The third and final candidate for vice president of Student Affairs emphasized the importance of diversity and tradition.
On Wednesday morning, David Parrott came to UF to speak with faculty, staff and students about his qualifications. He currently serves as executive associate vice president of Student Affairs and chief of staff at Texas A&M University.
In Bryan Hall, Parrott told about 70 UF faculty and staff members it’s important to increase diversity on campus to prepare students for careers.
“We need diversity if for no other reason than to prepare ourselves to be leaders in that larger world,” he said.
He said if he gets the position, he will teach students about UF’s history without erasing the times UF wasn’t welcoming.
“Let’s make sure that we teach our history and talk about the lessons learned,” he said. “This occurred back then; it was wrong, and this is what we’re going to do today that’s right.”
While at Texas A&M, Parrott said he worked with faculty and staff to defend students’ rights to protest and practice free speech.
“Our role is not to approve or disapprove of free speech,” he said. “Our role is to support the First Amendment.”
Nadene Reynolds, the Career Resource Center’s associate director for professional development and experience, said she liked that UF staff had the opportunity to ask Parrott questions.
“It’s good to be able to compare between the candidates,” she said.
She said the candidates for the position should be considered seriously because they represent students.
Parrott also discussed equity with students in the Reitz Grand Ballroom.
“One of the most challenging issues we face on college campuses today is finding a way to balance inclusiveness,” he said. “If you are able to interact with people that are different than you, then you are better off.”
Narayan Kulkarni, a UF biology senior, has heard all three candidates speak. He said Parrott has enough experience to handle working at UF.
“I believe that he’s someone who’s very open to encouraging conversation for students as well as faculty and staff in a positive way,” the 21-year-old said. “I didn’t get a very good feel for tangible things he would do and commit to, though.”
He said he has doubts about all the candidates.
“I’m just concerned to what extent they will support minorities because all three of them are white,” he said. “I will say, though, that they all three seem very informed on why they want to lead.”
