Charging Toward Greatness: UCF’s Path to Preeminence
Earlier this Fall, President Alexander N. Cartwright announced a historic milestone for the University of Central Florida. UCF has met the criteria to become Florida’s next Preeminent State Research University. This achievement is more than a reflection of institutional excellence. It’s a tribute to the talent, dedication, and resilience of our faculty, staff, and students.
A Legacy of Boldness and Innovation
From its earliest days, UCF has been defined by bold ambition. Our first classes were taught in unfinished buildings, our labs built from surplus equipment, and our traditions were invented on the spot. We didn’t wait for prestige. We built it. That same spirit continues to drive us today.
Now, with the outcomes required for preeminence achieved, UCF stands among the very best. While official certification from the Florida Board of Governors is anticipated in 2026, the celebration begins now.
Helping Knights Thrive
Student success is central to UCF’s mission. In 2023, the university launched a new model of support through academic success coaches who guide students in setting goals, managing coursework, and accessing campus
resources. Faculty also plays a key role, with initiatives like early progress reports in first-year composition courses helping identify and support at-risk students.
These efforts have contributed to a significant rise in UCF’s four-year graduation rate, now at 63.8%, up 14 points in just four years. Demonstrating the power of personalized support and a campuswide commitment to student achievement.
Fueling Innovation
UCF’s research enterprise spans disciplines from space exploration and engineering to healthcare and cybersecurity, generating over $285 million in annual research expenditures. The Office of Technology Transfer helps bring discoveries to market through patents, licensing, and startup formation, strengthening industry partnerships and attracting new funding.
With national recognition for its patent output and a robust support system behind its researchers, UCF continues to expand its impact and reputation as a leader in innovation.
Celebrating Together
The entire Knight Nation gathered in a campuswide celebration at the Reflecting Pond to honor our shared success and look ahead to the bold future we’re building together.
The Road Ahead
Preeminence is not the finish line. It’s a launchpad. It opens doors to increased state funding, expanded research opportunities, and enhanced student success. Most importantly, it strengthens our commitment to investing in the people who make UCF extraordinary.
Join the Journey
Whether you're a student, faculty member, alum, or supporter, your role in UCF’s story matters. Together, we are daring to boldly invent the future.
Go Knights! Let’s keep Charging On together!
