Skip to main content
USF Libraries Exhibits

A Practical Philosophy

52e01d6886e6c52ad64483152f871acf.jpg

USF's first catalog relfected President Allen's philosophy, "Accent on Learning."

Upon taking office in 1957, USF President John Allen was familiar with Florida's education system.  He was a long-time faculty member and Vice President of the University of Florida before building USF.  He knew that the politicians in Tallahassee were not very generous in funding Florida's schools or universities.  He also knew that competition for those funds would be fierce.  It did not help that the legislature was packed with alumni from UF, and, to a much lesser extent, FSU.  Therefore, President Allen focused his efforts on academics, leaving the relative frivolities such as athletics, Greek life, and other programs, as lesser priorities.

A Practical Philosophy