In an effort to improve communication between the University of Florida and the city of Gainesville, interim UF President Donald Landry on Jan. 8 made a brief and rare appearance before the City Commission.
During a commission workshop at the Historic Thomas Center, Mayor Harvey Ward welcomed Landry and noted that it was the first time since 2017 that a sitting UF president had come before the dais.
Landry spoke to the board for about 30 minutes and said while education is the pipeline to the future, the university’s land-grant roots helped elevate UF to serve communities across Florida.
“It’s the land grant ethos that was the basis of this university. It is to serve the state, this county,” Landry said.
He added that roughly 75% of the university’s activity takes place in Alachua County, compared with just 25% across the state’s other 66 counties.
Landry also noted that UF cultivates its talent carefully, and out of the 100,000 applications expected this year, only about 7,500 students will be admitted.
With more students coming to Gainesville, Landry said the city is helping enhance their experience by building a downtown with thriving restaurants and events.
“That’s something that increases the life of our students,” Landry said.
After Landry’s remarks, the City Commission asked him a series of questions about student safety, affordable housing and local business growth.
Ward told The Sun on Jan. 8 that he really appreciates Landry’s willingness to build a relationship with the city and have more open dialogue.
Ward said that adding more homes in Gainesville helps improve affordability, and that Landry has already discussed with the UF Board of Trustees the potential to invest in “spin-off businesses” and local startups.
“That’s great news whether that happens at Innovation Square or out in the Sid Martin Biotech center toward Alachua. I think this some of the best news we could possibly hear, because the financial engine at UF and the UF Foundation can make more things happen,” Ward said.
Ward said he’s not entirely sure why this moment feels different, but he believes Landry is a genuinely curious person who hasn’t served in this role before and wants to see how things work firsthand.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Interim UF President Landry opens door to stronger city partnership
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
