History of the UF Division of Student Affairs | Page 89
89
Evelyn Bethune
1994 - 1995
Katrina Rolle
1995 - 1996
Cheryl Garner
1998 - 2000
Stephen Roberts
2000 - 2005
Darius Bost
2005 - 2007
Anthony Crenshaw
2007 - 2011
John Johnson
2011 - 2012
Veleashia Smith
2013 - present
I n s t i t u t e o f H i sp a n i c- L at i n o C u lt u r e s
Interest in supporting Hispanic-Latino cultures and students at UF had its roots
in academia. The Center for Latin American Studies was established in 1930.
When Fletcher Hall opened in 1939, part of the building was called the InterAmerican section and housed exchange students from Latin America and UF
students learning Spanish. The program was strongly supported by UF President
Tigert and jointly administered by the Department of Housing and Residence
Education and the Institute for Inter-American Affairs (now the Center for Latin
American Studies). The Fletcher Library was called the Inter-American Lounge.
In 1971, the Cuban Student Federation was established becoming the first
Hispanic-Latino/a student organization at UF. In the 1980s, the Union de
Estudiantes Puertoriquenos Activos (UEPA) and other Hispanic Student
organizations were established. During this time period, Hispanic-Latino/a
student groups functioned independently or severed ties based on political
differences. Also during this time period, the Association of Hispanic Faculty
and Staff played a role in supporting Hispanic-Latino/a students including
supporting the creation of the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures which was
dedicated in 1994.
The Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures (La Casita), a two-story house located
at 1504 W. University Avenue across from Library West and Anderson Hall, offers
study and lounge space, workshop and conference rooms, a book and video
library, kitchen, a gender-neutral restroom, and an outdoor patio. All rooms in
La Casita are available for campus and community meetings during operating
hours.
Depa rtment histor ies : Multicultur al & Diver sity A ffai rs