Jacksonville, UF to explore possible graduate campus

Jacksonville, Fl — Calling it a generational game changer for Jacksonville, Mayor Lenny Curry today announced a partnership with the University of Florida to explore a new graduate campus in the city. The focus would be medicine, business and engineering.

“Jacksonville has become a leader in both fintech and health care innovation. We have a robust network of Fortune 500 Companies and cutting-edge health facilities, like UF Health, Wolfson’s Children Hospital and the Ackerman Cancer Institutes,” Curry said.

“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.”

The mayor is expected to introduce a three-year, $50 million proposal to City Council at a later date. UF and community leaders will seen an additional $50 million in private funding.

“We’ve got a process to follow, but we’re getting it done.” Curry said.

UF has a long-standing presence in Jacksonville, including the UF College of Medicine as well as a regional UF Health campus.

“We’re excited to grow our historic partnership with Jacksonville through exploring what we envision as a new campus designed for the strengths of this unique city,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees.

Next steps include UF and city officials working with leaders in education, business, medical and community leaders to identify academic needs and opportunities for the regional workforce.

Sasse started his tenure on Monday as UF’s 13th president and was greeted by around 100 protestors.

According to the Gainesville Sun, a coalition of students, faculty, staff and organizations like Graduate Assistants United and Young Democratic Socialists of America chanted outside the building before occupying the hallway in hopes of delivering the list of demands directly to Sasse’s office.

Sasse was most recently a U.S. Senator from Nebraska. He has previously served as President of Midland University, Fremont, Nebraska.