University of West Florida President Martha Saunders delivered the annual State of the University address on Thursday and touted that UWF is in the final stages of securing a $6.7 million Triumph Gulf Coast proposal.
According to the proposal, the purpose of the grant is to renovate Building 37, and purchase equipment, personnel and student programming support for the Usha Kundu, MD, College of Health. The funding will allow the College of Health to deliver 1,125 industry-recognized certificates or licenses in registered nursing, medical lab scientist, respiratory therapist and certified nursing assistant certificates.
“That proposal will add more than 4,600 square feet of new and renovated nursing simulation facilities,” Saunders said. “This new funding will enhance nurse program offerings on both the Pensacola and Emerald Coast campuses, allowing UWF to make important new contributions to the state and regional healthcare workforce.”
U.S. News & World Report placed the UWF nursing program on its “Best Undergraduate Nursing” list each of the past two years. Other accolades include Princeton Review ranking the UWF Online Master of Science in Nursing among Top Online Nursing Programs in 2022 and 2023.
Saunders also highlighted how UWF accomplished each of its seven strategic directions over the past year during the State of the University address. She cited enrollment gains as a prime example of how UWF is moving in the right direction.
UWF topped 14,000 students for the first time in school history this fall. University enrollment is up by 6% from last year and 14.2% over the past three years.
“Do we ever have students this year and lots of them,” Saunders said.
