UCF has always been a university for those who dare to think and act boldly. Here, we turn ambition into action, transform knowledge into breakthroughs, and advance industries and technologies that move the world forward. Together, our talented innovators, thoughtful educators and staff members, and tenacious students are working to create a better future — for all.
This relentless pursuit of excellence and mission to invent the future have fueled our trajectory to become Florida’s next-generation preeminent university.
We celebrate our momentum toward this achievement, but most importantly, we celebrate you — the extraordinary people who make everything possible.
UCF’s greatest achievements come when we unite behind bold goals. Together, we turn ambition into impact — transforming lives, and fueling discovery and innovation as we dare to boldly invent the future.”
Propelled By Our People
Every individual at UCF plays a vital role in shaping an incredible collective impact. Together, we transform lives at scale, fuel innovation without limits and power Florida’s future with talent and ideas.
Every milestone we achieve together is a launchpad for what’s next. These are just a few of the bold, future-focused achievements that define UCF, and highlight the power and promise of what our people can accomplish.
Student Success at Scale
From the start, UCF has opened doors to opportunity and excellence at scale. With dedicated mentors, flexible pathways and industry-informed academic programs, we help students graduate in four years, prepared to lead in industries that fuel Florida’s future.
Mike McKee ’07MeD
Associate Director of Academic Support Services, CREOL
Managing the undergraduate program at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, Mike McKee ’07MeD maintains personal connections with over 150 students. His outreach efforts, including school talks, summer camps and a teacher ambassador program, have directly inspired many students to join UCF’s photonics program — strengthening our talent pipeline of future-ready innovators.
My focus has always been on promoting inquiry-based learning and shifting instructional beliefs to foster greater student success.”
Christian Viau
Senior Academic Success Coach, College of Health Professions and Sciences
Hayley Ellis
DirectConnect to UCF Student, Double Major in Health Sciences, and Molecular and Cellular Biology
I think providing [a] support system coming from inside the institution is really vital for students. And that’s a driving factor for me as a success coach. Because in my undergrad, I would have loved to have someone I could have leaned on, and built a relationship with that really helped me succeed.”
Nearly 14% Increase in Our 4-Year Graduation Rate over the past 3 years, a remarkable improvement that’s unprecedented at our scale
92% Freshman Retention Rate with the help of academic success coaches, flexible program pathways and strong resources for support
Jack Livingston
Computer Science Student, and COMPASS, EXCEL and Math Launch Participant
[Math Launch] not only accelerated my progress in math, but also gave me the tools and support to stay on track. … The personalized approach and resources made a huge difference, helping me build confidence and connections that I carried into my higher-level courses and even my professional internship. It’s a program that truly sets students up for success.”
Chloe Pinkston ’25
Medical Student and Aerospace Engineering Alum
UCF definitely gave me a lot of resources and opportunities that allowed me to … explore different interests and create my own path. … UCF provides an environment that allows students to pursue their dreams. I’m really thankful for everything UCF has done for me.”
Excellence in Research
and Innovation
Our faculty and staff are bold thinkers and doers whose ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration advance industry and whose leadership shapes the next generation of talent.
Carolyn Massiah
Associate Chair and Associate Lecturer, Department of Marketing
Throughout more than 20 years at UCF, Carolyn Massiah has made a lasting impact through mentorship, professional development and research. Her service marketing and consumer behavior research is guiding industry today, as well as preparing sharp marketers and business professionals of the future.
I was a first-generation student and I knew that I would be able to bring a great deal in the way of mentoring students who were in the same situation.”
Abdul-Akeem Sadiq
Professor and Public Policy Academic Program Coordinator, College of Community Innovation and Education
Focused on disaster preparedness and emergency management, Abdul-Akeem Sadiq’s research has been instrumental in informing policy and academic dialogue on building more resilient communities.
Most of my publications provide practical recommendations to public, nonprofit and private organizations with the hope that if those recommendations are implemented, they will lead to a better society.”
Svetlana Shtrom ’08MBA
Director of Technology Transfer, Office of Research
With the support of Svetlana Shtrom ’08MBA and her team, UCF is among the world’s top 20 public universities for patents, demonstrating the outcomes of our faculty’s research and stimulating strong interest from industry.
189+ Patents Awarded to UCF Researchers (2022-24) reflecting their transformative innovations and technologies to help improve the human experience
$285+ Million in Total Research Expenditures (2023-24) amplifying the impact of our faculty’s work to solve society’s greatest challenges
Impactful Industry Partnerships
We leverage our strategic location in Orlando and our strong industry partnerships to achieve growth and prosperity for all. Together, we create exceptional opportunities for UCF students and power an in-demand talent pipeline to fuel our region’s economy.
Vanessa Gonzalez ’15 ’19MA ’23EdD
Internship Instructor and Coordinator, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
To prepare the next generation of hospitality leaders, Vanessa Gonzalez ’15 ’19MA ’23EdD connects with industry to support recruitment and address talent needs for leading companies like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Destinations and Experiences, and more.
Jayanta Kapat
Pegasus Professor, and Director of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER)
In almost 30 years at UCF, Jayanta Kapat has advanced the energy industry through his research, leadership and student talent development. CATER solves some of the most complex challenges in turbomachinery for power generation, aviation and space propulsion — driving innovation alongside key companies, including Pegasus Partner Siemens Energy.
Building on Our Momentum
Reaching the final metric on our trajectory toward preeminence isn’t our arrival point — it’s our launchpad, giving us the momentum to take bold next steps.
Together, we can set new national benchmarks in student success, expand engineering, technology and innovation across every discipline, and become a top 25 public research university.
What we’ve achieved together is proof of what’s possible when the UCF community dares to unite behind ambitious goals.
And it’s only the beginning. Because at UCF, the future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we’re bold enough to invent together.