The University of Central Florida (UCF), located in eastern Orange County, is a member institution of Florida's State University System. The main campus is located approximately nine miles from downtown Orlando and fifty-five miles from Daytona Beach. UCF was known as Florida Technological University until the name was changed on 6 December 1978 by action of the Florida Legislature.
Florida Tech was established on 10 June 1963 and first classes began in August 1968. As of 2004, more than 40,000 students attend UCF. In 2003, UCF had the distinction of being the fastest growing University in the United States in terms of Undergraduate enrollment. The university also has a number of other campuses in eastern central Florida, but none are large as the 1400 acre (5.7 km?) main campus. UCF awards bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates.
The Central Florida Research Park which is close to the university is a major focus of Simulation research as well Space and Defense related research. One of the founding goals of the University was to act as a support system for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) which is about 50 miles (80 km) away.
UCF's official mascot is Knightro, and the various teams go by the name of "Knights". The official colors are Gold/Yellow and Black. |
