JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville is joining the University of Florida to "explore" the idea of creating a new graduate campus in the city, Mayor Lenny Curry and UF President Ben Sasse announced Tuesday.
The campus would focus on "innovative programs" in medicine, business and engineering.
“We are excited about the possibility of hosting this University of Florida expansion to foster opportunity, a talent pipeline, and further grow our region’s industry," Curry said.
He plans to introduce a three-year, $50 million proposal to the Jacksonville City Council.
“UF continues to invest heavily in our region, its students and it plays a vital part in connecting students with high quality opportunities and connecting firms with high quality talent,” Curry said.
UF is looking to provide $50 million in "private support," according to a press release.
“UF is Florida’s flagship university, and we’ve got a special calling to serve Floridians,” Sasse said. “We have a lot to discover and to learn together, but there’s real potential for UF to add to Florida’s skilled workforce, attract new private investment and support existing growth industries. Jacksonville is doing some impressive things and it’s an exciting time for Gator Nation.”
UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hossein said Jacksonville is the perfect place to expand because the city is globally recognized as a financial leader.
“The campus would build on UF’s and Jacksonville’s long standing connections in healthcare, providing new graduate education programs aimed at supporting the region’s growing workforce need,” Hossein said.
First Coast News reached out to several council members to find out what they think. District 6 Council Member Michael Boylan said he learned about the “ambitious plan” along with everyone else Tuesday morning.
“I look forward to meeting with the administration and other advocates regarding the return on investment, given the significant commitment of tax dollars required,” Boylan said.
Dr. Ben Sasse made the announcement on what’s only his second day as UF’s new president. He said he knows the potential of Jacksonville and the university’s partnership is great.
“This really is the kind of special community that pulls on oars together as one Jacksonville,” Sasse said. “The dynamism in the workforce and education space is going to continue to accelerate, and we at UF are really excited about growing this partnership.”