Office of Community Relations
UF Government and Community Relations

Monday, October 12, 2020
Across the University of Florida, our 16 colleges, numerous institutes and health care facilities embrace our shared mission of outreach and service to improve and enrich our community, nation and the world. UF in the Community spotlights the impact of UF in our region.

Although UF has students and employees throughout the state, North Central Florida is home to much of our faculty and staff and to our 50,000+ students. Like all area residents, we want a vibrant, safe, healthy and equitable place in which to live and thrive. Here are some of the ways in which we are enhancing our shared community.​
President Fuchs Reaffirms Commitment to Health Guidelines
The University of Florida remains fully and firmly committed to following CDC guidelines for every part of our campus from classrooms to athletic venues as well as the guidance of our own experts at UF Health and local and state health officials. This includes physical distancing by ensuring 6 feet between yourself and others and wearing a mask or cloth face covering. Although adherence to the guidelines restricts our behavior and limits the occupancy of our facilities, these preventative measures remain the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is important that all members of the UF community and our campus visitors follow this guidance.
Florida Trend’s Florida 500 names Dr. Win Phillips a Living Legend
The Florida 500 special edition of Florida Trend lists the 500 most influential executives throughout the state. They have recognized UF’s Dr. Win Phillips as a Living Legend. He has been instrumental in the achievements of UF and in the economic development efforts in our community.

From Florida Trend:
LIVING LEGENDS: Dr. Win Phillips,
Executive Chief of Staff and a professor of Mechanical Engineering
Florida 500: “Phillips has been a key player in the University of Florida’s role as an innovator since 1988. During his tenure as UF vice president of research, Phillips and David Day, director of the school’s Office of Technology Licensing at the time, were the state’s most accomplished team at turning academic research into enterprise.
The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce called Phillips a longtime “game changer” for the University of Florida.”
UF Innovate celebrates best year ever
University of Florida researchers made more discoveries and licensed more technologies than ever in the fiscal year just ended, despite the coronavirus pandemic influencing the third and fourth quarters. 

Researchers disclosed 393 new discoveries and UF Innovate | Tech Licensing signed a record 132 licenses and options, up from 331 disclosures and 122 licenses last year. Faculty also earned a record $900.7 million in research funding this fiscal year. 
Join us (virtually) at the October UF Eye Opener Discovery Breakfast
featuring

Dr. Scott Angle

Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources
UF Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences

Wednesday, Oct. 14
8 a.m. ET

UF Health: Bringing Peace in a Pandemic
A team of UF Health champions is working daily to ease fears for elderly COVID-19 patients at risk of delirium.
UF Bureau for Economic and Business Research September Consumer Sentiment Report
Consumer sentiment among Floridians surged in September 6.3 points to 85.1 from August’s revised figure of 78.8. Similarly, national consumer sentiment increased 4.8 points.
UF College of Nursing established and manages a Rural Health Clinic in Archer
Archer Family Health Care, a Rural Health Clinic, located in the town of Archer, this nurse-led health care practice offers adult, pediatric and behavioral health care services.

AFHC offers high-quality health care for children, adults and families in Archer and surrounding areas, and accepts most major insurance plans and offer reduced fees to uninsured patients. Managed by the University of Florida College of Nursing, this practice brings outstanding health care right to an underserved area.
UF IFAS share the updated Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters
The second edition of the Homeowner’s Handbook provides updated guidance for Florida homeowners on disaster preparation and can help residents feel ready for approaching storms.
Heavener School of Business remains among top 15 public programs in U.S. News rankings
The Heavener School of Business was ranked No. 14 among publics on U.S. News & World Report’s “2021 Best Undergraduate Business Programs” rankings released Monday, September 14. The school ranked in the No. 24 position among all U.S. undergraduate programs. It continues to be the highest-ranking undergraduate business program in the state of Florida.
COVID-19 Resources:
  • UF Health COVID-19 Site
  • UF Health Screen, Test and Protect Dashboard
  • UF Updates on COVID-19
Community Resources:
  • Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 data and surveillance dashboard
  • Alachua County
  • City of Gainesville
  • Santa Fe College
  • City of Alachua
  • Greater Gainesville Chamber
  • United Way of North Central Florida
Stay Well.
Susan Crowley
Assistant Vice President, Community Relations