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Moving Forward
January 27, 2021 | By Erika E. Nelson
You cannot effectively move forward without looking back and reflecting on the past. Founded in 1946 amid the complexities of the post-war era, our college made its debut at the same time as the transistor, the defibrillator, Tupperware and so many other modern conveniences that have shifted the way we live. The college was the nation’s first of its kind — focused on physical education, health, recreation and athletics.
While our name, departments and programs have evolved and grown over the years, the college continues to be focused on advancing how we live, work and play. While addiction and Parkinson’s disease existed 75 years ago, we’re now able to name these issues and focus on them with great urgency along with challenges like COVID-19, obesity, cardiovascular disease and sustainable recreation and tourism.
In fact, the college predates itself and grew out of an academic division focused on hygiene and health — created following the Spanish flu outbreak in 1918. That division was transformed into our college in 1946. It has evolved and changed over the past three quarters of a century. But our roots are deep, and we remain committed to advancing human wellness, equipping students for their future and translating academic findings to improve lives.
As we mark the College of Health and Human Performance’s 75th year, there are many who contributed in the years of planning leading up to the founding of the college and in the years that followed, but none who so clearly exemplifies that early vision for a college that could meet the needs of the university, intercollegiate athletics, intramural and recreational activities as well as the academic programs that were to come. D.K. “Dutch” Stanley’s remarkable career and commitment to the people of the university serves as inspiration as we look forward.
“Whether you are a boy or a girl, whether you become a teacher or not, the obligation to be physically and mentally alert and conditioned is upon you.”
— D.K. “Dutch” Stanley
(Dennis K. Stanley, circa 1948)
As a young UF college student, Stanley was a star end for the Gator football team and eventually became the head coach at the young age of 26. He was also the first men’s tennis coach and the head track and field coach. At the request of the Florida Board of Control, Stanley sat down with then Dean Matherly and UF President Tigert, as well as a few other early leaders, and drafted a plan for the new College of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. Stanley went on to serve as the college’s first dean from 1946 to 1969 and then stepped down and remained on faculty until his retirement in 1976.
(D.K. Stanley and college administrators, circa 1948)
“…no university for undergraduates can be adequate which fails to give proper attention to instruction in health education, physical education, recreation, physical therapy, and to development of proper attitudes and habits with regards to health and the enjoyment of physical activity.” —D.K. “Dutch” Stanley
Our First Graduates
Just one degree was offered in those first few years, a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Recreation. The first graduating class in 1948 consisted of two men, and after the university became co-ed in 1947, Flora O. Karr became the first woman to graduate from the college with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in 1950.
(Flora O. Karr, 1950 yearbook photo)
After the first graduating class consisting of James Frederick Horsey, Jr. and Sam Lambrecht Lett, Jr. graduated in February of 1948, that June, Andrew Bracken, Charles Fields, Hubert Richards, Arthur Smith and Reece Daniel Cooper all graduated with honors.
Right before Mrs. Flora O. Karr began her journey to become the first woman to graduate from the college, she lost her husband Lester who was killed in action in Okinawa, Japan. They had two young children. Mrs. Karr was active in the Florida Players and was a Special Justice for the Honor Court and a member of the Olympian Club. She also managed the Airport restaurant at Stengel Flying Service on Archer Road.
After the curtailment and eventual cancellation of the football program due to the war, in 1946 there was a crusade to bring back the athletic programs, and in particular football, which became a statewide project. In 1950 the first major reorganization of the college took place and intercollegiate sports then became a separate division under Coach Bob Woodruff.
The Florida Gymnasium
The University quickly outgrew the gym that initially housed the college when the student population jumped from 3,000 in 1942 to 8,000 in 1946. Then quickly grew to 10,000 plus within the next couple of years when the university became co-ed.
(Anatomy class, circa 1949)
A design for a new gym was started by university architect Rudolph Weaver, but the project took much longer than anticipated due World War II. The plans were completed by Guy Fulton after the war and the Florida Gymnasium finally opened in 1949.
The Florida Gym, or Alligator Alley as it became known, was the first building on campus intended for campus wide use. It was named Florida Gymnasium to distinguish it from the other two preceding gyms.
The gym could seat 6,500 for athletic games and up to roughly 9,000 people by using the full floor. Over the years the space was used for commencement, registration, concerts and dances. It was the only indoor facility capable of holding the whole student body at the time.
HHP, we want to hear from you! Send us stories, photos and videos sharing your experience in the college, people who made a difference through their leadership, enriched others as they taught, studied or worked alongside you. Email communications@hhp.ufl.edu.
Many thanks to UF Libraries Special Collections for their contributions to our history, including photos and archives. Share your story and add your profile - we want to hear from you.
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