William Elmore

Throughout his 39-year association with UF, William E. “Bill” Elmore worked with vigor to ensure quality and smooth operating within the university. His first UF post was as auditor and after a series of promotions he was appointed vice president for business affairs in 1967. Three years later Elmore was named vice president for administrative affairs. He held this position until his death in 1989. As vice president, Elmore was UF’s chief fiscal and business officer as well as business advisor to the UF president.

Active in various civic, social and fraternal organizations, Elmore served as a deacon for Gainesville’s First Presbyterian Church, president and vice president of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club and chairman of the board of directors of Sun Bank of Gainesville. Other commitments included membership on boards for the United Way of Alachua County and Shands hospital. He was chairman of the Florida Student Financial Assistance Commission and a member of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers.

Elmore received his bachelor’s degree from the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., and later attended the Institute of Business Accounting and Emory University Law School. Before coming to UF, he served as a U.S. Army Captain and worked for an accounting firm in Atlanta, Ga.

An associate of Elmore’s, President Emeritus Stephan C. O’Connell stated, “Bill was a rare gem of a man, whose close friendship I’ve treasured over the years. Impeccably honest and straightforward, he required the same of others.”

The University Athletic Association Board of Directors established this endowment as a tribute to Elmore’s life and ideals.