“UCF’s downtown campus will give future health care professionals a running start in the real world because of its proximity to business, research, and direct health care activities,” says Florida Hospital CEO Daryl Tol in a statement. “Florida Hospital is proud to partner with UCF Downtown on new learning and professional development opportunities for students in these high-demand fields.”
Earlier this month, Orlando City Council promised $75 million to the downtown campus plans, including $20 million in land from the city to UCF. The Orange County Commission, Valencia College and other private groups also raised $9 million. UCF has had to collect local contributions from government agencies and the private sector after Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $60 million in state funding for the downtown campus. Since then, UCF has agreed with the state to only ask for $20 million. The university will also contribute $20 million of its own money to the project.
The school will present its downtown campus plans to the Florida Board of Governors on March 2.
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This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2016.