UF interim President Kent Fuchs announced Friday that former state Rep. Chuck Clemons will step into the role of vice president for government and community relations starting in July.
Mark Kaplan served in the role until stepping down in February, and Steve Orlando has filled in since then.
Clemons worked at Santa Fe College for 17 years before retiring in December 2024, and he was elected to the Florida House in 2016 before reaching his term limit after the 2024 session. He graduated from UF in 1979.
“I look forward to helping build a strong coalition focused on advancing the legislative and community best interests of my alma mater without regard for political party,” Clemons said in a press release. “The University of Florida is a treasure for the state of Florida, and I’m eager to do my part to help it reach its fullest potential.”
In his role, Clemons will oversee UF’s community engagement strategy along with advocacy efforts within the local, state and federal government.
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said Clemons has been a steadfast advocate for higher education and the university throughout his career.
“His deep understanding of the legislative process and his commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” Hosseini said in a release. “I am confident he will help elevate UF’s impact across the state and ensure our voice remains strong in Tallahassee and beyond.”
While in the Florida Legislature, Clemons spearheaded several local efforts, including the creation of the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority and the referendum that switched Alachua County to single-member districts. He also supported efforts to give UF $38 million to buy 3,180 acres west of Gainesville.
“Without regard for political party”? This is the same guy who pushed to dissolve Gainesville, attacked the mayor, and defunded student groups he didn’t like. Now we’re supposed to believe he’s gonna unite the community? UF is a treasure, sure but hiring Clemons to “build trust” is like hiring a fox to watch the henhouse. So much for town/gown relationships and so much for UF being a top 5 University. What a joke.
I can’t help but agree. But that’s apparently the trend right now, political hacks appointed to state university and college positions. As “Inside Higher Ed” reports, the follow positions are all filled by politically connected types: chancellor of the state university system and the presidents of New College of Florida, South Florida State College, Northwest Florida State College, Broward College, University of West Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida A&M University, Florida International University.
I worked with Chuck for many years at SF in my roles with Student Life and (later) in Economic Development. He’s a great advocate for students and fully understands higher education and its associated relationships. He is a great “get” for UF.