Celebrating Dr. Graham’s Retirement
The University of Florida Water Institute proudly celebrates the retirement of Dr. Wendy Graham, founding director of the Water Institute. During her 17 years at the helm, Dr. Graham transformed the Institute from a grassroots vision into a nationally recognized leader in interdisciplinary water research, education, and outreach. Through her commitment to collaboration, scientific excellence, and stakeholder engagement, she built a vibrant community that connects researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners to address Florida’s most pressing water challenges. Under her leadership, the Institute grew to include more than 400 affiliated faculty across 10 colleges, established innovative programs such as the Water Institute Graduate Fellows Program, and developed the biennial Water Institute Symposium into Florida’s premier water conference.
In addition to serving as founding director, Dr. Graham was the Carl S. Swisher Eminent Scholar in Water Resources. Prior to leading the Water Institute, she served as chair of UF’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Her expertise and leadership were also recognized nationally through service at the National Science Foundation, first as a Program Officer for the Hydrologic Sciences Program and later as Director of the Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education (RISE) within the Geosciences Directorate while maintaining her affiliation with the University of Florida.
Just as important as the Institute she built are the people she inspired. Through her mentorship, collaborative leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed, Dr. Graham shaped the careers of countless students, researchers, and colleagues and helped create the supportive, interdisciplinary culture that remains a hallmark of the Water Institute.
As she retires from the University of Florida, we thank Dr. Graham for her visionary leadership, dedication to water science, and extraordinary service to the university, the state of Florida, and the broader water community. Her influence will continue to be felt through the Institute she built and the many people whose careers she helped shape.