UCF is the university that seeks opportunities, creates opportunities, and brings them to fruition. The university's culture of opportunity is driven by the diverse people it attracts and serves, its Orlando environment, its history of entrepreneurship, and its youth, relevance, and energy.
History
The UCF culture of opportunities dates back to 1968 when we first opened the doors. Our students were different then-working men and women in their late twenties, with families. They were unable to travel to other parts of the state for a college degree. So, they looked past the unpaved roads and populace of rattlesnakes, and didn't mind making the half-mile trek to the Library by bicycle. They saw opportunity. And it paid off. Among these students are senior executives at Fortune 500 companies including Wald Disney World, Google, Boeing, Ericsson and Universal. Since then, we've graduated Mellon, Rhodes and Goldwater scholars and have seen alumni win the Pulitzer Prize, become senators and lead multinational corporations.
Today
Currently, the sixth largest university in the nation, UCF's enrollment will be approximately 48,000 students in the fall. It is one of the fastest growing research universities in the country in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
We offer almost 200 bachelor's and master's degrees and more than two-dozen doctoral programs. We enroll the largest number of undergraduates in Florida and the second-highest number of National Merit Scholars and Florida Bright Future students.
Recently, we passed the $120 million mark in research funding annually. We've added state-of-the-art wireless classrooms, and 85,000 square-foot recreational fitness center and on-campus residential communities. With the addition of new housing, a new alumni center, new Psychology Department building, a full-service medical facility and a 181,000-gallon outdoor recreational pool, the campus reflects a comprehensive environment for personal growth and academic achievements.
Tomorrow
The view at UCF continues to change. The UCF College of Medicine was recently established and will impact students of many areas of study. Programs like biomedical sciences, modeling and simulation, optics, and health sciences will benefit from resources and the availability of experts. Academic areas in materials science, psychology, chemistry, film and digital media, and nursing will support and interact with the new college.
This fall will see the opening of a 10,000-seat Convocation Center, four new towers of student housing, 45,000-seat on-campus football stadium, and another new retail area with restaurants and shops.
Stands For Opportunity
Yesterday, today and tomorrow UCF was, is and will be committed to providing an environment where students can share thoughts, question norms and get excited about their futures. Our culture of opportunity was present from day one. And today, with all of our accomplishments, that culture is stronger than ever.
