Jacksonville University: A Multifaceted Hub of Academic Excellence and Support
Jacksonville University stands as a beacon of academic excellence with its diverse array of offerings. From renowned business and law programs to a vibrant arts scene and thriving sports culture, JU caters to students with varied interests and aspirations. Notably, the university's commitment to supporting military personnel shines through initiatives such as the Veterans and Military Resource Center, ensuring those who have served receive the assistance they deserve as they pursue their educational goals.
JU Public Policy Institute honors Nathaniel Glover with named fellowship
Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute is naming its Master in Public Policy Minority Fellowship Program after former Jacksonville sheriff Dr. Nathaniel โNatโ Glover, a widely respected public servant in Florida.
Lawsuit alleges JU let track coachโs โmaliciousโ behavior go unchecked for years
The parents of a Jacksonville University student who died by suicide are suing the school and its former track and cross country coach, alleging the school did not support their daughter academically and ignored complaints about how the coach treated runners.
Sheriff Debate Analysis: Who did the best job getting their message out?
After the five candidates who want to tackle Jacksonville's biggest law enforcement issues squared off Wednesday night on Channel 4, an analyst with the Jacksonville Public Policy Institute shared what he considered the biggest takeaways from the debate.
Shark Week is every week at Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Bryan Franks stopped by the show to talk about the Universityโs Marine Science Research Institute and its partnership with OCEARCH, a non-profit dedicated to researching ocean life โ specifically sharks. Dr. Franks has been studying sharks for over 2 decades, and in honor of Shark Week this month, he talked about their importance in our oceans and the work JU and OCEARCH are doing to learn more about them.
Runaway Rumble: JU dominates UNF for season sweep, 71-39
For the first time since 1971, Jacksonville University completed an undefeated home season, and they did it with an impressive 71-39 win over cross-town rivals UNF to complete a sweep in the River City Rumble Wednesday night at a packed Swisher Gymnasium.
JU womenโs basketball away game against UNC canceled due to โCOVID protocolsโ
The Jacksonville University womenโs basketball teamโs away game against the University of North Carolina has been canceled due to โCOVID protocols with the Dolphinsโ program,โ according to a post on judolphins.com.
Cinderella Dolphins await assignment in NCAA baseball regionals
In the history of Jacksonville sports, there are a few teams who wore the title of Cinderella particularly well. The 1970 Jacksonville University basketball team. The 1996 Jaguars. And now, you can add the 2021 JU baseball team to the list.
Jordan Mincy the โright personโ to help rebuild JU basketball brand
Jordan Mincy was introduced as the new men's basketball coach at JU on Friday. Mincy vowed to JU players on Friday that they would win and be a part of a program that theyโre proud to call their own. And he wants former JU players to be a part of the new era coming in. Gilmore led JU to the 1970 national championship game and later became an NBA hall of famer. And thereโs a lot of good coaches, but itโs about finding the right person for your place, and Jordanโs that.โ
JU fills basketball vacancy with Gators assistant Jordan Mincy
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville University is filling its basketball vacancy with a coach from just down the road in Gainesville. Jordan Mincy, an assistant at the University of Florida, is the Dolphins new head basketball coach, the school announced on Thursday. Mincy, 34, spent the past six seasons as an assistant on Mike Whiteโs coaching staff at Florida. โI canโt wait to get to work as we start writing the next chapter in Jacksonville basketball history,โ Mincy said in a release. Jasick was hired in 2014 to replace Cliff Warren, the most successful coach in JU history.
JU fires menโs basketball coach Tony Jasick
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville University shook things up in its menโs basketball program Monday, firing coach Tony Jasick. Jasick just completed his seventh season with the Dolphins. JU went 11-13 this season and didnโt compete in the conference tournament due to COVID-19 precautionary procedures. โFirst I want to thank Tony for his many years of service to this program, these young men and to this University,โ said athletic director Alex Ricker-Gilbert. What we have in front of us is an opportunity to embrace our role as Jacksonvilleโs University, to build upon the strong foundation of our rich basketball history.โJasick was hired in 2014 to replace Cliff Warren, the most successful coach in JU history.
Student sues Jacksonville University for fees paid during coronavirus shut down
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A Jacksonville University student has filed a federal lawsuit against Jacksonville University. Ashley Allen of California is suing because the school hasnโt refunded tuition, fees, or room and board following the shutdown due to the coronavirus last spring. Even though students continued to receive instruction online, Allen said when the school shut down she and other students were deprived of what they paid for. The lawsuit points out that the university touts the benefits of the campus, the location and the on-campus experience. A university spokesperson said it was still looking into the lawsuit but added the school typically doesnโt comment on matters that are under litigation.
