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Welcome back, Owls!Ìý

I hope you had a wonderful winter break and are ready to begin the new year with fresh goals and a renewed sense of determination.Ìý

In 2024, Florida Atlantic raised the bar in its achievements byÌýranking No. 103 on the U.S. News & World Report list of the best public universities; receiving the ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation; and setting new records in freshman applications, enrollment and graduates.Ìý

The University also made significant strides in accreditation, infrastructure and fundraising. Meeting all standards by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Florida Atlantic successfully completed its 10-year reaffirmation process withÌýno findings or recommendations from the SACSCOC. Additionally, Florida Atlantic started the first phase of a new student housing project on the Boca Raton campus, which is expected to begin occupancy in Fall 2026. Improvements to existing facilities included expansions to the Student Union and Newman Bernstein HillelÌýspaces, and advancements to several capital projects including The Kurt and MarilynÌýWallachÌýHolocaust and Jewish StudiesÌýBuilding, and the A.D. Henderson STEM Center. Total projected project costs are approximately $176 million.ÌýIn terms of dollars raised, 2024 marked one of the largest fundraising years in the University’s history as the Transcend Tomorrow campaign surpassed $500 million toward its overall goal of $600 million.Ìý

In athletics, we celebrated our men’s basketball team returning to the NCAA Tournament and welcomed the program’s new head coach, John Jakus. Our softball team won the AmericanÌýAthletic Conference regular season title — which isÌýthe University’s first AAC title.ÌýMoreover, we ended the year by introducing our new Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley and announcing a landmark $22.5 million, 15-year naming rights deal with Flagler Credit Union to rename ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Stadium as Flagler Credit Union Stadium.Ìý

With such a momentous year behind us, I am looking forward to the continued growth and accomplishments that lie ahead.

To kick off the Spring 2025 semester, Florida Atlantic will welcome new and returning students with a series of special programs duringÌýRed and Blue Weeks. Today through Jan. 20, events and activities on the Boca Raton, Jupiter and Broward campuses will include Bluesday, Glow Up at the Union, Owl Involved, RecFest and more. I encourage all students to engage with the Owl community at these programs for a strong and memorable start to the semester.

Florida Atlantic also will host several signature events for the entire University to enjoy throughout the spring semester, including the Alan B. and Charna Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency, Science Fest, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Day at the Capitol, Employee Service Awards, and the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Ceremony. I am excited to celebrate these traditions with our community in the upcoming months.

In addition to these events, the spring semester brings a new season of Winning In Paradise. From baseball to beach volleyball, our student-athletes will be competing at the highest level as they showcase their extraordinary talents. To purchase tickets and view the full schedule of spring sports at Florida Atlantic, visit fausports.com.ÌýÌý

As we begin this new semester, I am grateful for our dedicated students, faculty and staff who continue to advance our mission. In the year ahead, let’s strengthen our progress by embracing new opportunities, staying engaged with our community and striving for excellence in all we do.Ìý

Go Owls!