UF administrators today are standing by their decision to hire Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, as a $75,000-a-year guest lecturer for its politicial science department and its new Graham Center for Public Service, a sort of political think tank and experience vessel for students.

"He fits in very well with the Center's mission," said Joe Glover, interim dean of UF's liberal arts college. "He'll help with our internship program, and that requires some connections, someone who knows people. The Center has a political affairs agenda, and he's up there helping to create the future of Florida."

Haridopolos, a powerful lawmaker, started the annually renewed gig this month and is supposed to spend this spring working mostly from the Capitol, helping UF poli sci students get internships and other political experience, said Joe Glover, interim dean for UF's liberal arts college. The rest of the year he'll teach, though it's not clear how often, in Gainesville.

But UF faculty question the deal, saying they didn't get enough input into the hire, which could benefit UF politically - and certainly benefits the senator financially. But Glover said the Graham Center's director and former Gov. Bob Graham himself met with Haridopolos "for a good hour" before offering him the job.

Haridopolos expressed interest in the job, so UF officials decided to consider him, Glover said.

He replaces an assistant professor who made $70,000 a year and recently left for a NATO job overseas. Haridopolos' salary comes from the liberal arts college's budget. The college has been embroiled in scandal the past couple of years after overspending by millions of dollars, a problem that led to the former dean's ouster.

Haridopolos formerly worked for a Florida community college, but not since August. He said he has taught since 1993. "I liked my job at the college and I look forward to teaching at UF," the senator said Thursday.