University of Florida plans new campus in Jacksonville to bolster education and economy

The University of Florida (UF) is advancing plans for a new campus in Jacksonville, as announced by the University’s Board of Trustees’ Governance, Government Relations and Internal Affairs Committee. The selected site, which is adjacent to the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, covers at least 22 acres of buildable land and is strategically located near numerous corporate headquarters and offices. This initiative is designed to enhance investment in Jacksonville’s historic LaVilla community and promote accessibility to the burgeoning Brooklyn neighbourhood, while also leveraging the nearby McCoys Creek and the Emerald Trail.

“UF has a bold vision for our campus in Jacksonville. This will be a site that will give our students an opportunity to learn and thrive in a fast-growing city with incredible job opportunities,” said Mori Hosseini, the chair of UF’s Board of Trustees. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts involving state, city, and community leaders, underscoring a shared ambition to undertake significant projects together.

The announcement has generated enthusiasm from various stakeholders, including Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We are excited to partner with the University of Florida to make this campus a reality,” Deegan stated. She highlighted the City of Jacksonville’s commitment to pioneering workforce development and fostering a vibrant downtown area for residents to learn, live, work, and play.

UF’s interim president, Kent Fuchs, echoed this sentiment, sharing his excitement about the expansion into Jacksonville as new companies relocate to the area, seeking to hire skilled talent. The campus will offer a range of graduate programs aimed at shaping future leaders and enriching the state’s economy. By the fall of 2026, UF plans to introduce graduate programmes including a professional MBA, a Master’s in Management with a focus on AI, and a Master’s in Engineering Management concentrating on Data Analytics, among others. The curriculum is designed to align with the growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging fields, particularly in artificial intelligence.

Additionally, UF is committed to establishing an influential research presence in Jacksonville, with a particular focus on semiconductor technology through the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI). David Norton, UF’s Vice President for Research, remarked, “UF is excited about the opportunities to uniquely expand the UF research enterprise in the Jacksonville region,” indicating that the collaboration aims to bolster Florida’s position in the semiconductor industry through partnerships, research, and workforce development.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Jacksonville is witnessing an increasing demand for talent in emerging sectors. In response to this trend, UF has fortified its commitment to incorporating AI education across its curriculum. This commitment builds on a broader AI initiative established in 2019, which included the deployment of a powerful AI supercomputer, the hiring of over 100 AI faculty members, and the enhancement of research efforts in AI-related disciplines.

“Jacksonville – like UF – is on the forefront of innovation,” President Fuchs remarked, envisioning a future where students will drive meaningful change and influence the trajectory of industries yet to emerge. The coexistence of educational and technological advancement positions the new UF campus as a catalyst for both local and state economic growth.

Source: Noah Wire Services