UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recently celebrated staff members whose dedication, expertise and service help make CLAS a place where students, faculty and ideas thrive.

This year's Staff Excellence Awards recognized four outstanding employees for their contributions in administration, technology, facilities and early-career achievement.

We also honored staff members receiving Appreciation Awards for their milestone years of service to the college and the University of Florida.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and service honorees.

Thank you for everything you do to support the CLAS community.

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/2026-clas-staff-excellence-awards/

When disease strikes, young frogs “play it safe.” 🐸

UF researchers found that juvenile frogs prioritize growth first, then shift energy toward immune defense only when infections become severe.

The study sheds new light on how animals balance growth and survival under stress.

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/young-frogs-play-it-safe-when-disease-strikes-uf-researchers-find/

Congratulations to UF political scientist Daniel A. Smith on receiving the 2026 Career Achievement Award from the State Politics and Policy Section of the American Political Science Association.

The honor recognizes a scholar whose work has made a significant lifetime contribution to the study of politics and policy in the American states.

Smith's research has helped advance understanding of elections, voting rights, redistricting and political participation.

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/political-scientist-daniel-smith-recognized-for-scholarly-contributions/

Ten UF students and alumni have been named Fulbright recipients for 2026, earning opportunities to teach, study and conduct research around the world.

As one of the nation's most prestigious international exchange programs, Fulbright supports emerging scholars and leaders as they build connections across cultures and contribute to communities worldwide.

Congratulations to these outstanding Gators on this achievement and on representing the University of Florida on a global stage.

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/uf-announces-ten-fulbright-recipients-for-2026/

With support from psychology faculty member Brian Cahill, students interested in law have secured internships that provide real-world experience, professional mentorship and career opportunities after graduation.

For several students, those experiences have already led to jobs before they begin law school.

Learn how these opportunities are helping students build the skills and connections needed for future success. 🐊

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/psychology-professor-helps-uf-students-turn-internships-into-legal-careers/

The nation’s longest-running collegiate speech competition came to Gainesville this spring.

The UF Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies hosted the 2026 Interstate Oratorical Association Tournament, welcoming student speakers from across the country to compete in persuasive speaking rooted in research and real-world solutions.

UF student Bailey Mathews represented Florida and earned second place nationally for her speech advocating for federal heat protections for farmworkers. 🏆

Read more:

UF Dial Center hosts annual Interstate Oratorical Association, UF student wins second nationally - News UF hosted Interstate Oratorical Association annual tournament marking end of speech and debate season. UF student wins second place.

When most people think about elephants, dung beetles probably aren't the first thing that come to mind.

But new research co-authored by UF biology professor Todd Palmer found that when elephants disappear, dung beetle populations can collapse — setting off a chain reaction that affects everything from seed dispersal to nutrient cycling.

The findings reveal how the loss of a single species can ripple through an entire ecosystem, reshaping the natural processes that keep it functioning.

🐘🪲 Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/study-finds-elephant-loss-sets-off-ecosystem-chain-reaction-starting-with-dung-beetles/

New archaeology programs at UF are helping students turn classroom learning into career-ready experience through hands-on training in cultural resource management, field methods and preservation planning.

As demand for trained archaeologists continues to grow, students are gaining practical experience that prepares them to help protect cultural and historical resources across the country.

Read more: https://news.clas.ufl.edu/uf-archaeology-meets-workforce/

From Capitol Hill to the Pentagon, UF students spent a week exploring the people and institutions shaping public service in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸

Through Beyond120 and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, students connected with alumni, toured major organizations and engaged in conversations about careers in government, law, communications, policy and international affairs.

The experience offered students a chance to build professional connections, ask questions and see firsthand how classroom learning can translate into meaningful careers and leadership opportunities.

Check out highlights from the excursion in our latest gallery 📸

Interested in future trips and opportunities?

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