University of Central Florida President John Hitt seemed to hold back tears as he announced his retirement Tuesday.

  • UCF President John C. Hitt to retire after over 25 years
  • Hitt has led massive growth for the university
  • UCF has added accredited medical school, downtown campus

His retirement will be effective June 30, 2018. 

At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Hitt read from a prepared statement the university released on his website earlier in the day.

"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 UCF," he said.

During Hitt's 25-year tenure at UCF, the university has grown from a small commuter school to the largest university in the country by enrollment and one of the largest universities in the nation.

The first classes at UCF began in October 1968 with 1,948 students; it now enrolls 64,000.

Hitt has overseen the opening of the accredited College of Medicine at Lake Nona as well as the UCF downtown campus. The school has 10 regional campus locations throughout Central Florida.

Though Hitt, the school's fourth president, will retire from official duties, he will not be leaving the school for good. Hitt will take on the title of president emeritus, working on philanthropic efforts and helping the school continue to implement its long term strategic plan.

Meanwhile the school's Board of Trustees will begin the process of finding Hitt's successor.

The school is promising a transparent nationwide search that will involve all stakeholders, from the Florida Board of Governors to faculty, staff and students.

The school hopes to have Hitt's successor in place by June 30.

Reactions to President Hitt's retirement announcement

ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER

"President Hitt has made a monumental impact on our community and under his leadership UCF has become our region’s biggest asset.

"Central Florida’s most important accomplishments recently – from diversifying our economy, to clustering industries and education, to extending opportunities for minorities and our underserved by making education more accessible and affordable, to the creation of a new Downtown campus – all have one thing in common, and that is UCF and President Hitt. 

"As Mayor, I have enjoyed this strong partnership with President Hitt and UCF and am grateful for Hitt’s leadership."

REP. STEPHANIE MURPHY, D-WINTER PARK

"President John Hitt has served @UCF & our community w/ skill & passion for 25 years. Thank you for your leadership."

VALENCIA COLLEGE