Jacksonville University’s 90th year as an institution of higher education was marked by extraordinary celebrations, milestones and achievements. Cutting the ribbon on our new College of Law building in downtown Jacksonville. Watching the first-ever Dolphin track and field athlete compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Earning international and national recognition from Forbes, CEO Magazine and U.S. News & World Report. It was a memorable year, solidifyingJacksonville University’s role as a leader in higher education, the greater Jacksonville community and beyond. As we look back on an incredible year, we extend warm wishes to you and our JU family. Here’s to a bright future ahead. Happy New Year!
Transformational gift launches the Cost Honors College
Jacksonville University began the year with a groundbreaking announcement. President Tim Cost and his wife Stephanie made a transformational gift to launch the Cost Honors College. 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. The gift also supports initiatives and projects that enhance the University’s overall academic and campus experience for its 4,000-plus students.
“Our goal has always been to build a much better University, serve the broader Jacksonville community, unlock potential and graduate more ambitious, competitive and well-rounded citizens,” said President Cost.
“Tim and I believe in the impact that a high-quality, challenging education can have on a student’s life and their trajectory,” said Jacksonville University First Lady Stephanie Cost. Jacksonville University’s Honors Program has been offered to undergraduate students for more than three decades. All students already enrolled in the Honors Program will become members of the Cost Honors College. The first cohort will graduate in spring 2026.
Public Policy Institute honors Nat Glover with named fellowship
In February, the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute honored former Jacksonville Sheriff and JU alumnus Nathaniel Glover with the creation of the Nathaniel Glover Fellowship. The fellowship recognizes his legacy of public service and supports students pursuing a career in public policy and administration.
“Nat Glover’s dedication to our city and this University is unmatched and this fellowship ensures his impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Rick Mullaney, executive director and Robert T. Shircliff chair of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute.
College of Law receives ABA accreditation
March brought a monumental achievement for Jacksonville University’s College of Law as it received American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation. This important milestone solidified JU’s College of Law as a premier destination for legal education in Northeast Florida. The ABA accreditation came just as the College of Law prepared to move into its permanent home in downtown Jacksonville.
“We are proud to have reached this milestone so quickly,” said Nick Allard, founding dean of the College of Law. “Our ABA accreditation is a testament to the strength of our program and the dedication of our faculty, students and staff.”
Celebrating 90 years of excellence
Throughout 2024, Jacksonville University celebrated its 90th anniversary, highlighted by a special mayoral proclamation from Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. The proclamation recognized the University’s 90 years of commitment to education and service in Northeast Florida.
With more than 800 individuals committing to serve at 38 Jacksonville-area locations, the impact of JU’s annual Day of Service was profound. Over the years, Jacksonville University has made significant contributions, including aiding more than 112 organizations, collecting more than 28,000 pounds of food and accounting for 30,000 volunteer hours.
“What a momentous milestone for both Jacksonville University and our city,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “I am proud that Jacksonville is home to such an extraordinary institution of higher learning and am excited to watch it continue evolving and expanding as it prepares the next generation of leaders.”
“It’s incredible to look back on the impact JU has had over the last nine decades,” said President Tim Cost. “We have been a cornerstone of this community, and we are excited for the next 90 years.”
Mariandree Chacón competes in the 2024 Paris Olympics
July saw a moment of global pride for Jacksonville University as swimmer Mariandree
Chacón represented Guatemala in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Chacón, a standout
member of the JU swim team, competed on the world’s biggest stage, further cementing
her legacy as a Dolphin athlete.
“I am so proud to represent both my country and Jacksonville University at the Olympics,”
said Chacón. “This has been a dream come true.”
Ribbon-cutting for College of Law’s permanent downtown campus
In August, Jacksonville University celebrated the official opening of the College of Law’s permanent home in downtown Jacksonville. The ribbon-cutting marked the completion of a state-of-the-art facility that offers students cutting-edge classrooms, study spaces and a prime location to engage with the city’s legal community.
“The new downtown campus is a game-changer for JU’s law students and for legal education in the region,” said President Cost.
Jacksonville University welcomes largest freshman class in its 90-year history
To begin the fall semester, Jacksonville University welcomed its biggest and brightest first-year class ever, with 774 talented students hailing from 42 states and 17 countries. The growth mirrors the University’s broader success, as graduate and undergraduate enrollment continues to rise, and Jacksonville University enjoys record-setting retention rates for the third consecutive year — a testament to the quality and caliber of students drawn to the institution.
