" I F YO U H AV E AN INTER ES T IN POURING YOUR ENERGY,
T I M E OR TA LENT I NTO JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSIT Y,
N OW I S T H E TIM E TO START.
HE R E’ S WHAT IS R EAL: A UNIVERSIT Y C OMMUNIT Y MUST
C ON T I N UA LLY GR OW B ETTER. SO, W E'RE IN C RANES-IN-T HE -
A I R M O D E, AN D LI TER ALLY BUILDING OUR FUT URE."
Q: Academically speaking, what can we
expect to see happening next across the
University’s six Colleges and Institutes? Q: What would you say to someone who's
considering getting involved with the
University?
A: You’ll see this University step hard into
some of our global market’s most interesting
and innovative fields, many of which we’re
already teaching—engineering, robotics,
the marine sciences, cybersecurity,
sustainability, speech pathology, public
policy, and others. In a far more targeted
and precise way, we will continue
evaluating what we teach, how we teach,
where we invest, what type of students
we attract and what jobs they may secure
after graduation ... all with a liberal arts and
sciences base. A: When we first started getting out the
message about all the exciting things
happening here, our alumni base grew more
interested and engagement increased. That
was exciting and provided us momentum.
Now, we constantly explore opportunities to
further activate the Jacksonville University
‘nation,’ to more deeply involve alumni, faculty,
staff, students, donors, business partners,
sports fans, community partners and anyone
else who walks onto our 240 acres.
Q: Higher education channels seem locked
in an endless debate over the value of liberal
arts. What are your thoughts?
A: Jacksonville University embraces the
liberal arts and sciences. The core concepts
of critical thinking, communication,
rational reasoning ... these don't go in and
out of style. Today, there may be some
negative connotations attached to the
label “liberal arts.” Still, I believe you’ll see
a full pendulum swing, across the higher
education landscape, from a solely STEM-
driven focus to a more holistic approach.
With more and more data around the
360-degree education of students age 18
to 25, we will also continue prioritizing the
development of valuable skills in a definitive
field of their choice. But we believe that
our liberal arts and sciences underpinnings
mean greater agility for graduates. After
all, employers are looking for well-rounded
team players.
If you have an interest in pouring your energy,
time or talent into Jacksonville University,
now is the time to start. Here’s what is real: a
university community must continually grow
better. So, we're in cranes-in-the-air mode,
and literally building our future.
Q: Strictly talking numbers, which data do
you find the most meaningful expression of
the University’s recent accomplishments?
A: First, recruitment and retention rates are
key. Most folks don’t realize that we have
welcomed more than 10,000 visitors and
prospective students to campus over the
past 12 months. We’ve also moved the needle
on retention rates. In our first year together,
that increase equaled more than 20 percent.
That's real progress.
Second, when a university flexes its
economic muscle, that’s impactful. We’re
already more than $400 million into a
community revitalization process that
will radiate out from our front gates into
the Arlington community, a mile in every
direction, possibly more. Think of a collegiate
village, and know that Jacksonville University
counts it a privilege to be the nexus point of
such a transformation.
Last, and so important to where we’re
headed next, the University recently
completed the $120 million ASPIRE Campaign.
ASPIRE provided more than funding for new
facilities, upgrades and programming. It gave
this University confidence. Likewise, our
recent bond offering also demonstrated that,
for this University, you can’t reach too high.
An astounding $1.82 billion in bond orders
for $150 million plan, 12 times the expected
offering, is an exciting glimpse into what the
future will bring.
Q: As you step into your sixth year as
President and wrap up the ASPIRE
Campaign, what do you most want on
the collective mind of the Jacksonville
University Community?
A: We're just getting started. It has been five
years, and we're ready for our next chapter
together as an institution. Let’s get ready to
deliver several more wins for this University
in terms of progress. Let us also remember
that Jacksonville University is a growing,
living, breathing institution. When we invest
in it, nurture it, and spend our time here, this
University will grow in ways none of us could
have imagined.
Together, we have changed the slope of
progress.
B Y TH E N U MB ER S
ASPIRE Campaign total
dollars raised.
FEATURES
bond offering with $1.82
billion in bond orders.
increase in retention rate
from 2011-2018.
to campus during the
2017-2018 academic year.
in Arlington community
revitalization.