For many in our region, Fred Kittinger 鈥�80 is UCF.
In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF鈥檚 work across Central Florida.
He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university鈥檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.
On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.
鈥淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,鈥� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF.鈥�
Joining Knight Nation
An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at UCF in 1977, known then as Florida Technological 海角直播.
He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.
鈥淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of UCF,鈥� Kittinger says. 鈥淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.鈥�
He served on orientation team and President鈥檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF鈥檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.
After completing his master鈥檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.
In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.
Now nearly 23 years later, he鈥檚 ready for his next adventure.
Advocating for his Alma Mater
When you鈥檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you鈥檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.
A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond鈥檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.
A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.
But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 鈥� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.
鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.鈥� 鈥� Fred Kittinger
鈥淚t takes that trio to make an impact 鈥� you鈥檝e got to have private industry, you鈥檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I鈥檝e been very blessed.鈥�
He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university鈥檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of UCF鈥檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.
鈥淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,鈥� says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and community relations and associate general counsel.
More Than a Job
In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students鈥� lives for many years.
Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program鈥檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.
Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).
Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.
鈥淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,鈥� Owen says. 鈥淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred鈥檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.鈥�
