As a top provider of talent in the region and in Florida, UNF offers a dynamic and supportive environment where students have opportunities to gain real-world experience working with industry leaders. With more than 100 programs across a variety of disciplines, UNF is a key partner to support the region’s booming industries, remaining adaptable to meet industry needs.

Success in Northeast Florida

In Fall 2025, the University of North Florida welcomed its largest freshman class in history, contributing to the University’s highest total enrollment at 17,600. UNF plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic and industrial landscape of Northeast Florida. Robust offerings in areas like advanced manufacturing, materials science and engineering, supply chain management, healthcare, transportation, logistics, data science and fintech support a skilled talent pipeline for the region’s target industries.

UNF’s strategic approach integrates academic learning with practical experience. The University’s collaboration with industry leaders provides students with real-world learning through internships, capstone projects and research partnerships. Starting with the Fall 2025 class, UNF has guaranteed at least one experiential learning experience for every undergraduate student. The hands-on opportunities not only provide students with valuable experience, but also connections that often lead to jobs. For example, Johnson & Johnson’s involvement in the Senior Capstone Design course offers engineering students experience in medical device innovation, while the support of Crowley Logistics helps shape the future of supply chain management through the Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics.

Student & Alumni Stories

UNF alum Carleigh Eagle interned with the Mayo Clinic as a student and is now an anatomical modeling engineer at Mayo working creating life-sized 3D models for doctors and researchers. Recognizing the growing need for employees with the unique skillset, Eagle worked with her colleagues and UNF staff to create an Anatomy in 3D course, the first-known collegiate program of its kind.

University of North Florida graduates like Molly Dobrow are making significant strides in their fields. Dobrow, who completed her M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2024, conducted groundbreaking research on shark jawbones that could advance understanding of joint mechanics and contribute to innovations in biomedical engineering for years to come. Her research, conducted at UNF’s Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility, has set her on a path towards a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida.

UNF alumni are leading global companies, many based here in Northeast Florida. Tom Piatak, who received his MBA at UNF, created and leads the global logistics enterprise including Magellan Transport Logistics and sister company, the Magellan Transport Inc. Magellen hires several interns each year, mostly from UNF, and roughly a quarter of its workforce are UNF graduates.

Other alumni throughout the area — like Anna Brosche, CFO at the City of Jacksonville, Sam Inman, president and CEO of Community First Credit Union — are just a couple examples of local leaders in government and industry, who are keeping Jacksonville strong.

Research Opportunities

The University of North Florida is dedicated to fostering a dynamic research environment that aligns with the region’s target industries. As part of its Strategic Plan for 2025-28, UNF focuses on advanced manufacturing, coastal resilience, data science/cybersecurity/IT, transportation & logistics and health dcience. Undergraduate and graduate students actively participate in cutting-edge research with faculty across these focus areas and others.

UNF students actively participate in cutting-edge research across a variety of focus areas. Undergraduate and graduate researchers are involved in projects ranging from NASA collaborations to coastal erosion studies. Recent highlights include research funded by National Institutes of Health to explore biomechanical changes in mobility devices  for children with cerebral palsy as well as projects on data science initiatives supported by National Institute of Standards and Technology. Nearly all research projects involve student researchers, with undergraduate participation being a hallmark of the institution’s approach. Recent initiatives include substantial grants for groundbreaking research, such as the $1.8 million awarded for U-RISE, a program aimed at enhancing research opportunities for underrepresented students.

UNF faculty members Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Dr. Corey Causey and Dr. Fatima Rehman recently earned their second patent for a cancer-fighting compound, showcasing the University’s commitment to vital and impactful research. Recent initiatives also include significant grants for research, including funding from the National Institutes of Health to investigate a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The University also announced that the Korey Stringer Institute at UNF and Perry Weather will open a state-of-the-art heat exercise laboratory on campus in spring 2026. The partnership will provide research, education, advocacy and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety and prevent sudden death for those who are exposed to the heat during professional or recreational activities.

The University of North Florida Impact

UNF is a destination for visionary minds — fostering innovation and progress through purpose-driven research, community support and a collaborative spirit that fuels prosperity. Located in one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, students at UNF work with industry leaders to find solutions that improve lives and change the world. A top provider of talent, UNF is #1 among all public universities in Florida with the highest percentage of bachelor’s graduates employed in the state.

The University also serves as a cultural hub for the community, providing events, lectures and other offerings that benefit individuals and families. The University recently launch the AI for Work and Life certificate program and waived the cost for 2025. In the first three months, more than 38,000 people from all over the region and beyond registered for the program.

As part of its Strategic Plan, UNF is working towards expanding its student body to 25,000 by 2028 and achieving Carnegie R1 classification – this ambitious goal includes the introduction of new doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in Computing and the Doctor of Business Administration degree. The University is also proud to have launched its Advanced Manufacturing Engineering B.S. degree, the only program of its kind in Florida, as well as undergraduate and graduate programs in Fintech.

As UNF continues to grow and evolve, it remains a cornerstone of educational advancement and regional progress in Northeast Florida. The University’s innovative programs and initiatives prioritize student success and play a crucial role in supporting local industry and strengthening the quality of life throughout the region.