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Here are the highlights that shaped an unforgettable year.
Daring to Boldly Invent the Future: Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Next-Generation Preeminent University
UCF met the 12 metrics required to earn the Preeminent State Research University designation from the Florida Board of Governors, the highest designation for state research universities. This landmark achievement highlights sustained progress in student success, research and more 麻豆精品 S� affirming UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 leadership in advancing opportunity and impact in Florida and beyond.
UCF Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, Fueling a Talent Pipeline and Healthcare Innovation
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Pegasus Partners Expand with BNY and Lockheed Martin
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Elevating Impact Across Space
As America 麻豆精品 S檚 Space University, UCF deepened its influence across the space sector this year, highlighted by the inaugural UCF Space Week that took place Nov. 3-7. The university-wide celebration showcased all the ways Knight Nation is advancing space research, supporting Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The observance also marked the debut of the SpaceU Awards, which celebrated eight honorees 麻豆精品 S� two students, three faculty, two organizations and a record-setting astronaut 麻豆精品 S� for pushing the boundaries of what 麻豆精品 S檚 possible in space development, discovery and exploration.
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As the top talent provider to the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 aerospace and defense industries, UCF also launched a new online space MBA program to meet the expanding needs of the booming space industry on Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Space Coast and around the world. The 24-month part-time graduate business program focuses on space commercialization, business strategy and innovation, preparing graduates to lead in high-impact roles across the commercial space, aerospace, government, startups and emerging tech industries.
UCF Launches Institute of Artificial Intelligence to Advance Research, Talent Development Across Disciplines
UCF launched the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, a new university-wide initiative bringing together top faculty, industry partnerships and cross-campus collaboration to position the university as a national leader in AI. The institute will also support UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 AI for All Initiative, which integrates AI into teaching and learning across disciplines, ensuring students graduate with the ability to use AI effectively in their careers.
Honoring Excellence on Founders 麻豆精品 S� Day
UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 annual Founders 麻豆精品 S� Day honored the outstanding achievements of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 employees, faculty and students. Hundreds of Knights were recognized for their 麻豆精品 S痚xcellence and impact 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� among them 麻豆精品 S�Pegasus Professors 麻豆精品 S疪oger Azevedo, Fevzi Okumus and Yan Solihin; Medal of Societal Impact honoree Mohamed Abdel-Aty; Reach for the Stars honorees 麻豆精品 S疉mrita Ghosh, Leland Nordin, Yogesh Rawat and Kelly Stevens; and 37 Order of Pegasus inductees 麻豆精品 S� the university 麻豆精品 S檚 highest student honor.
Epic Universe Launch Provides Immersive Learning Opportunities at UCF
Universal Orlando Resort 麻豆精品 S檚 highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, opened its gates this spring, and Knights played a role in bringing it to life. Located less than a mile away, UCF’s 麻豆精品 S� ranked No. 1 in the world for hospitality education (CEOWORLD magazine) 麻豆精品 S� turned Epic Universe into a living case study for hands-on learning in hospitality, themed experience, engineering and beyond. While the park attracts millions of guests with its immersive worlds and attractions, it 麻豆精品 S檚 also transforming hospitality education for Rosen College students, building a direct talent pipeline into the park and developing a workforce ready to lead the industry.
Introducing John Buckwalter, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Next Provost 麻豆精品 S�
Following a competitive national search, John Buckwalter was appointed UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. He and his wife, Amalia, officially joined Knight Nation on Aug. 1. Buckwalter brings more than 20 years of experience in academia to UCF. He most recently served as provost at Boise State University, where he led transformative interdisciplinary initiatives and championed student achievement. He succeeds Provost Michael D. Johnson, who retired this summer following 35 years of service to UCF.
Knights Shine in Athletics
UCF Athletics delivered unforgettable moments this year 麻豆精品 S� from the rowing team claiming its first Big 12 Championship in program history, to men’s soccer’s conference title, to men 麻豆精品 S檚 tennis clinching its , to 82-78 victory over Hofstra at Additional Financial Arena that sparked the best start (8-1) in head coach Johnny Dawkins’ tenure.
Together, We Unleashed Impact: Thank You, Knight Nation, for a Transformational Day of Giving 2025
Knights made a collective impact for another record-breaking celebration of all things Black & Gold. raised more than 麻豆精品 S�$14.8 麻豆精品 S�million 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� a 63% increase from last year and the most in university history. 麻豆精品 S疻ith 麻豆精品 S�10,472 麻豆精品 S�gifts, inspired donors across the globe rallied together for the community-driven effort 麻豆精品 S� fueling UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 academic programs, life-changing scholarships, groundbreaking research and more. These contributions were made across all 50 U.S. states, as well as globally, including Australia, France, Panama and the United Kingdom.
