The Making of Florida's Universities

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.