University of Florida opens campus in downtown Jacksonville
The University of Florida officially opened its new Jacksonville campus Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of the university’s presence in Northeast Florida and bringing graduate education, research and workforce development to downtown Jacksonville combined with statewide economic impact.
UF Jacksonville, located at 801 West Bay St., is the result of a partnership among the university, the city of Jacksonville, state leaders and private sector partners.
More than 150 attendees turned out for the celebration, including university leadership, city and state officials and industry representatives.
“We are here to celebrate UF Jacksonville — a bold investment in the future of this bold city, this region and our great state,” UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said. “When a top-tier university and a top-tier city unite around a shared vision, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.”
The campus will offer graduate-level programs focused on areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, engineering management, business, law, architecture and biomedical and health sciences.
“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,” UF President Stuart Bell said.
Bell said the campus will complement the region’s existing higher education ecosystem while creating new opportunities for students, researchers and working professionals.
The campus also will serve as a hub for research and collaboration through UF’s Applied Research for National Security Lab, which will focus on areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and microelectronics, space and strategic technologies, biotechnology and biosecurity.
"Jacksonville's partnership with the University of Florida will make us a national leader in the research that powers our future," said Mayor Donna Deegan. "We're grateful for the opportunity. UF Jacksonville will transform our downtown, economy, and workforce for generations to come."
City and state funding, combined with local private philanthropy, has led to a total investment in UF Jacksonville of $300 million to date with additional funding secured for the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by an open house, giving guests and news media an opportunity to tour the new campus and learn more about its academic and research activities.