Jacksonville University

Former NCAA Division I, NFL & CFL Football Player Josh Celerin Launches Third RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour League

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Plant City's youth sports scene is about to get a major boost with the launch of RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour. Designed to foster a love for the game while instilling essential life skills, the league is poised to become a beacon of athletic and personal development for the community's youth.

Key Points: 
  • Josh Celerin, who made waves as a Division I NCAA football player from 2011 to 2015 at Jacksonville University, has continued his dedication to the sport by establishing RISE flag football leagues in the Tampa area, a vibrant community with a love for athletics.
  • Josh Celerin, who made waves as a Division I NCAA football player from 2011 to 2015 at Jacksonville University, has continued his dedication to the sport by establishing RISE flag football leagues in the Tampa area.
  • With the success of his previous leagues, Celerin saw an opportunity to expand into Plant City, a vibrant community with a love for athletics.
  • Julie Green, Rise Flag Football Powered by Under Armour, 1 9199068592, [email protected] , https://uariseflag.com/

Robotics Leader Chang Robotics Unveils Dynamic Development Plans for 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an extraordinary year of company and industry achievements, collaborative robotics and automation leader Chang Robotics (a DBA of Chang Industrial) today unveiled plans to propel its clients' initiatives to even higher levels of achievement in 2024. Engineering projects underway impact the innovation pipelines of Fortune 500 clients while achieving sustainability initiatives for government clients. The State of Florida, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors are focus areas. Expansion throughout North America led to the opening of Chang Industrial's IP Studio in Evanston, Illinois just north of Chicago in June 2023.

Key Points: 
  • JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an extraordinary year of company and industry achievements, collaborative robotics and automation leader Chang Robotics (a DBA of Chang Industrial ) today unveiled plans to propel its clients' initiatives to even higher levels of achievement in 2024.
  • Expansion throughout North America led to the opening of Chang Industrial's IP Studio in Evanston, Illinois just north of Chicago in June 2023.
  • In 2023, Chang Industrial made great strides in human-focused robotic solutions to support efficiency and care in the hospital industry.
  • "We are thrilled to expand our client base and partnerships in 2024 in ways that will continue to push the boundaries of traditional engineering," said Chang.

Tim and Stephanie Cost make transformational gift to launch the Cost Honors College

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville University today announced the formation of the Cost Honors College with plans to formally launch in 2025. The naming of the Cost Honors College, endorsed by the University's 26-member Board of Trustees, recognizes President Tim Cost and First Lady Stephanie Cost for their transformational philanthropic support of the University, which now totals $10 million.

Key Points: 
  • JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville University today announced the formation of the Cost Honors College with plans to formally launch in 2025.
  • The naming of the Cost Honors College, endorsed by the University's 26-member Board of Trustees, recognizes President Tim Cost and First Lady Stephanie Cost for their transformational philanthropic support of the University, which now totals $10 million.
  • The Costs' catalytic gift enables the University to elevate its honors program and transition to become an honors college.
  • The Cost Honors College will focus on three pillars – academic excellence, thriving residential life, and engaged global citizenry.

Four Florida Universities Scale Podium Education's Innovative Early Career Tech Program For Undergraduates To Meet Labor Demands

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 11, 2023

MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To bridge the early-career talent gap the University of South Florida (USF), the University of Miami (UMiami), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and Jacksonville University (Jacksonville) announce partnerships with Podium Education (Podium), the leading experiential education company, to provide a new model of early career experience to over 76,000 undergraduates during the '23-'24 academic year. The Global Tech Experience (GTX) program will launch in collaboration with Intel, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and charity: water, an international non-profit. Students who enroll will receive academic credit, gain work experience, and build skills in areas like data, coding and digital marketing.

Key Points: 
  • Adding approximately 22,000 tech jobs, Florida ranks third in the nation for job growth in the technology sector.
  • "In order for college students across disciplines to uniquely gain tech skills to meet the workforce demand, we are pleased to partner with The Global Tech Experience.
  • The Global Tech Experience focuses on business challenges including Intel's sustainability efforts and charity: water's goal to activate new audiences.
  • To learn more about GTX at Florida Atlantic University, University of Miami, University of South Florida and Jacksonville University, please visit:

Davis College Offers First Undergraduate Engineering Management Degree in the State

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

This fall, the School of Engineering in the Davis College of Business and Technology at Jacksonville University launched a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management degree in order to meet the growing demand in the industry.

