UCF
Letter from the President
A
fter a quarter of a century at the helm of the University of Central
Florida (UCF), I announced in October my intention to step down
as president in June 2018. So, it is natural I would reflect on all
that has been accomplished over more than 25 years.
UCF has become one of the nation’s largest universities and the largest
in Florida. Along the way, we’ve learned that with careful planning
and good management large institutions can be powerful partners
for their communities, their regions and their society. Over the years,
some in higher education have thought that growing big may diminish
achievement, but UCF chooses to be an institution that proves big can
be good … and even better.
We think big because big
ideas yield big results.
Nothing proves that theory more than the Florida High Tech Corridor
Council (The Corridor). Among the many big things we’ve done, I am
most proud of this unique partnership of three great research universities,
which has demonstrated that collaboration trumps competition.
Partnerships with business and industry pay dividends, and programs
that provide opportunities for our students to engage in research with
faculty and corporate scientists benefit us all.
The work of The Corridor paves the way for our students to achieve
meaningful careers while providing our industry partners with affordable
solutions and new technologies that work better and faster.
What we hear from the corporate executives we partner with is that
our “think big” attitude works for them. Just look at the impact of The
Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program. Impact studies have
shown a better than $1 billion return on the $65 million investment we
have made with the help of the Florida Legislature.
As I begin the next chapter of service to UCF, I know there are many more
big achievements on the horizon as The Corridor reaches new heights.
I know the math works.
Cordially yours,
Dr. John C. Hitt
President, University of Central Florida
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