Summer Times 2007

BY ANA DIAZSandra Chance does not have a typical 9-to-5 job. Chance specializes in law, which involves having to defend journalists from lawsuits. Every day she is dealt new tasks and dedicates an average of fifty to sixty hours a week to her job. Yet, some how she ties it all up.

When asked about her job she said, “Value first amendment and to watch dog for public news.”

Chance is the executive director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Center at the University of Florida. She specializes in providing information on access to government meetings and public records to media organizations, private citizens and elected officials. Chance also provides information on media law developments in Florida to organizations, institutions nationwide and individuals.

She is also a professor of journalism in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. She teaches media law to both undergraduates and graduates two to three times a week. Chance has also published numerous articles in academic and professional journals and news papers.

Throughout her career, Chance has received numerous awards. In 1997, she was college’s outstanding teacher of the year, and in 2005 was named the Scripps-Howard National Journalism Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her life, she has always strived for success, as well as passing it on to her students by working hard to make sure her classes are kept interesting and humorous. All her ambition and motivation come from her sisters being achievers and her mother and grandmother engraving success.

“I will always try to relate my students as well,” Chance said. “I am honored and humbled to influence students in a positive way. It is a privilege.”

Before joining the faculty at UF Chance was part of her high school’s yearbook staff. In 1975 she went off to UF and earned her B.S and M.A with high honors in 1985. Afterwards she went for her J.D. and practiced law with the firm of
Holland and Knight focusing on media law cases.

Chance came to Gainesville because she wanted a change from her hometown of Miami, and she still lives here after 17 years because she prefers it. All three of her sons attended UF as well.