History of the UF Division of Student Affairs | Page 8

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INTRODUCTION
Much has been written about the history of the University of Florida (UF), but
few sources have focused specifically on the history and evolution of Student
Affairs.
This book chronicles the evolution of the UF Division of Student Affairs (UF DSA)
and includes more in-depth histories of departments presently reporting to the
Vice President for Student Affairs. The focus is specifically on Student Affairs as
a profession and on UF historical events that relate to student life.
Information was collected in the UF Archives/Special Collections Department
of the Library; on UF websites; from UF publications; from historical files in
departments; and by interviewing former and present Student Affairs staff. Of
particular interest were personal memoirs written by James Farr, Klein Graham,
Robert Beaty, and Bill Rion as well as the transcription of Lester Hale’s interview
that is part of the UF Oral History program. A resource list is included at the end
of the publication.
Many Student Affairs staff past and present contributed to this publication by
responding to requests for information and clarification and by reviewing drafts.
As with any history project, occasionally dates in records varied and individuals’
memories of events, dates, and details did not agree. When this occurred, the
most accurate information was determined or variations were indicated.
T h e E a r ly Y e a r s : U F C o m e s t o G a i n e s v i l l e
(1900 – 1927)
In many ways, the history and evolution of Student Affairs at UF mirrors the
evolution of Student Affairs at other universities in the United States. In other
ways, the history and evolution is unique to the politics of Florida, the student
population, and the strong and exceptional academicians, administrators, and
student leaders who left their individual marks on UF.
Colleges in colonial times existed to train a competent ruling class and train
the clergy. They were elite, expensive, and for white men. Many were founded

H i st o ry o f t h e U F D S A