Local - County Government (Alachua), 1990-94

This collection contains the administrative records of John V. Lombardi, ninth president of the University of Florida, from his inauguration in 1990 to his resignation in 1999.

Throughout his presidency, his efforts were centered toward improving the overall environment on campus for students and faculty. Concern about the implementation of affirmative action was a major complaint among the university students and staff. Throughout the Affirmative Action section of the collection, correspondence between Lombardi and various people within the university display the concerns of the time.

Known for his fundraising skills at Johns Hopkins, Lombardi raised millions of dollars that financially and physically improved the University of Florida. Buildings were built and renovated throughout campus, such as the Brain Institute and the Physics Building. Lombardi also implemented the University of Florida Bank, which allocated funds to each college more efficiently and kept track of the university budget. Budget information is found under Academic Affairs, and files related to capital campaigns are found under Development and Alumni Affairs.

The Athletic Association underwent significant changes during Lombardi's presidency. Jeremy Foley replaced Bill Arnsbarger as Athletic Director and former Gator quarterback Steve Spurrier returned as coach to lead the football team to several conference championships and one national title. In all, the 1990s were a period of incredible athletic achievement. Lombardi's early response to criticisms of the program is well documented, and there are many items that reflect the programs later successes.

The relationship between Lombardi and the Board of Regents (BOR) and the State University System (SUS) was one of ups and downs. Records from BOR meetings and conference calls between the government officials and Lombardi are documented. The role of the university as a whole in the SUS is also included. Other correspondence and information about the BOR shows the beginning of Lombardi's rocky relationship with the board. In 1995, Lombardi wrote a proposal related to financial aid that disappointed the BOR when it went straight to the governor. This Educredit proposal is included in the collection along with the BOR's criticisms. Another event documented in the collection is Lombardi's "Oreo" comment about Chancellor Adam Herbert. Various reactions to the comment are found in the Resignation folders.

Another event documented in the collection is the August 1990 murders of five Gainesville area college students. Condolences from Lombardi to the victims' families are documented. Other condolences from various universities are included. Letters and e-mails written by Lombardi to the students and staff about the tragedy are also documented.

Other items in the collection include pamphlets, directories, greeting cards, artists' renditions of various buildings built during his presidency, awards, and newspaper articles.