October 24, 2025

Jacksonville University’s President Set to Become Chancellor

News Summary

Tim Cost will transition from President to Chancellor of Jacksonville University after 14 years in leadership. His new role will focus on enhancing fundraising and external relations. Under his presidency, the university saw a 90% increase in applications and significant academic growth, despite facing financial challenges. The leadership change aims to stabilize the institution and foster new opportunities as JU prepares for its next President.

Jacksonville, FL — Tim Cost, the sitting President of Jacksonville University (JU), is set to transition to the role of Chancellor in the summer of 2026 after leading the institution for 14 years. Cost, an alumnus of JU and a former standout baseball player, has guided the university since February 2013, and his new position will emphasize fundraising, as well as fostering relationships with alumni, the community, and governmental entities.

During Cost’s presidency, JU experienced notable growth in enrollment, with undergraduate and graduate applications increasing by approximately 90%. For instance, application numbers soared from 4,298 in fall 2018 to 8,176 in fall 2024. This growth supports the development of new academic programs and facilities, including the establishment of the Keigwin School of Nursing and a College of Law, in addition to the introduction of a 30,000-square-foot STEAM Institute focused on emerging technologies and applied learning.

However, the university faced significant financial challenges in spring 2025, which resulted in a 10% reduction in faculty and the elimination of several academic programs. These challenges sparked protests from students and criticism from faculty members, but the Board of Trustees endorsed Cost’s financial restructuring proposals, emphasizing the importance of navigating through tough budgetary adjustments.

The Board of Trustees commended Cost for his transformative leadership and commitment to the university’s advancement. In 2022, they agreed upon the transition plan that would see Cost assuming the Chancellor role, allowing him to focus more on external relations as JU prepares for a thorough search for its next President.

Throughout Cost’s tenure, JU has significantly improved its academic reputation and garnered recognition from publications such as Forbes and U.S. News & World Report. The emphasis on developing strategic partnerships within and outside the local community has also bolstered JU’s standing and outreach.

Cost remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership, highlighting the necessity for consistent progress even amid the recent financial setbacks. As part of its ongoing efforts to stabilize and enhance its fiscal health, JU plans to execute a comprehensive search process for its next President. The Board aims to appoint an interim president by mid-November 2025, setting the stage for the university’s future direction under new leadership.

This leadership transition allows for a renewed focus on JU’s external relationships while continuing to address the impacts of the financial struggles faced in the past years. As the institution navigates through the upcoming accreditation review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the leadership change signals an evolving strategy aimed at sustaining growth and ensuring the university’s longevity in the competitive higher education landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Jacksonville Proposes $750,000 Marketing Funding for Chamber of Commerce
Tim Cost to Transition from President to Chancellor at JU
Florida Gators Dismiss Head Coach Billy Napier
Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity and Mental Health
Mandarin’s Mud Bowl Victory Highlights Foster’s Skills
Jacksonville University’s Men’s Golf Team Shines at West Bay Collegiate Invitational
Blakely Hammel Commits to the University of Florida
Preserving Jacksonville’s African-American Heritage at Memorial Cemetery
Richard Rogers Acquires Dairy Queen in Jacksonville Beach
Karen Bowling Resigns as Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!