News

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we look to the future as we advance research, teaching and service. We would be remiss, however, not to step back and appreciate what we have recently achieved together. In September, the University of Florida accomplished its longstanding goal to be ranked as a top-five public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our rise in ranking did not rely on sharp increases in tuition, and the university enters the top-five public list as one the very best values in higher education. For our college, the university’s largest, this recognition affirms the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students. It is also a testament to the visionary support of those alumni and friends who generously sustain our work by staying connected to the college.

Rankings are increasingly tied to educational outcomes, so it is vital for us to ensure that our students have every chance to succeed in pursuit of their career aspirations. It is also essential that we build momentum in research, especially in cutting-edge projects. In this issue of Ytori, you’ll see how people in wide-ranging disciplines are charting new directions that reshape the college to meet the challenges ahead.

Our researchers and scholars — in natural sciences, mathematical sciences, social sciences and the humanities — have positioned themselves at the forefront of the university’s far-reaching artificial intelligence initiative. Students are preparing for an ever-changing workforce by engaging in new professional development opportunities and tapping into our global network of alumni working in sectors throughout the economy. New leaders in the college’s administration are furthering innovations in our curriculum and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion. The alumni profiled in this issue  are making a difference in their businesses and communities through leadership and service.

Our college is always on the move. While we must be vigilant amid the pandemic, the college is now working on an ambitious agenda that includes a new vision for undergraduate requirements and an increase in our research vitality. In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, our mission is to meet the future head-on.

Go Gators and Go Greater,

David E. Richardson

Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

This message appears in the fall 2021 issue of Ytori magazine. Read more stories from the issue.