Key Points: 
  • This fall, the School of Engineering in the Davis College of Business and Technology at Jacksonville University launched a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management degree in order to meet the growing demand in the industry.
  • An undergraduate degree in engineering management prepares students for employment and careers in leading highly technical organizations.
  • "Our JU Engineering Management students will complete a full senior design project as a capstone to their experiential learning experience," explained Selvi.
  • The JU Davis College of Business and Technology is the only triple-accredited private college in all of North Florida and South Georgia, with AACSB, ABET, and AABI accredited programs.

Jacksonville University announces largest fundraising campaign in university history

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 23, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville University, northeast Florida's premier private university, announced the public launch of the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising initiative in its history – FUTURE. MADE. With a $175 million goal, Jacksonville University aims to create a lasting impact on future generations of students who will themselves shape a stronger future for the region and the world.  

Key Points: 
  • JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville University, northeast Florida's premier private university, announced the public launch of the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising initiative in its history – FUTURE.
  • Jacksonville University aims to raise $175 million through the FUTURE.
  • "For decades, Jacksonville University has worked hard to be a force for positive change and meaningful progress in northeast Florida.
  • With $103 million raised to-date during the "quiet phase" of the campaign, Jacksonville University has already reached nearly 60 percent of its goal.

Florida Blue Foundation announces $3.1 million in grants to 10 organizations to enhance mental health support

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 16, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate for the state's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, announced a $3.1 million investment to enhance mental health for children, teens, families and older adults.

Key Points: 
  • Geraghty made the announcement in Tampa just before hosting a community conversation on youth mental health with area nonprofit organizations, mental health experts and teens.
  • Over the past four years, Florida Blue Foundation has awarded 51 grants totaling $16.5 million to nonprofit organizations addressing mental health needs in Florida.
  • The 10 organizations receiving grants include:
    AMIkids, Inc. (Tampa Bay) - The Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) initiative provides preventative youth mental health education throughout Florida.
  • Together with the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health , the Florida Center will advance mental well-being for Florida's young children and their families by helping mental health clinicians earn the credential: Endorsement for Culturally Relevant, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health®.

Jacksonville University Launches Office of Partnership and Development

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on a decade of developing market-responsive programs that prepare graduates to succeed in cutting-edge, high-demand fields, Jacksonville University announced today the launch of its Office of Partnership and Development. This office will continue capitalizing on opportunities for partnership, expansion, innovation and development at the pace that the marketplace–and JU students–demand.

Key Points: 
  • This office will continue capitalizing on opportunities for partnership, expansion, innovation and development at the pace that the marketplace–and JU students–demand.
  • "In response to the opportunities and challenges facing higher education institutions nationwide, Jacksonville University has leaned into hundreds of strategic partnerships with industry leaders to continue offering relevant, timely fields of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels," said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost.
  • "Establishing this Office of Partnership and Development is less about structure and more about focus.
  • The Office of Partnership and Development will be led by Executive Vice President Dr. Christine Sapienza, in a tightened focus of her work over the past five years as she balanced her role as Provost, reflecting her unique expertise in healthcare, technology, innovation, student interests, partnership development, trend analysis, and strategy development.

Dream Finders Appoints William W. Weatherford to its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 3, 2023

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. (the “Company”, “Dream Finders” or “DFH”) (NYSE: DFH), announced today the appointment of William W. Weatherford to its Board of Directors.

Key Points: 
  • Dream Finders Homes, Inc. (the “Company”, “Dream Finders” or “DFH”) (NYSE: DFH), announced today the appointment of William W. Weatherford to its Board of Directors.
  • Mr. Weatherford brings more than two decades of governance, financial and risk management expertise to the Dream Finders’ Board.
  • He is currently Managing Partner of Weatherford Capital, which he co-founded in 2015 to build and invest in businesses that positively impact the world.
  • Patrick Zalupski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Finders commented, “We are pleased to welcome Will to Dream Finders’ Board of Directors.

Availity CEO Joins Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 8, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Russ Thomas, CEO of Availity , has joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Key Points: 
  • JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Russ Thomas, CEO of Availity , has joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
  • "Free enterprise isn't free, and I am confident the experience, insight, and leadership Russ will bring to the Florida Chamber Board of Directors with help us further drive Florida to a top 10 global economy by 2030 and ensure Florida remains the best state to work, live, and start a business," said Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce.
  • "I am honored to serve on the Florida Chamber's Board with some of Florida's most well-respected business leaders," said Thomas.
  • A licensed commercial pilot, Thomas was appointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board of directors in 2015, where he served a six-year term.