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The University of Florida proudly announces the transformation of the Dial Center into the William & Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies. Formerly recognized as the Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication, this renaming reflects the center’s expanded scope and its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches. The new name aligns with the center’s dedication to fostering advanced interpersonal skills, effective listening habits, persuasive argumentation, and public speaking.

The shift also revitalizes a tribute to the enduring legacy of Attorney William H. Dial and his wife Grace. Emily Rine Butler, the director of the center, expressed enthusiasm for the renaming, seeing it as a pivotal moment in the center’s evolution.

“We strive to honor the Dials’ legacy every day by empowering students, faculty, and staff to find their voices,” said Butler. “At the center, we actively use communication as a means to put something good out into the world.”

The history of UF’s Dial Center dates back to 1996 when its establishment was made possible by the Dial family’s generous endowment. William Henry “Billy” Dial, a UF law school graduate in 1932, left an indelible mark on the state’s history, particularly in downtown Orlando’s development and the introduction of I-4. His influence extended beyond law to banking, where he transformed First National Bank into the thriving SunBank, a legacy now continued by Truist.

Dial’s eloquent communication skills were inherited by his eldest daughter, Joan Dial Ruffier, who became the first female Chair of the Florida Board of Regents. It was her commitment to education that led to the establishment of the Dial Center.

“It’s crucial to recognize the impact of investing in communication skills across all fields,” Butler said. “Joan has always been forward-thinking in this regard.”

In response to evolving needs, the center has expanded its offerings over the past decade. Butler, who assumed leadership in 2021, embraced the challenges of the pandemic as opportunities for growth.

“We knew that students’ interpersonal skills were getting rusty,” she said. “So we rebooted and reenergized our efforts.”

The team wasted no time, expanding their range of offerings within the four main pillars of the center, the ever-popular Minor in Communication Studies, competitive and public Speech and Debate teams, the two-year Ambassador Leadership Program for undergraduates, and the Public Speaking Lab. In 2022, the Public Speaking Lab moved to a larger space on the 5^th Floor of Rolfs Hall, enabling it to offer more appointments for those looking for help developing their communication skills and establishing itself as a central hub within the campus.

“A lot of people think we only focus on public speaking,” said Amy Martinelli, the center’s associate director. “Public speaking may be our bread and butter, but once you move beyond, you’ll find a whole four-course meal.”

The center has diligently cultivated more robust partnerships both within and beyond the campus community. Increasingly frequent public events engage a wider audience from across the campus. Public workshops spanning conflict management, building confidence, and civil discourse have expanded the center’s reach. In an exciting development, the center will also co-sponsor TEDxUF’s 15^th Annual Conference next month, further amplifying its influence and involvement.

“We are fortunate to have incredible resources here at UF,” said Butler. “You need people who act as bridge builders, connecting these resources to collectively benefit and uplift everybody. We want to be those people.”

The liberal arts lie at the epicenter of this endeavor, she explained, possessing an advantage in fostering these connections compared to another discipline.

Looking ahead, Butler remains steadfast in the center’s core mission. Guided by the vision of the Dial family, the center ensures that future generations possess the skills to effectively share ideas, bridge disciplines, and advocate for themselves and others.

“It’s a legacy that harmonizes with our own, continuously evolving,” she said.

Central to this mission is the goal of enhancing individuals’ ability to communicate articulately and express themselves effectively — a principle cherished by the Dials and embraced by the center.

“We won’t stop pushing forward until we can connect with every individual at UF,” Butler said. “Every effort counts in moving the needle.”

Explore the Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies’ offerings, including upcoming events, here.