Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer won't seek UCF presidency, will run for re-election

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Tuesday morning that he won't pursue the University of Central Florida presidency once it is vacated next year upon President John Hitt's retirement but will instead run for re-election.

Hitt announced last week that he will retire at the end of next school year. He has been the school's president since 1992.

Dyer, who -- with the exception of one month -- has been mayor since March 2003, said on his Facebook page Tuesday morning that he wouldn't pursue the gig.

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"While I believe that I could do a great job as UCF President, I can do even more for our entire community as Mayor," he said.

Dyer said during a news conference Tuesday morning that he'll instead run for another term in 2019.

"I love my job," Dyer said. "I get up inspired every single day. We've accomplished a lot in the last 15 years, but there's a lot more to do."

Cox Media Group