The University of Florida (UF) has opened its new downtown Jacksonville campus last week, expanding the university’s presence in Northeast Florida with graduate programs, research initiatives and workforce development efforts.
UF Jacksonville, opened through a partnership involving the university, the city of Jacksonville, state leaders and private-sector supporters. More than 150 university officials, government leaders and industry representatives attended the opening ceremony.
The campus will offer graduate-level programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, engineering management, business, law, architecture and biomedical and health sciences.
UF President Stuart Bell said the campus is intended to serve students, working professionals and researchers while complementing existing higher education institutions in the region.
“Today, we aren’t simply celebrating a campus opening. We’re writing a new chapter for students, for working professionals and for an entire region. UF Jacksonville is designed to meet the moment,” Bell said.
The Jacksonville campus will also serve as a research hub through UF’s Applied Research for National Security Lab, which will focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and microelectronics, space and strategic technologies, biotechnology and biosecurity.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said the university’s presence could contribute to the city’s research capacity, workforce development and downtown economy.
City and state funding, along with local private philanthropy, has produced a total investment of $300 million in UF Jacksonville to date, according to the university. Additional funding has also been secured for the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