Ripcurrent Marching Band to perform in 2026 London New Year’s Parade
Excitement and prestige reached a crescendo as Jacksonville University’s Ripcurrent marching band secured an extraordinary opportunity to perform in the 40th Anniversary London New Year’s Day Parade in 2026. The 13-year-old ensemble will join more than 8,000 performers before 750,000 spectators and millions of PBS viewers in the U.S.
“This is a momentous honor for Jacksonville University and the band,” said professor Chris Creswell, founding director of the Ripcurrent marching band. “‘Tiny but mighty’ is what we like to say, it’s nice to see the students’ hard work get noticed on a larger scale.”
For students like sophomore trumpet player Joseph Rackliff, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “When I received the invitation, I was ecstatic!” said Rackliff. “Performing in London has always been a dream of mine, and I’m thrilled to take part in such a prestigious event,” he said.
For Taylor Lonergan, a junior majoring in music technology, the trip to London has ties that extend beyond her JU marching band family. “My mother was born in London and [it’s] where she grew up for multiple years,” said Lonergan. “This opportunity is a chance to share our passion for music with others while getting to experience a whole new part of the world,” she said.
Historic debut on Forbes’ Top 500 List and national recognition
Jacksonville University’s recognition reached new heights in 2024 with accolades from
Forbes, CEO Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.
For the first time, Jacksonville University earned a spot on Forbes’ Top 500 Colleges
list, ranked No. 352. The honor highlights the University’s commitment to student
success, including strong post-graduate earnings, affordability and economic diversity.
The Davis College of Business & Technology MBA program was ranked 30th, at Tier One globally, by CEO Magazine. This achievement underscores the program’s exceptional quality, flexible offerings and international prestige.
For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Jacksonville University a Best Regional University in the South, with standout recognition as a Best Value School and Best College for Veterans. The nursing, business and engineering programs received high praise, reinforcing the University’s focus on innovative and experiential education.
“These rankings reflect our dedication to creating a transformative educational experience,” said President Tim Cost. “We are building momentum and shaping a brighter future for our students.”
Jacksonville University continues to excel its reputation as a dynamic, forward-thinking institution, positioning it as a destination for ambitious learners worldwide.
Dr. A. Quinton White’s pioneering legacy
Dr. A. Quinton White, Jacksonville University’s trailblazer in marine science, added another milestone to his illustrious career in 2024. The founding executive director of the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) received the university’s Pioneer Award, joining past luminaries like Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard.
During his nearly 50-year tenure, Dr. White founded MSRI, a hub for research and conservation on the St. Johns River. Affectionately dubbed “Mr. Science of Northeast Florida,” he has influenced countless students and advanced environmental stewardship.
As a part of the Pioneer Award ceremony, Dr. White was surprised with an endowed graduate fellowship in his name, seeded with $180,000. This fellowship will support aspiring marine scientists, carrying forward his legacy of mentorship and education.
“Quint’s impact on our university and region is immeasurable,” said JU President Tim Cost. Though retired, Dr. White’slegacy will continue to shape Jacksonville University and the Northeast Florida community for generations to come.
President Tim Cost Named 2024 Downtowner of the Year
As the heartbeat of Jacksonville beats louder in its urban core, Tim Cost is at the center of its rhythm. Named the 2024 Downtowner of the Year by Downtown Vision Inc., the Jacksonville University president is being celebrated for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to breathing new life into the city's downtown.
“When we were deciding where to place the College of Law, the question wasn’t just about space,” said President Cost. “It was about community. Downtown was the clear answer — for our students, for our faculty, and for Jacksonville.”
The move to 121 Atlantic Place, a historic building downtown, has infused the area with new energy. Law students, many of them mid-career professionals aged 25 to 40, are becoming integral to the downtown ecosystem, contributing to its economic and cultural vibrancy. “These students are extremely well-educated, little economic engines moving around downtown,” he said. “They bring excitement and vitality to the area, proving the transformative power of education in urban development.”
President Cost credits a robust partnership with the City of Jacksonville for making this vision a reality. Collaboration with former Mayor Lenny Curry and current Mayor Donna Deegan ensured substantial investments that have strengthened the downtown presence of JU. “This was always a team effort,” said President Cost. “The millions of dollars invested along the way here by the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville University, I think over the course of the next several years, we'll more than earn our space downtown.”
The accolade of Downtowner of the Year recognizes the President’s focus on building bridges between Arlington and downtown, education and industry, and community and opportunity. “I consider Arlington an extension of downtown,” said President Cost. “This proximity symbolizes our commitment to be a gateway for growth and collaboration.”
As the President reflected on this honor, he emphasized that the recognition belongs to the broader JU community. “This award is about teamwork and partnership,” he said. “Jacksonville University will continue to serve as an economic and cultural catalyst, helping both Arlington and downtown rise together.”
