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Hitt-isms

Hitt-isms

Insight, wisdom and tongue-in-cheek musings from UCF’s fourth president.

Summer 2018 | Compiled by Joe Adams | Illustrations by Tim Bower

A vice president: “Do you want the good news or bad news?”
Hitt: “Will I be able to tell the difference?”

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“When somebody is trying to make a nice gesture, it’s generally better not to kick them in the teeth.”


“It would be nice if somebody would ask a question rather than just make a wild assumption.”

“We

“Better to be seen than viewed.”

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A vice president in jest: “I’m sorry I came into work today.”
Hitt: “So are we.”

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“That’ll start some tongues wagging.”

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“We’re going to have information in hand. It’s a radical concept.”

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“[That’s] better than a sharp stick in the eye.”


“While you’re at it, go tell the tide to come in.”


“There will be a vote to adopt something. The something remains to be worked out.”

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“It’s a compliment in a way but one we could probably do without.”


“He’s a smart guy and a good guy, and those are two good things to say about somebody.”

“If you intend to go, be sure to take all the fun with you that you intend to have.”


“We really need a dose of common sense in this, and I hope it can be injected.”


A vice president: “We have Chihuahuas.”
Hitt: “I hope you get over that.”

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“I was still trying to negotiate a blindfold and a cigarette for you.”

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“We were a Southern family, so if it didn’t move real fast, it got fried.”

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“Remember the first law of academic administration: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth delegating.”

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A reminder to not be too greedy: “Pigs get fed. Hogs get slaughtered.”

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“It’s a good idea except for trying to do it.”

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In response to an idea he wasn’t fond of: “Well, what’s second prize?”

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A vice president: “Never turn down the kindness of the president.”
Hitt: “There’s so little of it.”

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“Where are the criteria for leaping over tall buildings?”

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“We need to look at the problem and not necessarily a solution that is presenting itself for another problem.”

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“A wish is not a plan.”