This donation, CSX reported July 25, “is a key component in a public-private partnership that includes support from Gov. Ron DeSantis; the Florida State Legislature; and other Northeast Florida civic, community and industry leaders.” The proposed center received $75 million from the state’s 2023-24 budget signed into law June 15; a $50 million pledge from the city of Jacksonville; and $62.5 million in gifts from key industry and philanthropic supporters from across the region, according to CSX.
UF is currently raising funds for project development, potential site selection and programmatic evaluation.
“We are proud to partner with the University of Florida and the city of Jacksonville on this ambitious project to establish a world-class graduate center in the city’s urban core,” CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs said. “Investing in education is an investment in the future, and we believe this contribution will have a lasting impact on the region by fostering innovation, economic development and creating bold new opportunities. This project will yield countless benefits for our community, including an influx of top talent, which will help shape the future of Northeast Florida for generations to come.”
“Our vision for this center is to leverage UF’s strengths in professional development and graduate education to future-proof Florida’s workforce,” said Mori Hosseini, Chair of the UF Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to partner with the state of Florida, the city of Jacksonville, and pioneering companies like CSX to bring this to life.”
