News Summary
The University of North Florida (UNF) and Jacksonville University are poised for substantial campus improvements pending the budget’s approval by Governor Ron DeSantis. UNF recently improved its ranking and recorded a record enrollment of 17,600 students. Plans include new academic buildings and enhancements to nursing programs at Jacksonville University, aimed at bolstering the educational experience and addressing community needs.
Jacksonville, FL – The University of North Florida (UNF) and Jacksonville University are set to undergo significant campus enhancements pending the approval of the proposed budget by Governor Ron DeSantis. The budget allocation is expected to provide financial support for various projects aimed at improving educational facilities and programs at both institutions.
UNF recently achieved a notable milestone in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, climbing to 222nd overall out of 436 universities and 122nd among public institutions. This marks the seventh consecutive year UNF has been featured in the rankings, marking an improvement from its position of No. 231 last year. Additionally, UNF recorded a record enrollment of approximately 17,600 students for the Fall semester. The university has also garnered recognition for its social mobility, ranking 125th nationally with an improvement of 11 spots from the previous year. Notably, UNF’s undergraduate engineering program is ranked 141st, while its nursing programs are ranked 160th.
As part of its ongoing development, UNF has revealed plans for a presidential residence near Hicks Hall. This facility will serve as a venue for university events and will aid in recruiting top leadership candidates. The construction of the presidential residence will be financially supported through private fundraising, ensuring that state funds are not utilized for its establishment.
Moreover, UNF intends to develop an academic building adjacent to the new Hicks Honors College residence hall, which is currently in the construction phase. The academic building, which will cost an estimated $14.84 million, will be funded through the proposed state budget. Once completed, the building will feature classrooms, labs, meeting rooms, and facilities dedicated to signature programs in collaboration with various partners.
In parallel, Jacksonville University is planning to enhance its nursing programs with help from state funding. The proposed budget includes support for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing. These expansions are intended to better prepare students for a career in the increasingly important healthcare sector.
The proposed budget also includes funding for various local projects, such as road construction and infrastructure improvements within the Jacksonville metropolitan area. These enhancements aim to improve the overall living conditions and accessibility for residents in the region.
The finalized funding proposal awaits scrutiny by Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently reviewing the state budget prior to signing it into law. The outcomes of this review will determine the extent of enhancements to both universities and local projects that are set to impact the community significantly.
As both UNF and Jacksonville University prepare for these developments, the potential investments signal a commitment to improving educational facilities and programs, ultimately aiming to enrich the student experience and contribute to community growth.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: UNF Climbs in Rankings
- Wikipedia: University of North Florida
- UNF Spinnaker: Presidential Residence Plans
- Google Search: University of North Florida news
- Jacksonville.com: UNF Esports Arena Funding
- Google Scholar: University of North Florida
- Ponte Vedra Recorder: New Osprey Ridge Residence Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of North Florida
- UNF Spinnaker: New Dorms Coming Fall 2027
- Google News: UNF news
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.
