UF Center for Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies has deep roots at the University of Florida dating back a century, thanks to our state’s geographical proximity to the Caribbean and South America, its Spanish heritage, and its significant Latino/a/x population. The Center for Latin American Studies was established as the Institute of Inter-American Affairs on June 2, 1930, making the University of Florida home to the oldest research center on Latin America in the United States. Since then, the Center has continued to grow its excellence in academic programs and exchange between the Americas, thanks to its extraordinary students, faculty, alumni, and staff.
The Institute of Inter-American Affairs (IIAA) is founded.
The IIAA becomes the School of Inter-American Studies (SIAS), coordinating undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
The SIAS receives Title VI funding from the U.S. Department of Education and is officially designated a National Resource Center.
The IIAA was established in 1930 to “foster better cultural and economic relations between the United States and Latin America.” In conjunction with our founding, President Tigert awarded an honorary degree to a Latin American citizen for the first time, Cuban Ambassador to the United States Dr. Orestes Ferrara.
The Institute’s inaugural conference was held in February 1931 as part of the celebratory events marking the University of Florida's 25th year in Gainesville. The Plaza of the Americas was dedicated at the closing ceremony with 21 live oaks planted on the university quadrangle, one for each of the republics of the Americas of the time.
In its early years, the university recruited students from Latin America, strengthened its Latin American curriculum, and developed collaborative agreements with Latin American universities. Of the 2,257 students enrolled at UF in 1929-30, only four were international students—three from Cuba and one from France. After President Tigert announced that the Institute would provide support to foreign students, the total rose to 13 the next year, with eight from Latin America. One of the first collaborative agreements signed was in 1938 with the University of Havana.
The School of Inter-American Studies superseded the IIAA in 1951 in order to coordinate degree programs with a Latin American emphasis. While the first master’s thesis on a Latin American topic was approved in 1929, the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS) has been offered continuously under the aegis of the Center since 1952. A Ph.D. was offered between 1952 and 1971, first in Inter-American Studies and then in Latin American Studies.
Our early connections with Cuba resulted in a strong focus on the Caribbean during our formative development. From 1950 until 1970, we hosted an annual “Conference on the Caribbean,” exploring different facets of the region. The UF library collection also amassed a wealth of resources from the Caribbean, an emphasis maintained to this day.
Throughout our history, we’ve evolved with the pressing interests and issues of Latin American Studies. Our foundation of Political Science, History, and Language remains strong. Over the years, we’ve built strengths in Tropical Ecology, Development Studies, Indigenous Studies, Diaspora Studies, Anthropology, and Ethnography. Each year, our Annual Conference brings together experts and students on the latest topics and perspectives in Latin American Studies, from sustainable business to populism to anti-racist education.
In 1961, the School of Inter-American Studies was awarded Title VI funding and designated a National Resource Center. Since then, we have continuously received funds to support our initiatives. In September 1963, the School of Inter-American Studies was officially renamed the Center for Latin American Studies. Our students, faculty, and alumni continue to play important roles in the development of Latin American Studies through their academic, professional, and public service pursuits.
