Making of Florida's Universities

The unique early path of public higher educationin FloridaInthis book, Carl Van Ness describes the remarkable formative years of highereducation in Florida, comparing the trajectory to that of other states and puttingit in context within the broader history and culture of the South. Central tothis story is the Buckman Act of 1905, a state law that consolidated governmentsupport to three institutions and prompted decades of conflicts over whereFloridas public colleges and universities would be located, who would headthem, and who would manage their affairs.VanNess traces the development of the schools that later became the University ofFlorida, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University. He describeslittle-known events such as the decision to move the University of Florida fromits original location in Lake City, as well as a dramatic student rebellion atFlorida A&M University in response to attempts to restrict Black studentsto vocational education and the subsequent firing of the president in 1923. Thebook also reflects on the debates regarding Floridas normal schools, whichprovided coursework and practical training to teachers, a majority of whom werewomen. Utilizing rare historical records, Van Ness brings to light events inFloridas history that have not been examined and that continue to affecthigher education in the state today.