Linton E. Grinter Hall

Honoree

Linton E. Grinter

Linton E. Grinter was an influential educator and administrator at the University of Florida. He served as Dean of the UF Graduate School from 1952 to 1969.

During the 1950s, then Graduate School Dean Grinter, along with chairmen of the chemistry and physics departments, laid the foundation for the Quantum Theory Project, a graduate program focused on the study of chemical physics and quantum chemistry.

Grinter’s impact as Dean of the UF Graduate School lives on. Each year, Grinter Fellowships provide approximately $785,000 to graduate students across the University.

Grinter’s leadership, research and innovative publications resulted in groundbreaking strides in engineering. In 1972, he received the first Distinguished Service Award from the Engineers Council for Professional Development (now the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). He was also a member of Chi Epsilon, the national engineering honor society.

Grinter was named an Honorary Alumnus of the University in 1973 and honored as Dean Emeritus of the College of Engineering for his undying commitment to research, education and professional development in the field of engineering and to the University.

Facility History

Grinter Hall currently houses several language programs, the Department of African Studies and the UF International Center.

Click here to visit Grinter Hall virtually through UF's campus map

Commemorative Plaque

Narrative as displayed on the commemorative plaque:

Linton Elias Grinter served as the Dean of the Graduate School and Director of Research from 1952 until 1969. He received his doctoral degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1926 and had a distinguished career as a teacher, administrator, writer, speaker, researcher, and engineering consultant. In 1970 he was awarded the Royal Order of the North Star by the King on Sweden. Dean Grinter invited outstanding research faculty to the University of Florida, attracted millions of dollars in outside funding to support research, and guided graduate faculty and students toward ever higher standards of excellence. His goal of placing the University in competition with other leading graduate research institutions was realized when the University of Florid was invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities in 1985.

Grinter Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here to read more.