UF presents the 2025 Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Awards
The University of Florida presented three different Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Awards Friday to recognize partnership initiatives between the university and the community. The honor recognized their respective achievements: creating a community-based crime reduction program, expanding access to nursing education and coordinating safe and efficient game day operations.
“The University of Florida deeply values strong town-gown relations,” said Chuck Clemons, vice president for government and community relations. “We know that a university thrives when it works in true partnership with its community, and that our community benefits when UF is fully engaged and invested.”
Warren Dixon, interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, presented the first award to the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s SaferPlaces Lab, led by director Read Hayes, for its crime-reduction program, which works in partnership with government agencies and community leaders to implement crime prevention tools in Gainesville. Formed in partnership with the Loss Prevention Research Council, the lab uses research to design new technology and strategies to be tested within the local community.
“By transforming Gainesville into a dynamic proving ground for advanced crime prevention, the SaferPlaces Lab and Dr. Hayes have not only enhanced public safety but have also built a powerful model of collaboration,” Dixon said. “One that sets a benchmark for town-gown partnerships nationwide.”
Shakira Henderson, dean of the UF College of Nursing, presented a Town Gown Relations Award to Santa Fe College and UF Health for the Nurse Training Partnership. This partnership is working to address the nursing shortage in Florida through expanded funding for nursing education. This funding has allowed Santa Fe to increase faculty, improve technology and expand educational programs for working adults.
“This collaboration not only elevates the educational experience for nursing students, it also supports the long-term health of our region,” said Henderson. “As both institutions have emphasized, training the next generation of nurses is essential as we serve an aging population, prepare for future health challenges and maintain the highest standards of clinical care for each patient who walks through the door.”
The award was accepted by Paul Broadie, president of Santa Fe College, Steve Motew, UF Health System CEO, and Leah Blackwell, chief nursing officer for UF Health.
Brandi Renton, vice president for business affairs, presented the final award to a group of city government agencies for their collaborative efforts in coordinating game day operations. The award was presented to the City of Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville Fire Rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the UF Public Safety. Renton highlighted the team’s work in coordinating medical units, security and traffic control for home football games and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship celebrations.
“The Game Day Operations Team has created a model that other communities look to, transforming complex logistics into a seamless experience that reflects the very best of Gainesville and the University of Florida,” Renton said.
Honoring Win Phillips
For over 35 years, Win Phillips dedicated his life to strengthening the relationships that continue to shape our community today. His visionary leadership in economic development, UF Innovate, and the Innovation District has left an indelible mark on Gainesville. Phillips was known for transforming UF research into real-world success and spurring economic growth in ways that impact us all. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the bridge he built between UF and the wider Gainesville community.