As recently as last year, Florida universities were asking the Legislature for more secrecy when choosing high-profile positions like presidents. But when the University of Central Florida sought a replacement for long-term President John Hitt, it went the opposite direction — inviting the students and public into nearly every step of the process — and found a winner.
Executive vice president Dale Whittaker, who has been at UCF since 2014, will be the school’s new president, the school’s Board of Trustees decided last week. The choice is contingent on approval by the Florida Board of governors, which is scheduled to meet March 29.
In choosing Whittaker, the UCF search committee bucked the current trend of recruiting from outside. But few universities are like UCF. With more than 65,000 students, it is (by some measures) the largest university in the nation — and it’s grown so huge and complex, it might consider swapping its Pegasus mascot for a hydra. In his quarter-century at the helm, Hitt powered UCF’s growth. Working by his side, Whittaker saw firsthand the scope of the task now before him. And because his nomination came after a national search, UCF officials know they looked at all options before making the right choice.
Volusia County residents already know how far the university’s reach can span. UCF has a small branch on the campus of Daytona State College, but its impact goes far beyond those two buildings: Prior to 2016, two-thirds of all DSC graduates who went on to four-year universities chose UCF, a number that is sure to keep growing now that the Directconnect to UCF program is up and running. And every semester, hundreds of Volusia and Flagler county graduates enroll directly at UCF, some relocating to Orlando and others choosing from the university’s wide array of online options.
The pipeline flows both ways; UCF graduates have returned to this area to work as teachers, nurses, engineers and a wide array of other careers. UCF’s business incubation program has a thriving presence in Volusia County.
Local officials should reach out to Whittaker and his team, seeking to forge more partnerships. One obvious possibility: Placing students and residents from UCF’s medical school into programs at hospitals and health clinics in Volusia and Flagler counties. Local officials should also continue to draw on UCF’s excellence in hospitality research as they seek to redefine Volusia County’s tourism mix. Building a bridge between Volusia County’s aviation and automotive manufacturing base and UCF’s research teams is another obvious priority. In turn, local industry may help fuel UCF’s quest to become a top-tier research university.
Many of these programs depend on strong relationships, and local leaders have already seen what happens when those relationships break down. The long-delayed agreement to make Daytona State part of the Directconnect program was frustrating, but it should inspire leaders in Volusia and Flagler counties to forge better bonds. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to invite Whittaker over for a community tour and reception with local movers and shakers. Even better: Set up a local forum where residents can meet the new president and tell him about their UCF experiences.
When UCF’s search committee chose Whittaker, they threw the doors wide open and invited students, faculty and the public in. Continuing that openness will benefit all.