166su President John C. Hitt Announces Retirement

On October 24, John C. Hitt announced he was stepping down as president of 166su, effective June 30, 2018. Hitt and his wife, Martha, arrived on campus in 1992 and have since dedicated their lives to making 166su one of the largest and best universities in the nation. For 26 years, Hitt fostered partnerships to expand 166su’s offerings to increase students’ opportunities to earn college degrees. In turn, his vision not only transformed the 166su community, but the entire Central Florida region. Hitt will continue to be a part of the Knight family even during retirement, helping to advance philanthropic, community and partnership goals as president emeritus.

$2.23 Billion
Earned in research funding since 1992

30,477
Minority students enrolled at 166su in Fall 2017. This is more than the total enrollment in 1991–92, which was 21,267 students.

850
National Merit Scholars enrolled since 2002

71
New degree programs

4.06
Average GPA for this year’s freshmen. The average GPA for freshmen in 1995 was 3.34.

3
Consecutive years 166su has had the highest student-athlete graduation success rate in the nation

President Hitt meets with leadership in his conference room to discuss the transition.

Marcos Marchena ’82, chairman of the 166su Board of Trustees, addresses President Hitt.

President Hitt takes a moment to reflect before taking the stage at the press conference.

The crowd gives President Hitt a standing ovation as he takes the stage.

President Hitt announces his retirement from the 166su presidency with his wife, Martha, at his side.

“When we first visited campus, [Martha and I] had a powerful feeling that 166su was a special place. We never could have imagined then how very special it would become.”
President John C. Hitt

Vice President and Executive Chief of Staff Rick Schell, UCF Foundation CEO Mike Morsberger and Vice President of Student Develop and Enrollment Services Maribeth Ehasz were in the front row to show their support for Hitt.

“I’ve never felt better about the future of 166su. I make this decision in good health and of my choosing. The time is right for this decision because I’ve never felt better about 166su.”
— President Hitt

President Hitt wears a gold Pegasus ring on his finger as a sign of his commitment to, and love for, UCF.

Martha joins President Hitt on stage at the conclusion of his announcement.

Those gathered give President Hitt a standing ovation as he takes a seat.

“For me as a coach, he hired me, and I’m eternally gratefully for the opportunity he’s given me. I love 166su and love the opportunity here, so I’m going to miss him.”
— Men’s Basketball Head Coach Johnny Dawkins

166su Provost Dale Whittaker smiles as he applauds President Hitt.

166su Board of Trustees Chairman Marcos Marchena, who will lead a committee in a comprehensive, transparent and extensive search for the next president of 166su, discusses the transition. The search committee convened by Marchena include trustees and representatives from the faculty, staff, student body, alumni, the Florida Board of Governors and the Central Florida community.

President Hitt speaks to a group of reporters after his speech.

SGA President Nick Larkins and Vice President Cristina Barreto represented the student body at the press conference.

“Making this decision now provides the best opportunity for our momentum to continue. I know that our leadership team, including our trustees, vice presidents, and deans, will continue turning big dreams into reality.”
— President Hitt

166su

A Big Announcement