A Note from the Dean
Summer 2026
From my office on the second floor of the Florida Gym, I have a clear view of Stadium Road – students weaving past on scooters, stepping off buses between classes and laughing in conversation with friends. It’s a daily reminder of the energy and possibility that define our college community.
I often imagine how different this same road must have looked eighty years ago through the eyes of our college’s first dean, Dennis Keith “D.K.” Stanley – classic Chevrolets rolling by and students flocking to the gym’s entrance to line up for a musical performance. While transportation, trends and new UF venues have evolved, one thing has remained constant: our students are the heartbeat of this college.
Over the past academic year, I’ve taken a deliberate look toward our future, asking how we can help shape the next 80 years for the HHP community. How can we better prepare our students for meaningful, fulfilling careers after graduation? In what ways can we expand our research capabilities to drive real-world impact? Where do untapped industry needs exist, and how can we partner with organizations to address them?
These questions are essential to defining the legacy we choose to build – one that strengthens opportunity for the next generation and ensures our college continues to lead with purpose and impact for the next 80 years and beyond.
In this issue, you’ll read about memorable moments at the college shared by alumni and current students. You’ll also learn about a faculty researcher advancing early childhood food and nutrition security. And be sure to check out how our students are giving children with serious medical conditions an experience they will never forget.
As we continue to celebrate our 80th anniversary throughout the year, I encourage you to visit hhp.ufl.edu/80years to explore a timeline of our progress. You may spot a familiar face – possibly your own!
May this edition of Performance spark pride in where we’ve been and excitement for where we’re headed.
Michael Reid
Dean
michael.reid@ufl.edu
In This Issue
Performance Magazine is a place to celebrate the successes of our faculty, students and alumni. We also hope it’s a useful tool to keep you updated on the most recent happenings.
Features and Research
New Alachua County toolkit, designed by UF researchers, tackles childhood food insecurity
UF researchers developed a community-informed toolkit to improve food and nutrition security for families with infants and toddlers, providing practical strategies and funding opportunities for local organizations in Alachua and Leon counties.
Live in the city or the country? How your location — and your thoughts on death — shape your travel choices
A University of Florida study found that where people live influences how they respond to thoughts about mortality, with tourism-rich communities more likely to use travel as a source of meaning, renewal and resilience.
Alex Diaz (BSESS ’95, MSESS ’97)
UF alumnus Alex Diaz oversees operations for the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome and brings decades of sports venue leadership experience back to UF, mentoring students through the Department of Sport Management.
Virtual reality helps Florida college students rethink injury recovery and rehabilitation
University of Florida athletic training students are using virtual reality to create immersive rehabilitation experiences, helping patients improve recovery while preparing future clinicians to adopt innovative, evidence-based therapeutic technologies.
UF students discover impact, build lasting bonds at Camp Boggy Creek
Through a hands-on experience at Camp Boggy Creek, two UF tourism, hospitality and event management students supported children with serious medical conditions while gaining valuable leadership, service and experiential learning skills.
Student Spotlight
Eighty years of progress have shaped the college’s legacy. Now, a new generation of students is carrying that momentum forward.
Alumni Profiles
Submit Your Story Idea!
Do you have an inspiring alumni testimonial, recent research findings or impactful community story related to your education at HHP? Whether you’re a student, recent grad or long-time alum, we want to hear from you! Submit your story using the link below for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of Performance magazine.