The University of Central Florida , which is fighting to earn recognition among the state’s top-tier universities, sent a delegation on a high-profile trip to France with Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials this Summer.

UCF President Alexander Cartwright and four school representatives joined DeSantis and other state, education and business leaders on the three-day trade mission in June to attend the Paris Air Show representing Florida.

UCF paid for the $39,000 airfare, hotels and other travel expenses with private dollars from the school’s foundation, according to the university. The school declined to make anyone available for an interview to talk about the trip or how it benefited the school, but offered a brief statement.

“UCF’s participation was a strategic inve

See Full Page