Former state Rep. Chuck Clemons has been appointed vice president for government and community relations at the University of Florida (UF), effective July 1, the university announced last Thursday in an administrative memo.

A UF alumnus, Clemons represented the Gainesville area in the Florida House of Representatives, where he and played a leading role in shaping education and budget policy. He chaired the Gator Caucus and pushed for increased funding for the State University System, as well as legislation aimed at protecting free speech on college campuses.

Before his time in the Legislature, Clemons spent 17 years in senior administration at Santa Fe College and previously served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture under a presidential appointment. His public service also includes several years in the federal government and long-standing involvement in civic life across North Central Florida.

In his new role, Clemons will lead UF’s government relations at the local, state, and federal levels and oversee the university’s broader community engagement efforts. School officials pointed to his experience in public policy, higher education, and government affairs as key assets that will help advance UF’s institutional priorities.

UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini called Clemons a “steadfast advocate for higher education and a tireless champion for the University of Florida throughout his career,” adding that Clemons’s “deep understanding of the legislative process and his commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-suited for this role. I am confident he will help elevate UF’s impact across the state and ensure our voice remains strong in Tallahassee and beyond.”