Promotion of Mr. Dave Kratzer

Patricia Telles-Irvin, Vice President for Student Affairs

It is with great pleasure that I announce the promotion of Mr. Dave Kratzer to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. In his new role, he will be responsible for assisting the division reach its strategic goals and oversee its resource management. He will be relocating to 155 Tigert Hall.

Mr. Kratzer has been with the University of Florida since 1986 when he became the Director of the J. Wayne Reitz Union. During his tenure, he has successfully managed a very complex facility of over 300,000 square feet with a $6 million budget. In fact, the J. Wayne Reitz Union is regarded as one of the best student facilities in the country.

As a result of his leadership, he has brought many new features to the building, developed a sound financial plan for its operation and was responsible for the expansion of the ballrooms, creation of the food court, retail space, and Career Resource Center. In addition, he also was instrumental in creating the opportunity for the bookstore to be located adjacent to the union. With regard to student development, Mr. Kratzer has enhanced our students’ collegiate experience by supporting the establishment and expansion of programs and developmental opportunities in the Office of Student Activities.

In addition, he has served on numerous committees at the University and has held leadership roles in his respective professional organizations. Mr. Kratzer has been the recipient of many awards, of which most recently he was awarded the University of Florida President’s Humanitarian Award 2004.

Mr. Kratzer received his M.S. in Recreation Administration from the University of Illinois and a B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration with a minor in Business Administration.

Dr. Mike Mironack, Associate Director of the Reitz Union, has agreed to serve as the Interim Director while a national search for the position is conducted this spring 2005. I want to thank him for taking on this responsibility at this time.

Please help me congratulate Mr. Kratzer for his achievements, contributions and new appointment. I am confident he will serve the division and the University well in his new capacity.