University of Florida is a major, public, comprehensive, land-grant, research university. The state's oldest, largest and most comprehensive university, Florida is among the nation's most academically diverse public universities. Florida has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities.

History

In 1853, the state-funded East Florida Seminary took over the Kingsbury Academy in Ocala. The seminary moved to Gainesville in the 1860s and later was consolidated with the state's land-grant Florida Agricultural College, then in Lake City. In 1905, by legislative action, the college became a university and was moved to Gainesville. Classes first met with 102 students on the present site on Sept. 26, 1906. UF officially opened its doors to women in 1947. With more than 46,000 students, Florida is now one of the five largest universities in the nation.

Facilities

Florida has a 2,000-acre campus and more than 900 buildings (including 170 with classrooms and laboratories). The northeast corner of campus is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The UF residence halls have a total capacity of some 7,000 students and the five family housing villages house more than 2,200 married and graduate students.

UF's extensive capital improvement program has resulted in facilities ideal for 21st century research including the McKnight Brain Institute, the new Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy Building, the Genetics and Cancer Research Center now being built, and the Proton-beam Therapy Center that will be located in Jacksonville. Overall, the university's current facilities have a book value of more than $1 billion and a replacement value of $2 billion.

UF Timeline » 150 Years of History at UF

1853-1905 » University of Florida's Beginnings
On January 6, 1853, Florida Governor Thomas Brown signs the bill that provided public support to higher education. East Florida Seminary in Ocala is one of the first schools to use this funding, but it soon closes due the Civil War. In 1866, EFS reopens in Gainesville, beginning a 150-year journey to become one of the largest, most prestigious schools in the world.

1906-1927 » Early Gainesville
Gainesville lobbies for the new University of Florida by offering land, money and an agreement to "furnish water to the University without charge." When the telegraph office in Gainesville announces the good news to the waiting crowd, a noisy celebration begins with ringing church bells, a parade and exploding firecrackers. The Gainesville campus opens for registration on Sept. 24, 1906. Classes begin two days later for the 102 students enrolled.

1928-1947 » Depression & World War II
As John J. Tigert begins his presidency, Florida comes under hard times. The Mediterranean fruit fly cripples the state's citrus production and the deadliest hurricane to ever hit Florida destroys what was left of the state's economy. Then, a year later, the Great Depression begins with the collapse of the stock market. The economy does not recover until America enters World War II in 1941.

1948-1974 » Post-War Expansion
Florida experiences a huge population boom after World War II. Because of its mild climate, Florida was used to train troops for battle. By the time the war is over, Florida has an excellent transportation system for residents and visitors. Many high-tech industries relocate to Florida, most notably the Space Program. The exploding population of the state carries over into its universities. The University of Florida goes from being a school of 5,000 white males to a diverse student body of more than 28,000 men and women.

1975-2003 » 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.