Photo by Tricia Lopez.
Florida is more than our home; it is our classroom, our laboratory and our inspiration. As a land-grant university, the University of Florida has always proudly carried a responsibility to serve the people of this dynamic state through research, teaching and service. In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, those pillars are woven through everything we do, from uncovering the stories buried in our soil to interpreting the data that guide our shared future, reminding us that knowledge is both our compass and our legacy.
In this issue of Ytori, you will discover the many ways our college brings the land-grant mission to life. Our archaeologists remind us that Florida’s rich history is not only found in well-known landmarks but in the evidence of how people lived and adapted, such as the shell mounds along our coasts that reveal the lasting bond between people and the land.
The Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) provides another kind of foundation: reliable, insightful data that help leaders across Florida make informed decisions about resources and opportunity. BEBR’s work often happens behind the scenes; its impact is felt in every corner of our state.
Faculty across disciplines are helping K-12 students and teachers across the state unlock new worlds of learning. The college’s educational outreach programs ensure that the next generation of Floridians inherits not only knowledge but curiosity, the hallmark of a liberal arts education.
We also celebrate the Bob Graham Center for Public Service for expanding access to civic engagement for future leaders. We further highlight the launch of a new online master’s program that provides critical training in econometrics and data analytics to meet market demands. In a special essay, historian Steven Noll invites us to see Florida through the eyes of one of its most beloved residents, the manatee, whose story mirrors our own complex relationship with this land and its waters.
Together, these stories illustrate how the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences continues to fulfill its mission to advance discovery, foster learning and serve communities across Florida.
Sincerely,
Kevin Ingersent
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences