What is your name, what is/was your position or in what role/capacity did you collaborate with UFIC (former Office of International Studies and Programs)

Paul Gibbs Director August 1994 to July 1999

What made you apply for your first job at the UF International Center? Or How did you first start at UFIC?

Invited to apply for the position by Provost Andy Sorenson.  It was a 50% appointment retaining my position in College of Veterinary Medicine studying the prevention and control of emerging viruses

As a veterinarian, I have always had a deep interest and involvement in helping the lives of those in developing countries.  I had been on the UF International Council and a member of the Center for African Studies so I welcomed the challenge to further engage the faculty and students beyond the traditional summer schools abroad.

Sorenson wanted the activities of what was then OISP to be broader and involve the professional schools

What do you remember about your first day, first year? Location/building, coworkers, office space, technology, campus culture, world events…

Recognizing that as Director I had access to the depth of skills and international experience of the faculty and students.  This never failed to delight and amaze me

What is /was your favorite part of the job?

Providing vision and strategy for an increased role for UF and its students in international affairs together with the College Deans and the External Advisory Board

Greeting visitors and telling/showing them the University

Seeing the growth in character and maturity of students returning from studies overseas

What are special/unforgettable moments you experienced or lived at UFIC?

Leading teams to Israel, Gaza and West Bank and involvement in the Peace Process.  Recognizing the relevance of the Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral

How has/did your job change over the years? How has UFIC changed over the years?

The early years with the support of Andy Sorenson as Provost and Gene Hemp as Associate Provost were exciting, dynamic, and forward looking.  When Sorenson left, it became more difficult to engage Provost Betty Capaldi and President John Lombardi.  Indeed other UF Deans had a similar challenge.  As an example, working with the External Advisory Board and the Deans of the Colleges, UFIC developed a proposal to develop an overseas program in China, but this was summarily dismissed.  I clearly remember the profound disappointment of E.T York, the Chair of the External Advisory Board and a former Chancellor of the State University System of Florida being told by John Lombardi that he had no interest in China.

What do you think are UFIC’s biggest achievement/success?

To reflect the wider mission of the unit, we changed the name of OISP to the University of Florida International Center.  The strategic plan called for us to move physically closer to the center of the student body.  At that time it was not possible to move to the Hub, but moving to Grinter Hall (half way) and the greater space it provided, nevertheless was a significant advance.

What are/were your favorite memories of your last years at UFIC?

Shortly before I left, through a chance encounter with the Director of the Coca Cola Foundation and a common interest in the developing world, UFIC secured substantial funding for the World Citizenship Programme.  This was celebrated as I left UFIC

How does working at UFIC influenced/changed your life?

As UFIC grew, I recognized that UFIC needed full time leadership with the individual appointed  as a Dean or  Associate Provost.  I requested an external review of UFIC.  The review recommended that the position of Director be elevated to a full time Dean.  I decided to resign but to stay on for 6 months until the Dean was appointed.

As a veterinarian, my training was through “the scientific method”; in other words, a linear thinker.  Through my appointment as Director, I acquired a greater appreciation of the artistic and philosophical contributions of the university faculty and students and their different ways in thinking.  I left UFIC enriched by this exposure.