Duval Times

The University of Florida (UF) is set to establish a new graduate campus in Jacksonville, with the LaVilla site near the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center selected as the location. The UF Board of Trustees Governance Committee approved this decision, with a full board vote anticipated soon. Classes are expected to commence by fall 2026.

A notable feature of this campus will be the Florida Semiconductor Institute, part of a national initiative aimed at enhancing semiconductor chip research and development. These chips are vital for various technologies including defense, aerospace, smartphones, and automobiles. This project has received $80 million in state funding and may gain further federal support.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with UF: “We are excited to partner with the University of Florida to make this campus a reality.” She emphasized Jacksonville's commitment to being at the forefront of workforce development and downtown revitalization.

Mori Hosseini from UF's Board of Trustees highlighted the university's ambitions for the new campus: “UF has a bold vision for our campus in Jacksonville." He underscored plans to create "a national center of excellence" that offers students opportunities in a rapidly growing city.

Interim UF President Kent Fuchs also commented on how this expansion aligns with regional economic growth: “Our expansion into Jacksonville is exciting...The workforce-oriented graduate programs we’ll be offering will help build tomorrow’s leaders.”

Graduate degree offerings are still being finalized but may include professional MBA programs and specialized master's degrees in AI, data analytics, computer science, law, and biomedical sciences.

The Deegan Administration intends to collaborate with local entities like the Downtown Investment Authority and City Council to provide land for this project swiftly by 2025. The administration aims to propose an additional $50 million over four years for development costs starting next fiscal year.

This initiative is seen as a catalyst for LaVilla neighborhood growth and complements ongoing projects such as Pearl Square development from Gateway Jax, Stadium improvements, museum expansions, riverfront parks completion, transit-oriented planning around convention centers, and potential passenger rail services returning downtown.