The program now is the most comprehensive of its kind in the world, comprising 300 faculty members from 10 colleges and 51 departments campus-wide.
2000 » President Young Takes UF Into 21st Century » After 29 years as chancellor of the University of California at Los Angeles, President Charles Young takes the helm of UF. UF is now the nation's fourth-largest university in terms of enrollment, which now tops 46,000. Students come from all 67 Florida counties, all 50 states and more than 100 countries. A distinguished faculty of some 4,000 attracts more than $400 million in sponsored research funding. The 2,000-acre campus has more than 900 buildings. The university comprises 17 colleges and more than 100 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes. UF offers 100 undergraduate degree programs, more than 200 graduate programs and 30 combined-degree programs.