Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins spoke to UF students about Charlie Kirk’s legacy, the definition of true leadership, and his own backstory at a Turning Point USA chapter event Wednesday night.
Speaking at the Reitz Student Union’s Senate Chamber to a crowd of about 70, Collins outlined his story — from growing up in a Tampa trailer park to joining the military and fighting in Afghanistan. After getting shot and losing his leg in combat, he went on to become the state’s second highest official under Gov. Ron DeSantis — lieutenant governor.
Attendees underwent required security checks, consisting of bag checks and sign-in sheets, before entering. Protective tasers — commonplace on a college campus — were prohibited.
During the event, Collins urged students to stand up for what they believe in, even when it may be difficult, drawing on Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk’s passion and dedication. Kirk was shot and killed in September at a college speaking event in Utah.
“Charlie was an awkward kid who came up with a plan and an idea, and he grew a voice,” Collins said. “That’s magical for a kid who grew up in a trailer.”
Turning Point USA at UF is part of a national organization that Kirk and late-conservative activist Bill Montgomery founded in 2012. The conservative organization’s chapters frequently host speakers on college campuses and aims to foster ideological dialogue and freedom, according to Turning Point’s website.
Earlier this year, the group mourned Kirk’s death with a candlelight vigil in his honor. Following his death, his wife, Erika Kirk, assumed leadership as Turning Point’s CEO.
A Republican and retired U.S. Army Green Beret from Tampa, Collins was elected Florida’s 21st lieutenant governor in 2022. Before entering politics, Collins served in the military for over two decades. He continued to serve after losing his leg during combat, leading him to become the first above-the-knee amputee Green Beret in U.S. history.
Collins’ arrival was met with cheers and a standing ovation.
While UF Turning Point executive members declined to comment on the event, students said they were excited for Collins’ visit.
Jay Sullivan, an 18-year-old UF industrial and systems engineering freshman, said she showed up without extensive knowledge about Collins but attended as a member of the UF chapter.
“I really trust Turning Point and so I’m excited to hear what he says,” she said.
Collins began his speech in a casual tone, but his sense of humor quickly surfaced. He poked fun at himself — joking about being bald — over the hour and a half the event lasted.
Collins praised Kirk’s commitment to bridging ideological divides by fostering open conversation on college campuses. Respectful dialogue and truth are important in maintaining a nation, he said.
When Collins asked the audience what America stands for, students shouted “opportunity” and “freedom.” He nodded and said America had lost its way ideologically at some point.
“Conservatives don’t command conformity,” Collins said. “We command courage.”
Collins held a brief Q&A session with students who asked about his faith, religion and declaring one’s own values.
One student asked about a recent trend of extremism within conservative circles, which he defined as “using political ideology and religion to justify totalitarianism, misogyny, xenophobia and antisemitism.”
Collins said the issue comes down to “what’s good, what’s evil and standing,” he said. “We have to call it out and combat it, even if it’s in our party … especially if it’s in our party.”
The event closed with another standing ovation. After taking a group photo with Collins, students stood to shake his hand as he left.
Barbara Jaramillo, a 19-year-old UF political science junior, said the event was motivating. It inspired her to pursue every opportunity that comes her way, she said.
As a Christian, she said she was also moved by Collins’ discussion of his faith.
“I feel like having more people speak about what they feel or their opinions makes people more encouraged to talk about things that they wouldn’t have,” Jaramillo said.
Contact Swasthi Maharaj at smaharaj@thealligator.org. Follow her on X at @s_maharaj1611.
Swasthi is the Fall 2025 university administration reporter. She's previously worked as general assignment reporter with The Alligator, and you can also find her work in Rowdy Magazine or The Florida Finibus. When she's not staring at her laptop screen or a textbook, she's probably taking a long walk or at a yoga class.
