Solving the Shortage
Through collaboration, innovation and federal funding, UCF is developing new solutions to meet Florida’s demand for educators.
In January, UCF broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona. The new 90,000-square-foot home of the College of Nursing, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26, will help UCF graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses — creating a healthier and brighter future for the community and state.
The philanthropy-fueled project is supported through $43 million from the state of Florida and named in honor of Dr. Phillips Charities, which provided the lead $10 million gift.
Students and faculty will have access to everything from research labs to a state-of-the-art simulation center and a host of study spaces — providing unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and enhanced learning experiences.
“The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion … will be a venue where great thinkers live, future nurses learn, and innovators and scholars work together to solve our world’s most pressing healthcare problems.”
— Mary Lou Sole, UCF College of Nursing dean
- The Need for New Nurses
- $26 million
- Contributed from industry partners, corporations, foundations and donors to support construction of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona
- 2,300
- Registered nurses are needed to enter the workforce each year to address Florida’s shortage of 37,400 by 2035
- 150
- More Knight nurses UCF will be able to educate annually in the new, larger building
Behind the Groundbreaking
UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright speaking to media about the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion groundbreaking.
An architectural rendering of the new College of Nursing building by Huntonbrady Architects, Ayers Saint Gross and DPR Construction.
Jars of dirt from the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion groundbreaking
Knightro high-fiving a person at the event.