JU and Baptist Health launch 12 month nursing program
Jacksonville University and Baptist Health teamed up to launch an accelerated nursing second-degree program that only takes 12 months to complete and earn a work-promise agreement from Baptist Health upon graduation and licensure. JU said this 12-month program is a way that rapidly addresses the โever-increasing needโ for qualified nurses in Northeast Florida. JU baptist health nursing program (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) It looks and feels like a hospital and itโs where 35 students part of JUโs accelerated 12-month nursing program will learn. Wolf said while it may be a rigorous curriculum, the unique partnership with Baptist Health is like no other.
Unmarked cemetery on Jacksonville University campus highlights lost Black history
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ If youโve ever been on the Jacksonville Universityโs campus, thereโs one piece of history youโre almost guaranteed to overlook, an African-American cemetery from a time period shortly after the Civil War. The old cemetery no longer has any headstones. โThis is an African-American cemetery that dates back to around 1873. Jacksonville University published a story on the cemetery in 2019 in its University Magazine. Memorial Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $3,005,900Sunset Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $1,550,000Old City Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $1,150,000Hillside Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $230,000Mt.
Jacksonville University, other Florida colleges receive threats
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Due to a threat made Friday afternoon, everyone on the campus of Jacksonville University was asked to evacuate. Students were sent a notice at 3:08 p.m.A campus email at 5:50 p.m. gave students the โall clear.โโJacksonville Sheriffโs Office K-9 units have thoroughly searched the Jacksonville University campus and verified it is safe for you to return. Daytona State College was evacuated Friday morning after the college said it received information about a โpotential threat,โ according to ClickOrlando. In Tampa, Southeastern University was given an โall clearโ after a bomb threat, according to the Tampa Free Press. And Fox4 reported that Florida Southwestern State College was reopened after an unfounded email threat.
Capitol riot aftermath; impeachment of President Trump; Inauguration Day safety
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly join this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonvilleโ to talk about their experiences during the riot at the Capitol. They also discuss their views on the impeachment of President Donald Trump, including how they voted and why, and look ahead to the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Invasion of halls of Congress; impeachment talks; former adviser to President Trump on Capitol breach
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, Florida Sen. Audrey Gibson, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and News4Jax anchor Tom Wills join this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonvilleโ as they discuss the invasion of the halls of Congress, objections to Electoral College votes and whether impeachment should be attempted. In addition, former advisor to President Donald Trump, Omarosa Manigault Newman, provides her perspective on the breach of the U.S. Capitol.
JU to offer masters programs at new Palm Coast health care campus
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville University has partnered with the city of Palm Coast to build a campus in Flagler County and begin offering health care graduate programs to Flagler and Volusia counties, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland announced Tuesday. The new JU Palm Coast Campus and the schoolโs main campus in Jacksonville are two anchors of what the school expects to become an education corridor stretching through Northeast Florida. The initial campus footprint, located in 4,000 to 6,000 square feet of space with classroom and healthcare training technology. JU is already developing and acquiring curriculum and seeking accreditation for the Palm Coast location and said it will make additional direct financial investments following the first year of operation. JUโs Palm Coast Campus is expected to enroll up to 50 students for its first classes in fall 2021 and seeking a total enrollment between 100 and 150 students within 24 months.
Former JU All-American baseball pitcher authors childrenโs book
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Matt Dobbins is one of the best pitchers to ever play at Jacksonville University. His supportive sidekick, a kangaroo named Ridley Roo, helps Duncan overcome his fear of flying. โMy wifeโs brother, Charles Hedrick, heโs a University of Florida grad and he is an art major,โ Dobbins said. And he knocked out the park.โDobbins says heโs seen support coming from all of the community as the book gains more and more attention. Maybe even a baseball book about bouncing back after failure.
Exploring pros and cons of Lot J development with city leaders
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute joins this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonville,โ which explores the Lot J proposal from multiple angles with Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer, Jacksonville Civic Council CEO and President Jeanne Miller, Urban Land Institute Chair Tarik Bateh, Jaguars Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh and Mayor Lenny Curryโs Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury.
Sexual assault accusers at JU, UNF claim they were intimidated, retaliated against
Attorneys say these disturbing cases point out the prevalence of sexual assault at universities and a culture encouraging victims to not report the crimes to authorities. She now wants to reveal her identity and speak publicly to inspire other victims to come forward. She said she was involved in a sexual assault investigation, after reporting she was raped at an off-campus party in 2019. So many of those victims did not come forward because they were worried they would not make the Olympic team. By coming forward, they hope their story will encourage others to take a stand against sexual assault.
