UF Center for Latin American Studies
Carlos de la Torre to return to the faculty, Leonardo Villalón will serve as interim director, new director search begins in spring
January 13, 2025
After five successful years advancing the mission of the Center for Latin American Studies, Professor Carlos de la Torre is stepping down in January 2025. Notable accomplishments during Dr. De la Torre’s tenure include establishing the Kislak Family Foundation Artist/Writer in Residence program, hosting anti-corruption and human rights defenders from Central America in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, and partnering on a pilot program to bring first-generation undergraduates to UF from the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Colombia. He also oversaw six successful faculty hires plus the renewals of the Title VI National Resource Center, Foreign Language and Area Studies fellowship, and Tinker Foundation Field Research Collaborative grants.
Dr. De la Torre will remain a member of the Center’s faculty, carrying out both teaching and research on the timely topic of populism and the future of democracy in Latin America.
Beginning on January 13, Professor Leonardo A. Villalón will serve as interim director of the Center. Dr. Villalón has extensive experience in international education administration, having served as Dean of the UF International Center from 2014-2022 and Director of the UF Center for African Studies from 2002-2011, where he successfully submitted three Title VI applications.
As the Center undergoes these changes, our primary focus is a seamless transition of administration and enduring support for our students and faculty. We thank Dr. De la Torre for his stewardship of the Center during the last five years, and warmly welcome Dr. Villalón to the Center community.
The Office of the Provost will begin a search for the next permanent director of the Center in January.
