For many in our region, Fred Kittinger ’80 is ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university’s most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

β€œFred Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,” says ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright. β€œHe has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.”

Fred Kittinger in dark suit with gold tie stands at glass podium with screen display behind his left shoulder that reads ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown Valencia College.
Fred Kittinger ’80 commemorates the founding of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown in 2017.

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

β€œWe always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” Kittinger says. β€œWe were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.”

He served on orientation team and President’s Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master’s degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he’s ready for his next adventure.

Fred Kittinger in gray suit and blue dress shirt stands in front of Millican Hall holding a Florida Tech blvd green street sign with orange icon
For years, this Florida Tech Blvd. street sign β€” procured when the university changed its name to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ in 1978 β€” hung in Fred Kittinger’s office at Millican Hall. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you’re anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, you’re bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond’s old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him β€” from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

β€œMy greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.” β€” Fred Kittinger

β€œIt takes that trio to make an impact β€” you’ve got to have private industry, you’ve got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,” he says. β€œMy greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I’ve been very blessed.”

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university’s biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA);  the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown campus; the growth of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

β€œHis ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,” says Janet Owen, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ vice president for government and community relations and associate general counsel.

Fred Kittinger stands in between two rows of folding tables with students in business suits seated with namecards in front of them in a large room
Fred Kittinger addresses the 2025 Legislative Scholars, a program he helped start in 2005.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students’ lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

β€œWhat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,” Owen says. β€œHe brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred’s friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.”