The newest step in UF’s journey to top-10 status is launching an initiative to raise $800 million by June 2016.
But it’s also about attracting educators to give UF students the best possible education, said Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs Tom Mitchell. There will be no student fee implemented to raise the money.
Most of the money is expected to come from alumni and supporters.
“We have about 375,000 alumni worldwide,” Mitchell said. “I am confident that Florida Gators will respond to the call of further strengthening their university.”
Gov. Rick Scott named UF a pre-eminent university in April. The university will match the $15 million Scott plans to give annually through fundraising.
“If we can raise that much for football stadiums, we can do it for academics,” said 23-year-old UF alumnus Fernando Carlo.
The money will be distributed based on proposals from each college. They essentially have to compete to get the funds, Mitchell said.
He said if UF can keep improving and gaining acknowledgment for being a top research facility, then it is more likely to receive grants in the future for more research opportunities.
Mitchell said the research — which will cover fields ranging from citrus growth to economics — should also benefit Florida residents because it will be applicable to their lives.
