In 2006, the College of Medicine and Nursing, the Health Science Center Library and Administration will celebrate their 50th anniversary, dated from the year when they officially came into existence as they opened their doors to students. In the 50 years since September 1956 both colleges grew tremendously, guided by visionary leaders and establishing innovative curricula, clinics, and research programs, while participating in a wide array of interdisciplinary centers and institutes. These individual colleges will celebrate their anniversaries throughout the year via a number of venues- please visit their own web pages through the links on this page for more information on their programs of exciting events.
 "One of the early planners, Russell Poor (Photo above) was Director of the Medical Center Study and became first Provost of the Health Science Center. |
And, in the next few years, there will be a number of other milestones, as other units of the Health Center will celebrate 50 years of growth and development: the hospital opened in 1958, the College of Public Health and Health Professions in 1959, the College of Pharmacy moved from it campus home (Pharmacy opened in 1923) in 1961, while Dentistry opened in 1972 and Veterinary Medicine in 1976. Why this concentration of milestones? Because the planning for the Health Science Center was a farsighted effort in 1952 to anticipate and meet Florida’s then current health needs, anticipate future needs, and develop an integrated health science center to address these needs in perpetuity. |
As a planning process it was unprecedented, growing from the vision of then University president J. Hillis Miller, who insisted on establishing a well organized study to cover every possible concern and contingency. By February of 1953, Dr. Miller could state with confidence that, "Our program of study and planning to date has been unique. It is our intention that it shall remain unique; otherwise it may cease to challenge our own imagination and that of the host of supporters and splendid leaders in the medical profession who have gloried in the undertaking. We shall not be content to rest on our laurels. We believe we have the incentive and the ability to follow through to a conspicuous and successful goal." J. Hillis Miller, Foreword, Medical Center Study.
For more information vist the particular College's/ Institution's Website:
