The University of Florida (UF) announced on Monday that it is establishing a permanent presence in Washington, D.C. through a $4.25 million real estate gift that will create a hub for students, faculty, university leaders and alumni near the U.S. Capitol.
The property, to be known as the Ballard House, was donated by Brian and Kathryn Ballard and will serve as UF’s institutional home in the nation’s capital. UF said the site will support academic programming, professional development and civic education opportunities for students while also providing faculty and researchers with a venue to engage with members of Congress and federal agencies, among other national organizations.
The university plans to use the property for speaker series, policy roundtables and other programming intended to give students greater exposure to federal policymaking and public service. Researchers will also be able to use the Ballard House to brief policymakers and federal partners on work in areas including artificial intelligence, agriculture and health care.
“The nation’s great public universities have a real home in Washington, and now the University of Florida will too,” said UF President Stuart R. Bell. “This new presence opens important opportunities for our university and for generations of Gators. It will bring our students and faculty closer to the institutions and people shaping our country and create new opportunities to learn, connect and contribute. We are grateful to the Ballards for making this possible and for Brian’s enduring connection to the University of Florida.”
The property will also serve as a gathering place for UF alumni living and working in the Washington area, creating opportunities for students to connect with graduates working in government, public service and related fields.
Brian Ballard earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a law degree from UF and is a member of the university’s Hall of Fame. He previously served as chief of staff to former Florida Gov. Bob Martinez before founding Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with offices in Florida, Washington and other locations.
Kathryn Ballard is a Florida State University (FSU) alumna and currently serves on the FSU Board of Trustees.
