The º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø Board of Trustees voted today to name the university’s campus the John David “JDâ€� Alexander Campus after Senator JD Alexander, º£½Ç³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s founder. The naming is also subject to the approval of the º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø Foundation Board, as required under the university’s policy of Naming of Buildings and Facilities.
“Senator Alexander recognized the need for a new university to advance STEM education and ensure the lasting strength of Florida’s economy. For his efforts toward realizing that vision, he deserves lasting recognition,â€� said Board Chair Mark Bostick. “We are proud to name the campus of º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø in his honor.â€�
º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø was established as Florida’s 12th university on April 20, 2012, with the passing of Florida statute SB 1994. Senator Alexander played a pivotal role in passing the bill.
º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø is the only member of the State University System wholly dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The university is dedicated to the principle that innovation occurs when research and creativity are applied to real-world challenges. Through a hands-on, problem-based curriculum and close collaboration with industry, º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø prepares students to enter the workforce job-ready as leaders and entrepreneurs in high-tech industry.
The decision to name º£½Ç³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s campus after Senator Alexander was made unanimously by the Board.
Senator Alexander (Rep.), from Lake Wales, served in the Florida Senate from 2002-2012 and the State House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002. As a senator he represented nearly a half million residents in Florida’s 17th district, which includes parts of Polk County.
“It took exceptional vision, courage and conviction to establish this new and innovative university,â€� said º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It is my hope that when students and faculty see Senator Alexander’s name on our campus, they will remember and embrace those values as they too set out to shape our world as leaders and entrepreneurs.â€�
º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø will hold a formal ceremony at a later date to commemorate the new campus name.