UF
Letter from the President
Progress at the University of Florida ( UF ) this past year has continued full steam , putting us in a better position than ever to remain a strong engine for Florida ’ s economic development and The Corridor .
In September , we learned that we had achieved a long-standing goal of being named a top 10 public research university by U . S . News & World
Report . This designation speaks highly of the quality of education our students receive , the value of their degrees and their preparation to enter the workforce .
Thanks to the support of the Legislature and Gov . Rick Scott , we announced in June our plan to hire 500 faculty , over and above the 300 to 400 we normally hire annually to replace those who retire or leave the university . These new hires will put UF in an even better position to produce highly qualified graduates and conduct cutting-edge research .
Research and development spending reached $ 791 million in fiscal year 2016 , the most recent year for which national comparison figures are available . That puts UF in the No . 24 position among all universities nationwide and 14th among public institutions . We ’ re also routinely ranked among the nation ’ s top universities , public or private , in innovation , as measured by patents , licenses and the startups we spin off .
Innovation Hub , UF ’ s 48,000-square-foot business super-incubator , doubled in size with the opening in January of Innovation Hub Phase II . The expansion includes new private offices and lab space for startups , which have thrived since the first phase opened in 2011 . Phase I has created more than 960 new jobs and is home to nearly three dozen startups .
Near the center of campus , the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Laboratory for Engineering Excellence is beginning to take shape . The 84,000-square-foot research and education facility will be the college ’ s flagship building , featuring a state-of-the-art biotech lab , prototyping labs , a telepresence lab and collision spaces .
Next door at the Reitz Student Union , UF ’ s Career Resource Center ( CRC ) is in the midst of adding a 10,000-square-foot expansion . The CRC already serves more than 50,000 students and alumni annually , helping to connect them with employers that include GE Appliances , technology giant Harris Corporation , The Home Depot and Disney . The expansion will mean even more opportunities for UF students to make vital links with potential employers .
We look forward to the coming year and ongoing advancements that benefit the state of Florida , its economy and its people .
Cordially yours ,
Dr . W . Kent Fuchs President , University of Florida
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