by David Chapman
Staff Writer
University of North Florida President John Delaney was recently named “president in residence” for the Board of Governors of the state university system, but during Monday’s Meninak meeting he noted that his heart – and effort – remain in Northeast Florida and he wouldn’t pursue the job on a full time basis.
“I’m committed to the University of North Florida,” he said.
Delaney, keynote speaker of the meeting, discussed numerous facets of the higher education system and UNF’s emerging role as a variation of a regional/comprehensive university.
“It’s really about finding a niche,” said Delaney.
Compared to a research institution such as the University of Florida or a liberal arts university such as crosstown Jacksonville University, Delaney said the focus and future of UNF is tilted toward the “teaching mission” as a public-private partnership.
Class sizes that allow for a more intimate learning environment is one of the keys to having a focus on the quality of education, he said.
Another mission of the university has been to adapt and prepare its
students – many of whom end up staying in the area following graduation from UNF– to make an economic impact.
“It’s important to relate to the economic needs of the Jacksonville community,” he said.
One way to do this was the creation of flagship programs – institutional programs of strength – aimed at becoming the tops in their field nationally. The school’s Nursing, International Business, Transportation and Logistics and Coastal Biology programs are among the first to be named such programs.
“I asked all the departments ‘What would it take to make you a top 10 program’, and found out,” said Delaney, who also mentioned the continued success of UNF’s Music and Jazz Studies department.
Obstacles to higher education were also discussed, as Delaney noted the state of Florida’s economy and the school having the lowest tuition rate in the state – something that will have to rise.
Last year was the first year of reduced enrollment – the school had to turn away around 3,000 students – in an effort to keep class sizes manageable. Typically, for every 14–16 students there is one faculty member, he said
Given the socioeconomic status of many children, Delaney also mentioned the need for The Jacksonville Commitment – a joining of presidents from UNF, Jacksonville University, Edward Waters College and Florida Community College at Jacksonville – and the offering of scholarships to students eligible for the federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Eligible students must still meet admission standards of the institution, though.
It’s the education factor, regardless of social or economic status, that will help make Jacksonville a better city in the future, Delaney explained.
“I believe the future really is tied into higher education,” he said.
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