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As John J. Tigert begins his presidency, Florida comes
under hard times. The Mediterranean fruit fly cripples
the state's citrus production and the deadliest hurricane
to ever hit Florida destroys what is left of the state's
economy. Then, a year later, the Great Depression begins
with the collapse of the stock market. The economy does
not recover until America enters World War II in 1941.
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1928 »
President Tigert Leads UF During Depression and War
John J. Tigert's administration begins in the midst of
a state economic crisis that continues throughout the
Great Depression and World War II. State funds for expansion
are largely unavailable during his 20-year tenure. The
quality of education increases as entrance requirements
are heightened and graduate/faculty research intensifies. |
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| 1930 » First
Football Game Played At Florida Field
The 22,000-seat stadium is named Florida Field and is
dedicated to alumni killed in World War I. A bronze
memorial plate is embedded in the north wall of the
stadium. Unfortunately, Florida loses its first game
against the University of Alabama, 20-0.
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1935 » Tigert
Develops University College
All freshmen and sophomores are required to take seven
comprehensive courses covering social sciences, physical
sciences, english, math, psychology, humanities (music,
art, philosophy), and biology. Upon completion, an Associate
of Arts degree is conferred on the student. The University
College stays in operation until the late 1970s when it
will be merged into the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. |
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1941 » Pearl
Harbor
Many students join the armed forces and do not return
to take final exams after the Christmas vacation. Due
to the circumstances, they are given credit for the
work that they have completed. More than 10,000 alumni
serve in World War II. William Corry and Hubert Schucht,
former student body presidents, are among those killed.
Corry Village and Schucht Village are named for them.
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1947 » J.
Hillis Miller President
The postwar enrollment boom is in full swing and the university
is experiencing its first year as a fully coeducational
institution. In 1945, there were 587 students. In 1946,
there are more than 8,000. The university provides married
student housing, known as Flavets, for Florida veterans
and their families. Miller's primary efforts are a $15
million building construction program, the expansion of
many existing academic programs and the development of
the medical colleges. |
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1947 » Gender
Segregation Officially Ends
As World War II ends, more women are interested in attending
the University of Florida. The GI Bill that applies to
women who served during the war encourages them to seek
higher education. Women married to veterans attending
UF also want to attend school. By 1950, there are 2,433
women enrolled. |
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| « 1906 - 1927 |
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View a Flash Presentation of UF's History
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