The University of Florida is expanding its Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education with a major new gift, high-profile leadership additions, and the start of construction on a dedicated home for the program. Together, these developments mark the next phase in UF’s effort to strengthen classical and civic education at one of the nation’s top public universities.
Origins and Mission
Established in 2022 with approval from the Florida Legislature and support from Governor Ron DeSantis, the Hamilton School aims to ground students in the classical texts and traditions that have shaped Western civilization while preparing them for thoughtful civic engagement. The school emphasizes small, discussion-driven classes and a curriculum rooted in critical thinking, moral reasoning, and civic leadership—combining the rigor of a liberal arts education with the reach of a major research university.
Major Gift Accelerates Growth
On November 19, 2025, UF announced a $5.5 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and Griffin Catalyst. The donation—the largest in the school’s history—will fund two new initiatives:
- Griffin Fellows: Graduate fellowships for top doctoral candidates focused on Western and civic education.
- Griffin Scholars: Undergraduate merit scholarships with opportunities for study abroad, law and policy internships, and faculty mentorship.
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said the investment supports UF’s mission to “prepare leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively and tackle complex challenges with integrity.” Griffin called the school “a beacon of excellence—fostering rigorous scholarship, open inquiry, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that sustain a free and flourishing society.”
Historic Groundbreaking and New Campus Home
The gift coincided with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hamilton School’s future home at the former UF Infirmary building, a Collegiate Gothic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The university will preserve the building’s exterior while transforming its interior into seminar rooms, study lounges, and faculty offices designed to foster community and debate.
The renovation is expected to be completed by fall 2027, with classes beginning in the facility by spring 2028.
Leadership and Faculty
In just three years, the Hamilton School has recruited more than 50 faculty members from top universities including Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and Vanderbilt. Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady was recently appointed as the school’s next director, while UF Interim President Donald Landry described the project as “a remedy for what ails the academic enterprise of this nation.”
Vision and Future Impact
The Hamilton School seeks to model how public universities can integrate the study of classic works and civic ideas into modern higher education. Its blend of scholarship, civic focus, and leadership training aims to attract students who might otherwise pursue private liberal arts programs.
With a new home, expanded faculty, and financial support for students and researchers, the Hamilton School is poised to become a cornerstone of UF’s academic identity—linking the timeless study of ideas with the practical challenges of citizenship in the 21st century.
Information courtesy of University of Florida News and University of Florida News.
