Local View: Downtown campus to raise UCF’s impact.
The University of Central Florida’s “Collective Impact” strategic plan calls, in part, for the university to “become the recognized leader among 21st-century universities for our transformational impact.”
That’s a bold goal, and one that aligns with the needs of the thriving and rapidly changing urban environment of Orlando. Our goal is to create a transformative education starting with pre-kindergarten; a strong governance system with high public participation; and outstanding public safety, justice and health services.
To ensure that our students are well educated, have the most impact on our community, and are fully prepared for the world after graduation, we are embarking on the most significant transformation of our academic enterprise in more than a decade.
Based upon the recommendations from academic leaders, faculty and staff, I have approved two major changes: a new Academic Health Sciences Center at Lake Nona, and a new college and an interdisciplinary school that will anchor UCF Downtown.
The new organizational structure at Lake Nona includes the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and a new College of Health Professions and Sciences.
Aspiring doctors, nurses, physical therapists, social workers and other students will have more opportunities to learn and practice together. This collegial structure replicates the team approach that is central to the future of health care.
In downtown Orlando, we will create a new college of urban innovation and education focused on civic engagement and government, safety and justice, and community wellbeing.
The new college will include programs such as urban and regional planning, architecture, legal studies, public administration, nonprofit management, education, criminal justice, health informatics and public affairs.
Future lawyers, counselors, police officers and teachers will learn within a short distance of jobs and internships at local governments, law-enforcement agencies and the innovative Orange County Public Schools Academic Center for Excellence.
Additionally, our plan calls for a new interdisciplinary school with programs that align content creation, digital art and communication for the 21st century. The new school will be home to programs in the Nicholson School of Communication, digital media, film and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy — which already is based downtown at our Center for Emerging Media.
These organizational changes will take effect July 2. Many of these programs will move downtown starting in fall 2019 and to Lake Nona no earlier than 2020.
If there is one thing I’ve learned in my time as president of UCF, it’s that our university and community are focused on the future. These academic changes — powered by our strategic plan — better position our students, faculty and staff for future success and impact.