University of Florida picks site for Jacksonville graduate campus: 'Bold vision'
ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Florida on Thursday announced a site for a new Jacksonville campus that will offer graduate programs and include research on semiconductor technology.
The UF Board of Trustees’ Governance, Government Relations and Internal Affairs Committee approved a site near the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, according to UF and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s office.
The full UF Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the plan Friday.
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"UF has a bold vision for our campus in Jacksonville," Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini said in a prepared statement. "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."
The University of Florida Board of Trustees’ Governance, Government Relations and Internal Affairs Committee approved a recommendation to select the area around the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center as the site of its new campus in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan expressed enthusiasm for the university's expansion.
"We are excited to partner with the University of Florida to make this campus a reality," said Deegan. "The City of Jacksonville is committed to being on the cutting-edge of workforce development and building a thriving downtown where our citizens can learn, live, work, and play. This campus and the degrees that will be offered are another monumental step towards Jacksonville being a national leader in the industries that will shape our collective future."
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The announcement said the university plans to start offering graduate-degree programs by fall 2026. It also said a focus will be semiconductor technology through the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
Deegan’s office said in a news release that it will work with the Jacksonville City Council and the city’s Downtown Investment Authority to provide 22 acres of buildable land for the campus.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the University of Florida with contributions from the News Service of Florida.