Florida legislators present $168M in new funds to FIU

There is lots to celebrate. FIU has ranked No. 46 among public universities — breaking into the Top 50 for the first time — and No. 98 among all universities, public and private, according to U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2025 rankings.

Just a few days before the momentous announcement, some of FIU's most ardent supporters came to campus to present the university with millions of dollars that will continue to fuel FIU's legacy as one of the country's leading public universities. 

Elected officials, members of the Miami-Dade Delegation and alumni working in the government gathered at FIU during an annual Homecoming celebration held in their honor. The yearly tradition is just one of the ways that FIU says "thank you" to the officials who tirelessly support FIU. 

From hosting student interns in their offices to advocating for FIU research and priorities, these elected officials help the university expand its reach every year. President Kenneth A. Jessell, Senior Vice President of the Division of Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs Michelle L. Palacio and Dean of the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Shlomi Dinar welcomed the group and expressed their gratitude. 

On behalf of the Miami-Dade Delegation, Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, an FIU alumna who serves as the chair of the delegation, presented Jessell and university leaders with a check for $168 million in new funds appropriated by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis as part of the state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The funds will support FIU's strategic initiatives, research and student success. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the Dade Delegation’s support of FIU and for their faith in our mission to serve our community and our state," Jessell said. "FIU is a key driver of innovation, engagement and impact in South Florida and across the entire state. These funds will help us move the needle on some of our most strategic initiatives and propel us as we continue providing the highest quality education to our students. This will also allow us the resources to recruit and retain top faculty who will inspire our students and lead groundbreaking research.”

"FIU is making a difference in our community and across Florida," Rodriguez said. "I know firsthand how FIU's commitment to scholarship, excellence and service places students on the path to success. I am honored to support FIU and to come back to my alma mater for this special Homecoming reception each year. It's a treat to connect with my fellow Panthers, and it's a true pleasure to present the check for the appropriations on behalf of the Dade Delegation."

The funds include $25 million in recurring preeminent funds that FIU will receive in conjunction with earning Preeminent State Research University status earlier this year. 

FIU will also receive funding to support a variety of programs and areas, including nursing education, the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, Cuban American studies and more. Additionally, FIU will receive its share of millions that were allocated in the State Budget for the State University System’s performance-based funding and performance-based recruitment and retention initiatives.

“Our Dade Delegation believes in FIU,” said Michelle L. Palacio, senior vice president of the Division of Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs. “They have been our partner since day one and instrumental in FIU's success achieving top, national recognitions. I know how hard our delegation and the FIU Board of Trustees work. We are so grateful that they make it possible for FIU to continue transforming lives through higher education and to boldly persevere as a hub of research, excellence and impact.” 

The future of healthcare

The legislative appropriation includes $100 million in Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds for the construction of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Academic Health Science and Clinical Facility, which will be built on campus and operated in partnership with Baptist Health.

“This paves the way for the training of additional physicians and expanded healthcare resources for the residents of South Florida at a time when our state needs it most,” said Florida Representative Daniel Perez, incoming Speaker of the House for the 2024-2026 legislative term.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is expected to face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. 

FIU is doing its part to turn things around. 

Last year, Baptist Health and FIU announced a collaboration that will expand physician training, research and patient care for the benefit of the South Florida community. The new building will bolster FIU and Baptist Health’s efforts to serve the community through this partnership.  

“The plan is to create a largely outpatient, broad service clinical venue that will provide leading-edge care to our community and serve as a base for training the next generation of clinicians,” said Juan C. Cendan, dean of Wertheim Medicine. “The generous support from the state allows FIU and Wertheim Medicine to enter that space in a substantial manner with Baptist Health South Florida, a proven clinical partner and leader in this community.”

Cendan added that this facility and the Baptist alliance will provide the platform for FIU Wertheim Medicine to grow into a powerhouse of medical research and care.

It’s a win-win for the community and the state, he said. That’s why the Florida Legislature supported the project.

“As an FIU alumna, I was proud to sponsor the university's new health facility,” said Senator Alexis Calatayud. “This project will have a significant impact on our community's wellbeing and on the broader healthcare landscape. The facility will enhance medical services and education at FIU and across South Florida. This aligns with the state’s commitment to improve access to quality healthcare for all Floridians.”

Representative Demi Busatta, who co-sponsored the project, said, “The new FIU health facility will be crucial in providing state-of-the-art healthcare services and in bolstering medical education and research throughout our community. This investment by the state of Florida will not only enhance the quality of healthcare available but also drive economic growth by attracting top talent and creating jobs in our community.”