University of Central Florida history

In October of 1965, the BOR unanimously chose Charles N. Millican, dean of the College of Business Administration at the new University of South Florida in Tampa.

Governor Claude Kirk presided over the FTU groundbreaking on March 19, 1967.

Previously to the school opening, on April 5, 1968, the official university seal, Pegasus, the winged horse of the muses in Greek mythology was selected, with a single star and the motto “Reach for the Stars” and the school colors of Black and Gold were introduced.

First commencement: June 1970, 423 graduates

University Self Study, 1973. -- A Self Study conducted by each department of FTU in 1973.

In 1974, at the request of students, a competition was held to create the FTU alma mater, with music faculty member Doctor Burt Szabo’s music and lyrics selected from the many entries.

First doctoral degree granted: 1977/78

In 1978, Doctor Millican decided to return to teaching in the College of Business, and Doctor Trevor Colbourn became the university’s second president.

By the time Doctor Colbourn resigned to return to teaching history in 1989, UCF had a football team, a marching band, four doctoral programs, a Research Park, and seven endowed Chairs.

By Spring of 1991 the University had completed a “blueprint” for UCF’s future that included a Master Plan for new construction to accommodate a growing research mission and a student body that was expected to more than double in the next twenty years.

When Doctor John Hitt arrived from the University of Maine in 1992 to become the University’s fourth president, one of his first moves was to draw five clear goals for the schools that would become part of the strategic plan and take the University into the 21st Century.

As of March 2011, 56,235 students are enrolled, making UCF the second largest school in the country.

5 nonprofit management graduate program in the nation in 2020, according to United States News & World Report