Jacqueline Hill, Executive Vice President & Provost, Florida Memorial University

In an interview with Invest:, Jacqueline Hill, executive vice president & provost of Florida Memorial University, discussed the institution’s recent milestones, its role as South Florida’s only historically Black university, innovative academic initiatives, expanding partnerships, and its vision for growth and community impact.

What have been the most significant milestones for Florida Memorial University over the past year?

Over the past academic year, we made significant strides in ensuring a strong community presence and connecting with industries. One major highlight is our aviation program, now complemented by the Blacks in Aviation Museum on campus, serving as both a recruitment tool and an educational resource.

We also established a Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with Sistrunk, a local municipality in Broward County. This initiative supports our School of Business by fostering small business development within the community and serving as a living classroom for students. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset is a priority, so entrepreneurship has been incorporated into the core curriculum for all degree-seeking students.

Additionally, we introduced the Genesis Lab, a collaborative space where students can pitch entrepreneurial ideas and receive feedback from local industry leaders and faculty. Another milestone is the launch of a master’s degree program in criminology, addressing social justice issues and expanding our graduate-level offerings.

As South Florida’s only historically Black university, how does Florida Memorial University leverage its unique heritage? 

We are proud to be South Florida’s only historically Black college and university, which makes us a beacon in the community. Our campus is situated in one of the largest African American and Black-and-Brown communities, including Opa-locka, Hialeah, and Miami Gardens.

We focus on creating opportunities for economic mobility through workforce development certificates. Additionally, our master’s in reading program, developed in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, supports literacy through parent workshops and campus literary events.

Being an HBCU also positions us to diversify Miami’s demographic and academic landscape. Approximately 70% of our students are from within 25–40 miles of campus, though we also have a growing number of international students. Our unique heritage allows us to make a broader impact by fostering economic mobility and creating inclusive opportunities.

In what ways has the university expanded partnerships with corporations and organizations to provide real-world experiences for students? 

Many of our partnerships are tied to specific programs. Collaborations with organizations such as the Health Foundation of South Florida, Bank United, PNC Bank, JP Morgan Chase, the Lennar Foundation, and the Miami Dolphins Foundation provide internships and career development opportunities that enhance the “living classroom” experience.

For instance, our partnership with PNC Bank supports an MBA Executive Teaching Lab, where executives deliver guest lectures and masterclasses. Similarly, the Lennar Foundation partners with us for trade certificate programs in electrical and HVAC disciplines.

One of our newest partnerships is with American Airlines, supporting our aviation program by offering scholarships for students in the flight education component. These collaborations integrate industry realities into the classroom, ensuring students are workforce-ready while focusing on career development and placement.

How is Florida Memorial University balancing its rich historical legacy with the need to innovate? 

We have established a Tech Innovation Hub as well as designated a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, with significant advancements, including stackable credentials in cybersecurity and innovation. Another key focus is AI.

Recently, we hosted a faculty event with a guest speaker from Miami Dade College specializing in ethics in artificial intelligence. This highlighted the evolving dynamics of teaching and learning, especially for Gen Z, the digital natives.

As a teaching institution, it’s vital to adapt to AI’s transformative impact, not only in how we present information but in how it influences all aspects of life. This shift requires integrating industry practices into the classroom, leveraging AI for academic and operational efficiencies, and preparing students for their futures.

What strategies has FMU implemented to maintain accessibility and affordability for students?

Our tuition rates have remained modest, unchanged for over 12 years until a slight increase in 2022. About 80% of our students are from the Miami area or tri-county region, where the cost of living significantly impacts affordability. To support students, we actively seek scholarship funding. Around 85% of our students are Pell Grant recipients, and we also provide institutional scholarships tailored to their financial needs.

Organizations like the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) help offset tuition costs through initiatives like Scholarship Tuesdays. These combined efforts ensure higher education remains accessible despite economic challenges.

What role does community engagement play in FMU’s mission, and how does it impact the university’s relationship with local stakeholders? 

Service is a core value alongside character, leadership, accountability, and scholarship. This commitment is evident in the support we provide to the local community through various initiatives.

For example, we collaborate with Miami municipalities and programs like Miami Community Ventures, which offers scholarships to students in opportunity zones — areas with low economic mobility — directly addressing tuition costs and enhancing access to education.

Through these efforts, FMU strengthens relationships with local stakeholders, serving as both a pillar of higher education and a vital partner in uplifting the community.

How do you measure success in preparing students for careers, and what is being done to further this mission?

Over the past year, we have made significant strides in career development. In the last seven months, we opened an Office of Career Development and a Career Center, which provides professional attire for our students.

We measure success by ensuring robust opportunities for internships and externships, which are core requirements for all majors. We also integrate industry into the teaching and learning experience, creating “living classrooms” where students engage with real-world industry-related challenges.

Success is further assessed by evaluating program viability: examining student performance in internships, the effectiveness of industry involvement in courses, and the contributions of advisory boards to curriculum development. Each major has an Industry Advisory Board that aligns the curriculum with workforce demands, ensuring students are career-ready.

Ultimately, success is about equipping students with the tools, resources, and skills to excel. Through our Career Center and its initiatives, we are committed to preparing students for meaningful careers.

What are the top priorities for Florida Memorial University over the next few years?

Our top priorities, outlined in our Academic Master Plan, include enhancing student success by addressing retention and leveraging innovative strategies and technology. Increasing enrollment is another focus, with plans to expand graduate programs, including making our MBA program fully online and introducing new programs aligned with industry needs.

We are also prioritizing innovation in teaching and learning by adopting high-impact practices, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms tailored to Gen Z. Community engagement and workforce development remain essential. We aim to create stackable credentials, allowing students to earn certifications as they pursue degrees while strengthening workforce connections.

Finally, we are focused on internationalization by expanding global academic programs. These priorities aim to create transformative experiences, foster community connections, and position Florida Memorial University as a leader in higher education.

What is Florida Memorial University’s vision for the future? 

We are in a season of transformation. This includes upgrading facilities, enhancing student services, and meeting new expectations to remain relevant. Our focus is on elevating the value proposition of education and fostering a growth mindset across the institution.

This transformation is about expanding, navigating challenges, and elevating our institution and the experiences we provide to students. We aim to strengthen relationships within Miami and beyond, reinforcing our role as a beacon of opportunity and excellence.

Established in 1876, our legacy is one of resilience. We are determined to remain an innovative and impactful institution, elevating Florida Memorial University as a hub of progress and innovation.