The Making of Florida's Universities - by Carl Van Ness (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this book, Carl Van Ness describes the formative years of
higher education in Florida, comparing the trajectory to that of other states
and putting it in context within the broader history and culture of the South.

Book Synopsis

The unique early path of public higher education in Florida



In
this book, Carl Van Ness describes the remarkable formative years of
higher education in Florida, comparing the trajectory to that of other
states and putting it in context within the broader history and culture
of the South. Central to this story is the Buckman Act of 1905, a state
law that consolidated government support to three institutions and
prompted decades of conflicts over where Florida's public colleges and
universities would be located, who would head them, and who would manage
their affairs.



Van Ness traces the development of the
schools that later became the University of Florida, Florida State
University, and Florida A&M University. He describes little-known
events such as the decision to move the University of Florida from its
original location in Lake City, as well as a dramatic student rebellion
at Florida A&M University in response to attempts to restrict Black
students to vocational education and the subsequent firing of the
president in 1923. The book also reflects on the debates regarding
Florida's normal schools, which provided coursework and practical
training to teachers, a majority of whom were women. Utilizing rare
historical records, Van Ness brings to light events in Florida's history
that have not been examined and that continue to affect higher
education in the state today.

About the Author

Carl Van Ness is university librarian emeritus at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.