In a time of unprecedented economic crisis, the leaders of our legislature displayed tremendous foresight and political courage in providing full funding for the new medical schools at the University of Central Florida and Florida International University. Our first classes of students arrive in August, and we must have the faculty, staff and resources to teach them, while simultaneously preparing for future classes of students. For that bold and visionary decision, we say thank you.
We commend the leadership in the Florida House and Senate, the Board of Governors and Gov. Charlie Crist for their strong commitment not only to our two new medical schools, but to all of the medical colleges in our state. It is not an exaggeration to say that the decision to fund medical education will definitely and positively impact the lives of generations of Floridians.
By President John C. Hitt, University of Central Florida and President Modesto A. Maidique, Florida International University
For the full news release, please visit the Gainesville Sun.