Ready, set, sign: High school athletes make college choices on early signing day
Wednesday was the first official day of the early signing period for high school athletes in all sports but football. ClayMorgan Kendrick, softball, Florida State University. St. Johns Country Day baseball players, from left to right, Connor Moore, James Oman, Luke Shannahan and Jace Thomas during signing day on Wednesday. (St. Johns Country Day School)Trinity ChristianReagan Griffs, softball, Jacksonville University; Amaya Ross, softball, Florida State University; MacKenzie Marell, softball, Charlotte; Morgan McMillian, softball, Jacksonville University. Welcome to the Florida State Softball Family, Amaya!#OneTribe pic.twitter.com/JzOxnDbUHH โ Florida State Softball ๐ฅ (@FSU_Softball) November 11, 2020Ware CountyCaleb Stewart, baseball, Georgia State.
Barriers on Capitol Hill; Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office preps ahead of Election Day
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ On this edition of โThis Week In Jacksonville,โ News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute co-hosts alongside News4Jax anchor and reporter Kent Justice. Former U.S. Reps. David Jolly and Patrick Murphy discuss a new book, which they co-authored, designed to talk about barriers on Capitol Hill. Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan talks about high voter turnout and concerns just before Election Day. And Mullaney describes the five things that could be affected if the Democrats earn a majority in the Senate.
Duval County school tax referendum; JEA referendum on ballot; Former Rep. Jason Altmire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute hosts this edition of โThis Week In Jacksonville." Former Sheriff Nat Glover of Duval Citizens for Better Schools discusses the sales tax referendum on Duval County ballots. City Councilman Michael Boylan breaks down the JEA referendum for Duval County voters. Former U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire talks about his new book, โDead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America.โ
REPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debate
REPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debatePublished: October 14, 2020, 9:45 pmWatch U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Donna Deegan square off in Jacksonville for the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. Wednesdayโs debate, hosted by News4JAX in partnership with Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, will be moderated by Kent Justice.
Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debate
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Democratic challenger Donna Deegan squared off Wednesday evening in the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. Deegan said she would support that plan, while Rutherford said absolutely not. People simply want racial justice.โWatch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jaxโs Voterโs Guide.
Rutherford, Deegan debate health care, social justice and Supreme Court
News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, hosted the debate, which was moderated by Kent Justice. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. It is anything but affordable.โSupreme CourtThe debate comes on the same week as Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrettโs confirmation hearings. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. People simply want racial justice.โWatch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jaxโs Voterโs Guide.
News4Jax hosting only televised debate between Rutherford & Deegan
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, will host the only televised debate between U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and challenger Donna Deegan in the 4th Congressional District race, which covers Nassau and parts of Duval and St. Johns counties. Weโve compiled biographies and questionnaire responses for both Rutherford and Deegan as part of our Voterโs Guide โ check it out. Weโll carry the debate live on Channel 4 and it will be streamed live on News4Jax.com. News4Jax Political Anchor Kent Justice is the moderator for this debate. The candidates may have the chance to ask each other questions during this hour-long debate.
Remember when Amy Barrett spoke at Jacksonville University?
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Years before Amy Coney Barrett became a Supreme Court nominee, she taught law at the University of Notre Dame. While a law professor, she spent time on the lecture circuit, delivering remarks at public and private engagements, including a 2016 visit to Jacksonville University as part of its Hesburgh Lecture Series. During the lecture, which was based on the impact of the presidential election on the U.S. Supreme Court, Barrett discussed the late Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she clerked, among other topics. โI mean, we shouldnโt be putting people on the court that share our policy preferences,โ Barrett said. โWe should we putting people on the court who want to apply the Constitution.โView the complete remarks below:
President Donald Trump nominates Judge Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ On this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonville,โ News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney, of Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute, discusses President Donald Trump nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, of South Carolina, gives his thoughts on the nomination process. And local attorney Pat Kilbane, who knows Barrett on a professional level, shares his impressions and insight.
$100K donation to JU sets up scholarship for nurse practitioners
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The health-information network company Availity has donated $100,000 to Jacksonville University to establish a scholarship fund for advanced registered nurse practitioners who could practice independently from physicians under a new state law. Availity said in a prepared statement Tuesday that scholarships will be awarded by the university on a first come, first served basis and that applicants should apply at www.ju.edu/availity. In addition to announcing the establishment of the Availity Scholarship Fund scholarships, Jacksonville University announced it is offering online access to the 45 continuing education hours. Jacksonville-based Availity was founded in 2001 as a joint venture between Florida Blue and Humana. Through mergers and acquisitions, it has grown over the years into a health information network that connects more than 1 million providers and health-plan companies.
Husband mourns wife who died of COVID-19 after giving birth to son
Husband Isaac Byrd Jr. told News4Jax Renae had an emergency cesarean section on Aug. 23. Im heartbroken, Byrd Jr. said. Renae Byrd with husband Isaac (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) Renae Byrd wasnt just a new mother, but a brilliant writer and photographer, according to her brother. Most important, she was just so loving, Byrd Jr. said.
