After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from UF in 1959 and a law degree from Harvard in 1962, the Miami Lakes native served 12 years in the Florida Legislature while working in his family’s cattle business and community development businesses. In 1978, he was elected Governor of Florida and served two successful terms. His passion for education was apparent, and in 1986 the Council of Chief State School Officers recognized him for his national leadership in education.

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, serving three consecutive terms. One of his most important contributions came during his last term, when he was named chairman on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He co-sponsored the bill to create the Director of National Intelligence position and co-chaired the “Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.” Graham later authored 2004’s Intelligence Matters, revealing serious faults in the U.S. national security system.

Since retiring from public office in early 2005, Graham spent the 2005-2006 academic year at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He now plans to focus his efforts on training the next generation of public leaders by mobilizing the academic resources of the University of Florida to solve public policy challenges facing Florida, the nation, and the Americas.

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