University Improvement Benefits Expand To Entire Region

"University of Central Florida President John Hitt has grown to become one of the most influential people in Central Florida."

"His efforts and initiatives have as much of an impact on our region as they do his school."

"Yes, he has pushed university-centric plans -- such as the football, basketball and arts center (each one smaller than the ones proposed for downtown Orlando) -- to serve his university's needs."

"But many of Hitt's initiatives, such as establishing a medical school, landing the Burnham Institute and creating a digital-media center downtown, have ripples and effects far beyond his own campus. They could raise wages, improve health care and put the region on the map for something other than theme parks."