JU has strong roots in Jacksonville, or as the locals call it, Jax, the most populous city in Florida. Its rapidly growing economy attracts global companies in healthcare, tech, business, and banking, and Jacksonville University has a downtown campus right in the middle of it all. That’s where Sharmaine is getting her masters in medical sciences on her way to becoming a doctor. How’s it going, Sharmaine?
– Hey, everyone, and welcome to downtown Jax. JU is known as Jacksonville’s University, and our downtown campus is right in the center of it all. Jacksonville is home to Fortune 500 companies and we’re a leader in fintech, banking, and healthcare. Jax was recently named as Supernova city for its booming economic growth, and we’re the number one city in Florida for recent college graduates. I’m currently enrolled in the one-year Medical Sciences graduate program based in JU’s downtown campus. It’s designed to prepare future doctors, dentists, PAs, and other aspiring medical personnel for the rigors of medical school by mirroring your first year at a medical college. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree and working at one of the many Jacksonville hospitals, I was drawn to this program to get myself ready for medical school. As an aspiring doctor, JU’s program allows me to strengthen my application for medical school, receive free MCAT tutoring, and gain the study tools I need to succeed in my future. When I’m not in class, you’ll find me at one of the cafes, restaurants, or beautiful parks here in the city. Sitting by the water is the perfect place to study or just to chill with friends, and we’re just steps away from concert venues, local breweries, and the Jax Stadium. I love being in the heart of the city every day. You can almost feel the opportunities. With Jacksonville being one of the best places for young professionals and job seekers, it means you don’t have to choose between a great place to live and a great education. Here, you get both. You know what I’m talking about, Alex. Back to you.
– I sure do, I’ll never forget attending the first ever Jacksonville Jaguars game in the very first season. It was amazing. Duval! Thanks for showing us around Sharmaine, that was great.
Okay, everyone let’s meet James. He’s a senior theater arts major with minors in music and business administration. James has practically done it all during his time at JU, from starring roles to student ambassador, and even the student improv club. Living on campus allows him to explore all that Jacksonville University has to offer. James, please take it away.
– Alex, that was wonderful. Thank you. Hi, everyone. I have been performing for about as long as I can remember. I grew up singing in church and then I started performing on the stage in high school. So when looking for the program for me, JU’s small class sizes, expert professors, vibrant theater program, and beautiful campus made my school choice pretty easy. One thing you’ll hear about JU a lot is the family environment on campus. Both the students and faculty are so friendly, it genuinely feels like my home away from home. I’ve been living on campus all four years and it has been an absolute blast. Being on campus is definitely a huge plus when it comes to getting involved. You’re always nearby for our basketball games, performances, exhibitions, and events like trivia night, where Dolphin Productions gives away free prizes. And also being within walking distance of your best friends is always a huge plus. Our first year students will live in one of our two recently renovated freshman residence halls: Botts Hall and Williams Hall. Both halls come with huge TVs, study rooms, and foosball tables on each floor where students can enjoy college life. And also the free laundry and the free parking are definitely a huge plus. JU offers 10 fraternities and sororities, and has over 100 active student organizations ranging from eSports to club soccer. Plus, there are tons of student jobs on campus that allow you to earn while you learn. I’ve worked with career management, admissions, residential life, and new student orientation. I’ve also been a part of some great organizations, such as our Finprov improv troop, where I was vice president my junior year. Jacksonville University’s campus is an open door to a customized experience. It is up to you to make the most of it and create memories that will last a lifetime. As for me, I plan on going into higher education, while still pursuing my musical and theatrical endeavors. Look for me on a stage near you. Alex, back to you, my friend.
– Thanks, James. You were born for the spotlight, my friend, and I couldn’t agree more. I have so many fond memories of my time here on campus and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. JU is still my home away from home. Thanks again, James, take care.
With its competitive Division I athletic programs, JU offers the atmosphere of a small private school with the exciting perks of a bigger public school. From its legacy basketball program to its powerhouse lacrosse teams, school spirit is at an all time high here. Let’s head over to the brand new Basketball Performance Center to meet a brother-sister duo full of Dolphin pride. Bobby, Maggie, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. With seven Jacksonville University legacy relatives and a brother about to graduate, I knew I had to check it out. While JU has an amazing nursing program, what really sold me was our campus community. When I was accepted to JU, I got a surprise visit from our spirit team right outside of my front door, welcoming me to the JU family. The Sirens dancers caught my eye, so I auditioned immediately and made the team. I was at every home basketball game, cheering on our teams. Since becoming a member of the dance team, my teammates have encouraged me to become involved even more. Now, I’m a student ambassador, a Diamond Girl for our baseball team, and a member of Alpha Delta Pi, where I hold a leadership position and it’s only my first year.
– With 17 Division I athletic programs and free games for every JU student, cheering our Dolphins is a central part of the campus experience. Before every basketball home game, we have a pre-game tailgate party at the plaza with live music, food trucks, beer garden, and big student giveaways. It is easily one of my favorite traditions on campus. As a fanatic student section leader, I’m responsible for keeping the crowd hyped during the games, something my dad even gets involved in as we yell JU back and forth across the court.
– J! U!
– Ask any of our opponents and they’ll tell you Swisher Gym is the toughest place to play in the Asun Conference. All of our Dolphin student athletes are amazing competitors who dominate on the court, on the field, in the water, and in the classroom. As a group, our student athletes have one of the highest collective GPAs on campus. Leaving JU this year will definitely be one of the hardest goodbyes, but I’ll be back to cheer them on. Fins up, future Dolphins.
– Fins up, future Dolphins.
– I love it, multiple generations of Dolphins getting rowdy in true JU style. It’s a family affair. I remember those games in Swisher Gym when I was a student and I’ll never forget friends and fans cheering me on when I played on the JU Men’s Soccer Team. Fins up, Bob and Maggie.
Jacksonville University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the perfect location, right on the water. That’s where we’re gonna meet Charlotte. She’s won two national championships with JU’s sailing team, and she’s a leading contender for the U.S. Olympic team. Out of all the campuses we visited over the years, there’s only one with its very own beach. Take it away, Charlotte.
– Hi, everyone. This is my favorite place to be on campus, right on the waterfront. When I’m not in class, chances are you’ll find me on the water or here on Dolphin Beach. This is where the JU sailing team practices. We have direct access to the water and that’s a big reason why I chose JU. I’m from Texas and I’ve been a competitive sailor since I was 10. When I started looking for a college, I knew I wanted to attend an university in the south with a top ranked sailing team. JU was the best pick for me. Our waterfront campus and tight-knit community just feels like home. My coaches, professors, and peers are always there to help if I need anything. I’m constantly traveling to compete, both for our nationally ranked JU sailing team, and also as I pursue my Olympic dreams. I sail in regattas is across the globe against the best sailors in the world, so it means everything to have my JU support system on campus. If you love being on the water just as much as I do, JU is the place for you. From here, you could take a river taxi to downtown just 10 minutes away, and we’re only 20 minutes from the white sandy beaches that extend for miles along our coast. But best of all, you don’t have to travel anywhere to enjoy the water. Come relax in the sunshine here on Dolphin Beach, play a game of beach volleyball, go fishing with friends, or explore the river and its wildlife from a standup paddle board. I can’t imagine learning and living anywhere else. These past four years, I’ve grown so much as a person, and now I have my sights set on the 2024 Olympic games in Paris. Bon voyage. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, the water is where it is at, for sure. I’m definitely down for some paddle boarding, but no way I could keep up with you. We’re all rooting for you to bring home the gold for team USA. Good luck, Charlotte.