One of the reasons the 海角直播 has grown remarkably in stature and reputation is its close partnerships with elected officials at the local, state and national levels. A pair of leadership moves announced today will ensure UCF鈥檚 upward trajectory continues.
UCF has appointed Janet Owen as vice president for government relations. Owen comes to UCF from the 海角直播 of North Florida, where she serves as vice president for governmental affairs and associate general counsel. She starts at UCF on June 22.
鈥淚 have always admired what UCF is about. The way UCF has grown into the partnership university has been an example for all of us in the State 海角直播 System,鈥� Owen said. 鈥淭he idea that I could be a part of a new president鈥檚 team and help him accomplish his goals and visions for UCF鈥檚 next chapter is really exciting.鈥�
Owen, a native of Jacksonville, earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the 海角直播 of Florida and a law degree from Stetson 海角直播 College of Law. She worked in a Jacksonville law firm before moving to UNF as associate general counsel in 1994, and has served as UNF鈥檚 lobbyist since 1998.
Owen will build on the strong foundation laid by Daniel Holsenbeck, who as senior vice president for university relations and director of governmental relations聽has helped guide UCF鈥檚 growth for a generation. Holsenbeck has been appointed senior counsel to the president, effective July 1.
鈥淭his is a win-win for UCF,鈥� said president-elect Dale Whittaker, who takes office on July 1. 鈥淔rom day one, I will be able to rely on Dan鈥檚 knowledge and counsel and Janet鈥檚 leadership in accomplishing our goals. This is exciting.鈥�
Since joining UCF in 1985, Holsenbeck has reported to every UCF president except its first. He has fostered deep relationships with elected officials who have helped propel the university鈥檚 rise in quality, size and status, securing support for increased state funding, the College of Medicine, UCF Downtown and more.
鈥淒an has been an invaluable resource for UCF since before I arrived. His fingerprints are on every major university initiative of the past 30 years,鈥� President John Hitt said. 鈥淚 have been fortunate to have had his wise counsel, and I鈥檓 thrilled that with Dan at his side, president-elect Whittaker will continue to benefit from Dan鈥檚 experience, connections and insights.鈥�
Before coming to UCF, Holsenbeck worked as associate vice president for development and alumni affairs at the 海角直播 of South Florida, the director of university relations at Auburn 海角直播, and vice chancellor for development at Auburn 海角直播 at Montgomery.
鈥淎ny chance I have to work with Dale Whittaker is a tremendous opportunity,鈥� Holsenbeck said. 鈥淚 have watched him closely, worked with him, learned so much from him, and will do whatever I can to make his presidency successful.鈥