The most ambitious capital campaign in University history. An iconic and permanent home for the College of Law. The unveiling of a stunning piece of public art. 2023 was a year of accolades, milestones, and growth for Jacksonville University. As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, we wish Dolphins around the globe a Happy New Year!
Jacksonville University announces largest fundraising campaign in university history
In late October, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost (’81) announced the public
launch of the most ambitious comprehensive initiative in university history – FUTURE.
MADE. The campaign aims to raise $175 million within a decade.
“FUTURE. MADE. represents our core identity and mission as a university: building
a better future. It’s who we are and what we do,” said President Cost. “For decades,
Jacksonville University has worked hard to be a force for positive change and meaningful
progress in northeast Florida. We are now positioned to extend that impact on a much
larger scale, for the good of all.”
During the announcement, President Cost also revealed the university had already raised
$103 million, exceeding half of its goal during the campaign’s silent phase.
Celebrating 10 years of progress under the Costs
February 1, 2023 marked an important milestone for the Jacksonville University community
and its beloved leader: ten years since Tim Cost assumed leadership of the University.
The 12th president of Jacksonville University, President Cost has led JU through one
of its most transformational eras. When the Costs first arrived, Jacksonville University
consisted of 3 colleges, 5 schools, 2 institutes and nearly 40 majors. Today, the
University has grown to 5 colleges, 11 schools, 4 institutes and now offers more than
100 majors, minors and programs in specialized fields from game design to occupational
therapy to cyber forensics.
Both President and Mrs. Cost are known for their student-focused approach to leadership,
offering JU students their time and unfettered access. This approach has shaped a
common culture that puts students first and bases important decisions on their needs
and desires.
STEAM Institute ribbon-cutting
On Aug. 28, Jacksonville University cut the ribbon on a renovated 30,000-square-foot
facility dedicated to interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, the arts,
and mathematics studies on its Arlington campus.
The first of its kind in the country, the STEAM Institute houses unique learning spaces
for students. The Institute houses disciplines that include animation, computing sciences,
cybersecurity, data science, engineering, film, fintech, game design, geographic information
systems, robotics, sustainability, and visual design.
Professor of Media Arts and STEAM Institute Executive Director Bill Hill said the
Institute’s creation would meet the demands of the dynamic, evolving workforce. “With
the creation of the STEAM Institute, we are striving to remove barriers between disciplines
to foster a collaborative exchange of ideas that will empower our students to solve
the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Jacksonville University ranked among best universities in the South
Jacksonville University was once again recognized as a Best Regional University in the South by U.S. News and World Report for the 2023-2024 academic year, the University’s fifth consecutive year to earn the accolade.
Jacksonville University ranked 36th overall on this year’s list of Best Regional Universities in the South, landing it in the top third of the region. It also received a nod as a Best Value School in the region. Best Value Schools are determined by comparing the academic quality against the net cost to attend.
Several other JU colleges landed spots in the rankings as well. The Davis College of Business & Technology was recognized as one of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs. The college jumped 50 spots from the previous academic year. For the third consecutive year, Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was recognized as one of the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.
JU Student awarded Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
T’myia Scott, a junior at Jacksonville University, became one of just 100 students in the U.S. to be awarded the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship. She joined the ’23-’25 Voyager cohort, which included students who represent more than 33 states and territories and 74 colleges.
The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb, to help shape leaders, based on their shared belief that exposure to new places and experiences is critical to equipping the next generation to create meaningful change. The two-year scholarship program gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them.
International artist installs 20-foot public art sculpture at campus entrance
At the center of the turbo roundabout welcoming drivers and pedestrians to Jacksonville University, the University installed a “love letter to the Arlington community” in the form of a 20-foot glass-and-steel obelisk, thanks to generous support from private donors. The unique piece of public art was designed and installed by internationally renowned artist Shan Shan Sheng.
Jacksonville University donated the custom-made sculpture, titled Obelisk, to the City of Jacksonville through the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Sheng designed, fabricated, and installed the piece with support from the Renew Arlington CRA, the Cultural Council and longtime Jacksonville University partner Haskell. Its location within the turbo roundabout, which serves more than 30,000 automobiles daily, is the main welcoming point to the University.
Jacksonville University alum nominated for prestigious cinematography award
Jacksonville University alum Borneo Sedeu Nishevikj ’21/MFA ’23 was nominated for the 2023 American Cinematographer Society’s (ASC) Owen Roizman Student Heritage Award in the Graduate Category for the short film, “Gnomes.” The ASC Owen Roizman Student Heritage Award is named in honor of five-time Academy Award nominee, cinematographer Owen Roizman, whose contributions to cinematography include notable works such as "The French Connection" (1971) and "Wyatt Earp" (1994).
Sedeu Nishevikj, a highly sought-after 1st Assistant Director and Director in the film industry, resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Among his recent projects, he served as the 1st Assistant Director for the film "Three Times a Lady," set to premiere at the prestigious 168 Film Festival hosted by Trillith Studios. Additionally, Sedeu Nishevikj directed the talk show "Change Room" and worked as a 1st Assistant Director in a music video featuring renowned artists Emmanuel N Phillip Hudson. These are just a few recent projects that highlight his ongoing contributions to the industry. Sedeu Nishevikj remains immersed in the world of film, where he is actively engaged in pre-production for several upcoming feature films.
Climate Innovation Challenge addresses Northeast Florida climate issues
Jacksonville University launched an initiative to empower the community to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Davis College of Business and Technology, students and community members presented proposals to tackle or raise awareness about climate change for a chance at funding during Jacksonville University’s (JU) Climate Innovation Challenge. The competition was organized by JU's College of Arts and Sciences, Marine Science Research Institute, College of Law, and Public Policy Institute.
Three proposals received funding. “Climate Crisis: Poetry Contest for Duval County”
received $10,000; “Tree Equity Vision and Growing Justice Academy” was awarded $7,500;
and “Food Fight,” $2,500.
“We’re excited to see these projects move forward and the positive impacts they will
have in combating climate change,” shared Dr. Bryan Franks, Interim Director of the
Marine Science Research Institute.
College of Law establishes permanent campus in iconic Downtown historic building
As Jacksonville University’s College of Law wrapped the fall semester of its second academic year, it announced plans to move to its permanent space in the historic former Atlantic Bank Building in 2024.
Located in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, the iconic building will offer the College of Law more than 50,000 square feet on four contiguous floors. The new location will accommodate the growth of the law school and provide the opportunity to expand as it welcomes new classes and hires additional faculty. Additionally, the space will be completely renovated to include flexible, state-of-the-art classrooms, study and common areas, meeting spaces, faculty and staff offices, and library spaces.
OCEARCH launches shark research expedition from new home at Mayport
On Nov. 27, 2023, OCEARCH launched Expedition Southeast, its 46th ocean research expedition,
from the M/V OCEARCH’s new dock in Mayport, Florida. A group of state and city leaders
gathered at the Mayport Waterfront to celebrate the expedition and the ongoing development
of OCEARCH Global Headquarters.
In June, OCEARCH and Jacksonville University announced the designation of $5 million
in funding from the state of Florida for the OCEARCH Global Headquarters, a Research,
Rescue and Education center in Mayport, FL. The Headquarters will include spaces for
public education and meetings, OCEARCH ship operations, dockage for research vessels,
a state-of-the-art marine life research laboratory with data and academic resource
management, and basic housing for research and crew members.
“This launch from Mayport represents the culmination of two years of strategic collaboration
between Jacksonville University, OCEARCH, the City of Jacksonville, Mayport development
groups, and our local delegation,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost.