College students head back to campus at three major Jacksonville campuses
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On campus classes are starting again at University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters College this morning. UNF is requiring masks at all times for students, including outdoors. University officials are also requiring students use a daily self-screening tool. RELATED: Pandemic protocols: College students under new process for move-in dayAt Jacksonville University, students and staff are sticking to three commonly cited guidelines to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus. Keep 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and othersWear face coveringsWash your hands frequentlyEd Waters College established protocols for students living on campus who test positive for the virus.
JU, UNF fall sports seasons postponed due to COVID-19
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Atlantic Sun Conference postponed its fall sports regular season and championships on Friday morning, potentially pushing the seasons of both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida until spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ASUN Presidents Council said that holding a spring season for the postponed fall sports is a priority for the league. "Obviously this is a huge disappointment," said ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart. "Anyone who follows college sports understands the dynamics that brought us to this decision, but that doesn't mean we like it. We will make every effort to provide a quality competitive experience for our fall student-athletes during the spring semester, Gumbart said.
Revised plan for Republican National Convention; 2 candidates for Clay County sheriff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ On this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonville,โ News4Jax political analyst and Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney breaks down the revised plan for the Republican National Convention and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the 2020 elections. And Clay County sheriff candidates Mike Taylor and Ben Carroll both talk about their priorities if theyโre elected.
JU taking precautions as athletes resume workouts, eye competing this fall
JU will not allow fans at any sporting event and athletes will not be taking any flights to travel to games. Earlier this month, the school announced that fans would not be allowed at sporting events this fall but that isnt the only change the Dolphins are making to their fall sports. While game schedules and travel procedures for the fall are being finalized, the Atlantic Sun Conference is still working to decide on testing procedures for game day. It is just more structured practice and athletics is already structured but now it is even more structured. Right now, the A-Sun is still planning on fall sports playing this fall.
JU will begin fall sports season without fans in thee stands
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville University will begin its fall sports season without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic the school announced in a video posted on the colleges website. President Tim Cost touched on multiple topics in video that lasted nearly six minutes, from social distancing protocol and masks, to the ability to be flexible during unprecedented times. For now, in line with all of the guidance all around the country, at all major universities like ours, theres going to be a limit on how we gather together. In other words, no more than ten at a time in any one place, Cost said. In fact, virtual meetings are going to be strongly recommended.
Sales tax referendum for aging schools; Republican National Convention in Jacksonville; Moving forward on race relations
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney, director of the Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University, is the guest host of this edition of This Week in Jacksonville.Duval County School Board Chairman Warren Jones weighs in on the upcoming vote for the half-cent sales tax referendum. Jacksonville Civic Council Chairman John Delaney, a former mayor of Jacksonville and a former president of the University of North Florida, discusses the upcoming Republican National Convention and race relations locally and nationally.
JU taking cautious approach in deciding when athletes can return to campus
The NCAA Division I Council voted to allow athletes to resume voluntary workouts on campus this past Monday, although not all colleges are rushing athletes back to school. Two weeks ago, the NCAA said student-athletes could return to on-campus voluntary workouts beginning June 1. Jacksonville University athletic director Alex Ricker-Gilbert said that the Dolphins are being a bit more cautious with their approach in bringing athletes back to school. He doesnt expect JUs athletes to return to campus until late June or early July. Ricker-Gilbert said it isnt something he wants to think about at this point, but JU will do what is best for its athletes.
Remembering former Jacksonville University President Fran Kinne
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On this edition of This Week in Jacksonville, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost talks about how the university will get students back to campus. Cost, former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and Jacksonville Universitys Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney each honor the legacy of the late Dr. Fran Kinne. Jacksonville City Councilman Ron Salem discusses legislation to take some control back from JEA.
JU prepares to welcome students back in the fall
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville and Gainesville universities are in the spotlight to decide when to reopen campuses during the coronavirus pandemic. Standing outdoors on campus, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost announced on social media the school will be open for the fall semester. Cost said that task force will continue working on ways to make the fall semester successful with a focus on safety for students, staff and faculty. We know theyโre coming back. Theyโre coming,โ Dr. Fuchs said.
Jacksonville University confirms first case of COVID-19
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville University has confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, a spokeswoman for the school said Sunday. According to a statement from JU Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations Laura Phelps, a graduate student currently living off-campus has tested positive for COVID-19. Phelps said the student has been isolated off campus for the past two weeks and has not been on JU grounds since March 21. The university said it has communicated with other people who were in contact with the infected student and is coordinating with the Florida Department of Health on all necessary and appropriate steps, Phelps said. As of Sunday afternoon, there were 414 reported cases of COVID-19 in Duval County and more than 12,000 cases in the state.
How to govern during a crisis as the coronavirus reaches Northeast Florida; Florida Primary; More frustration amid JEA investigation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville Universityโs Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney gives insight into how a crisis is managed. Itโs down to a two-person race for the Democratic nomination as the Florida primary nears. Plus, some frustration boils over JEA.