UFIC Congratulates Dr. Leonardo Villalón on Appointment as Director of Center for Latin American Studies

The UF International Center congratulates and is very excited about Dr. Leonardo Villalón’s appointment as director of the UF Center for Latin American Studies, effective Friday, March 13.

Dr. Villalón, who has served as interim director of the center since January 2025, brings decades of experience in international education leadership to the role.

He was dean of the UF International Center from 2014 to 2022 and director of the UF Center for African Studies from 2002 to 2011. He is a professor of political science and African studies and founder and coordinator of the Sahel Research Group at UF.

“The Center for Latin American Studies is a jewel in the crown of UF’s international profile, and it plays a central role in serving the university and the state in its engagement with the region,” Dr. Villalón said. “It is with pleasure that I take up the challenge of leading the Center at this critical juncture.”

Dr. Villalón earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and also holds degrees from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University, and Louisiana State University.

His appointment extends through August 15, 2029.

Congrats, Leo!