Alexander Cartwright, President, University of Central Florida

In an interview with Invest:, Alexander Cartwright, president of University of Central Florida (UCF), noted that the distinction between business and university environments is becoming increasingly indistinguishable. Cartwright also shared how UCF prioritizes inclusivity and diversity as a Hispanic-serving institution, and attaches importance to integrating technology with arts.

What is your vision for University of Central Florida and how do you see the university shaping the future of education research and community engagement?

Over the past two years, our university has seen significant growth and implemented strategic initiatives to propel us forward. Building on our foundation, we have aimed to establish ourselves as Florida’s premier engineering and technology university. This vision has guided our efforts to secure investments and enhance key metrics, particularly in research funding.

One notable achievement has been the expansion of our faculty. With increased resources, we have been able to recruit top talent to drive academic excellence and innovation across various disciplines. Our faculty’s expertise and dedication are fundamental to our growth trajectory.

Additionally, a major milestone has been the investment in our nursing program, underscoring our commitment to addressing critical needs in healthcare. The funding secured for a new nursing building at Lake Nona, coupled with additional resources for faculty expansion, will enable us to significantly increase the capacity of our nursing program, meeting the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Florida.

Furthermore, our strategic focus extends to industries with high demand for talent, such as engineering and technology. With the space industry booming and the semiconductor industry onshoring in Osceola County, we recognize the importance of producing graduates equipped with relevant skills to meet industry needs.

In addition to academic pursuits, our entrance into the Big 12 conference in athletics has bolstered our national profile. This achievement not only enhances our visibility but also contributes to the overall growth and vitality of our region. The community’s investment in our athletics program underscores the positive impact it has on our university and the surrounding area.

What strategies are you implementing to be one of the nation’s Top 5 universities for filling the engineering and computer science workforce with underrepresented students?

One aspect we prioritize is ensuring access to our institution for students in the region. Our engineering program, the largest in the state, has been instrumental in providing opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career goals. Just a few years ago, our program enrolled 13,000 students, and this semester, we have seen that number grow to approximately 14,500, a testament to its continued expansion.

We offer various pathways for students to access engineering education. They can enter the institution directly as freshmen, gaining immediate exposure to our programs. Additionally, our partnerships with Valencia College, Seminole State, and other nearby state colleges through Direct Connect have been pivotal. This initiative facilitates seamless transitions for many students into our institution. With an enrollment of nearly 70,000 students, approximately 30,000 of whom are transfer students, we prioritize inclusivity and diversity in our student body. Our institution is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, and our demographics reflect the diversity of the region we serve.

Can you elaborate on the recent closure of three UCF satellite campuses and outline plans for reallocating resources to ensure continued high-quality education?

Let me clarify that the closure of campuses was strategic and targeted those that were not in use. It’s essential to understand that these closures were not arbitrary but based on utilization. Some campuses may not have had students attending, prompting us to evaluate their viability.

However, it is important to highlight that while we closed some campuses, we simultaneously expanded others. For instance, the opening of our downtown campus marks a significant achievement. With approximately 7,000 students associated with this campus, we have substantially increased our presence in the area.

Moreover, we have focused on expanding our footprint in Daytona, recognizing the opportunities within the insurance industry in Volusia County. To align with this sector’s needs, we have implemented an insurance and risk management program tailored to the local industry. Our approach emphasizes optimizing our locations to maximize student success. By aligning our presence with industries that require skilled professionals, we ensure that our students receive relevant education and training. 

How are you adapting to challenges posed by inflation and interest rates, especially in the context of education and the broader economy?

Florida has a long-standing commitment to supporting higher education, which sets it apart from other states. The level of investment in higher education here is significantly higher compared to elsewhere. This support enables us to build the necessary infrastructure and keep tuition fees as low as possible, ensuring accessibility for students. 

In fact, Florida boasts the lowest tuition rates in the country, a testament to our state’s dedication to affordable education. It’s worth noting that we have not raised tuition in over 12 years, making higher education in Florida an exceptional value. At just $6,400 for a full year’s tuition, our universities offer top-quality education at a fraction of the cost seen at other institutions. Our focus on efficiency is evident in our commitment to metrics and accountability. We continually strive to improve graduation and retention rates while driving down the cost per student. Despite the challenges posed by inflation and other economic factors, we have succeeded in reducing the overall cost of attending university in Florida.

Moreover, our efforts have resulted in over 60% of our students graduating debt-free, a remarkable achievement. This underscores the value of a degree from our institutions, which equips students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s economy.

How does the university actively engage with the community, foster partnerships, and contribute to economic development, social progress, and cultural enrichment?

We are deeply entrenched in fostering economic development within our community and beyond. Collaborating with key entities like CareerSource, the Orlando Economic Partnership, and various incubators, we actively recruit companies to our region. It’s incredible to witness the rapid growth of Central Florida and to be an integral part of the ecosystem attracting people and companies to our vibrant community.

Our commitment to access extends beyond traditional boundaries. Through initiatives like Direct Connect, we provide pathways to higher education for a diverse range of individuals, including those seeking undergraduate degrees or higher access, who may not have had such opportunities otherwise if we focused on freshmen and first time college students only. This inclusive approach is fundamental to our mission of serving the broader community.

In addition to economic impact, we are deeply invested in enriching the cultural landscape of our region. Through programs like “UCF Celebrates the Arts” at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center showcases our integration of technology with arts education to foster creativity and innovation. Our renowned Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked number one in the country, exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the experiences people have in our region, whether through food, entertainment, or hospitality.

At the heart of our efforts lies the belief in the transformative power of education. We work tirelessly with school districts to instill this belief early on, ensuring that students see the benefits of higher education and recognize their potential for success. By providing access and fostering collaboration, we’re not only shaping individual futures but also driving positive change in our community and beyond.

What is your vision for UCF and how do you see the university shaping the future of education research and community engagement?

We are envisioning a university that is truly shaping the future. It’s not just an institution of higher learning; it’s a dynamic force completely intertwined with the local community. Businesses find it seamless to collaborate with us, blurring the lines between academia and industry. In the coming years, we anticipate a merger between industry and higher education, where the distinction between business and university environments becomes increasingly indistinguishable. This integration is something we are leading, ensuring that our students have abundant internship opportunities and engage in high-impact practices to immerse themselves in real-world experiences.

Our commitment extends beyond individual success to serving the region, the state of Florida, and the nation as a whole. As a national service university, we are here to provide access and enrich lives through education. The vision of a university for the future is one where we are integrated with our business partners such that we provide the education that students need to be successful and they in turn then provide the talent that is needed for industry to grow.

Moreover, a central tenet of our vision is the fusion of engineering and technology with arts and other disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation across diverse fields. This collaborative approach not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to the collective prosperity of our community. Ultimately, our goal is to continue being a beacon of opportunity, offering transformative experiences that empower individuals and drive progress in Central Florida and beyond.