History of the UF Division of Student Affairs | Page 92

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L e a d e r s h i p ( LGBT A f f a i r s D i r e c t o r s )
Tamara Cohen

2004 - 2006

Nora Spencer

2006 - 2009

AC Stokes

2009 - 2011

LB Hannahs

2011 - present

As i a n P a c i f i c Is l a n d e r A m e r i c a n A f f a i r s
Prior to the 1990s, Asian American students formed several student support
groups. In 1948, the Chinese Club was formed and later changed its name to
the Chinese American Association in 1991. In 1973, the Vietnamese Student
Organization was founded. In the 1980s, the India Student Association and
Filipino Students Association were founded. The population of Asian American
students on the UF campus was growing, and with this growth came the desire
for additional support services.
In the early 1990s, students initiated a request for Asian American student
resources at UF. In 1993, the Asian Student Union was formed. By the early
2000s, there was increased administrative support for additional support
services led by Dean of Students Office staff. Three resource needs were
identified: a resource center, a studies program, and a director.
On November 17, 2003, a student-organized and led rally at Turlington Plaza
for Asian American resources was held. In 2004, an Asian American Studies
certificate was created. In 2010, an Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA)
Resource Room was created and located on the fourth floor of Peabody Hall.
In 2011, the first APIA Director was hired. Prior to the hiring of an APIA Director,
graduate students advised Asian American students and student groups. From
2002 – 2004, Ebru Korbek, a Multi-Cultural & Diversity Affairs graduate student
worked closely with the APIA community. Then APIA-dedicated graduate
assistants were hired including Natalia Leal (2005), Yuko Fujino (2006-2007),
and Taketo Nakao (2007-2011). Also in 2011, the APIA Hall of Fame, End of Year
Ceremony, APIA Leadership Development Institute, Lunch Series, and APIA
Liaison Group were established. 2011 was also the first year that the Association
of Asian Alumni was formally recognized.

H i s t o r y o f t h e UF D S A