2026 - Leonardo Villalón named director of Center for Latin American Studies - UF Center for Latin American Studies
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
2026 - Leonardo Villalón named director of Center for Latin American Studies - UF Center for Latin American Studies
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Leonardo Villalón named director of Center for Latin American Studies
Dr. Villalón, who has served as the Center’s interim director since January 2025, will fulfill a three-year term
March 27, 2026
Dr. Villalón has extensive experience in international education administration, having served as Dean of the UF International Center from 2014-2022 and Director of the UF Center for African Studies from 2002-2011.
“The Center for Latin American Studies is a jewel in the crown of UF’s international profile, and it plays a central role in serving the university and the state in its engagement with the region,” Dr. Villalón said. “It is with pleasure that I take up the challenge of leading the Center at this critical juncture.”
Dr. Villalón is also a professor of political science and African Studies, and the founder and coordinator of the Sahel Research Group at UF. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and holds degrees from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and Louisiana State University.
We are happy to welcome Dr. Villalón officially into the role of Center director and look forward to the continued collaborations with our faculty, students, staff, and alumni!
Photo: Dr. Villalón moderating a discussion on former Center Director Carmen Diana Deere’s recent book publication, February 2026
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Skip to main content
UF Center for Latin American Studies
UF Center for Latin American Studies
About
Our History
Governance
Contact Us
Faculty Resources
Contributing to the Center
People
Center-Based Faculty
Affiliate Faculty
MALAS Students
Center Staff
Visiting & Research Scholars
Faculty Advisory Council
History of Directors
Charles Wood Thesis Award Winners
Academics
Why LAS?
Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Programs
LAS Specializations
LAS Courses
Cross-Listing Policies
Student Funding
Academic & Funding Forms
Study Abroad
Florida-Brazil Linkage Institute (FBLI)
Outreach
K-16 Professional Development
Teacher Resources
Virtual Exchange
Library Travel Grants
Cultural Events
Language & Careers
Program Highlights
Latin American and Caribbean Collection
Latin American Business Environment (LABE)
International Ethnography Lab
Master's in Development Practice
Tropical Conservation & Development
News & Events
Calendar of events
Event support request form
Annual conference
Stories from the Center
The Latinamericanist
Sign up for our email newsletters
Alumni
Alumni profiles
LAS Alumni Awards
Alumni update form
LAS Alumni Board
Alumni roll call
Make a donation!
Make a Gift!
Academic Programs
Prospective Students
Directory
Calendar of Events
Blog
Welcome to UF-LAS
Welcome to UF-LAS
Prospective Students
Current Students
Alumni
Leonardo Villalón named director of Center for Latin American Studies
Dr. Villalón, who has served as the Center’s interim director since January 2025, will fulfill a three-year term
March 27, 2026
Dr. Villalón has extensive experience in international education administration, having served as Dean of the UF International Center from 2014-2022 and Director of the UF Center for African Studies from 2002-2011.
“The Center for Latin American Studies is a jewel in the crown of UF’s international profile, and it plays a central role in serving the university and the state in its engagement with the region,” Dr. Villalón said. “It is with pleasure that I take up the challenge of leading the Center at this critical juncture.”
Dr. Villalón is also a professor of political science and African Studies, and the founder and coordinator of the Sahel Research Group at UF. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and holds degrees from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and Louisiana State University.
We are happy to welcome Dr. Villalón officially into the role of Center director and look forward to the continued collaborations with our faculty, students, staff, and alumni!
Photo: Dr. Villalón moderating a discussion on former Center Director Carmen Diana Deere’s recent book publication, February 2026
Share this story
Apply Now
Make A Gift
Events
Contact Us
University of Florida
YouTube
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
UF Operator: (352) 392-3261
Resources
UF Home
ONE.UF
Webmail
MyUFL
E-Learning
Directory
Campus
Weather
Campus Map
Student Tours
Academic Calendar
Campus Events
Disability Services
Quick Links
Apply to the Program
LAS Faculty Directory
Student Funding
LAS Courses
Contact Us
Privacy Policy