This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Tim Cost reflects on 14 years leading Jacksonville University

June 26, 2026 - 02:47

Cost took office in 2010, a time when the university was grappling with enrollment dips and financial pressures. Under his leadership, JU expanded its campus, launched new graduate programs, and grew its endowment. He also steered the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a rapid shift to remote learning and strained budgets across the sector.

When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Cost pointed to the university's rising academic profile and its deeper ties to the Jacksonville community. He noted that partnerships with local businesses and healthcare systems have opened doors for students and helped the school become a regional anchor. He also highlighted the opening of the College of Law downtown as a milestone that reshaped the university's identity.

Cost acknowledged that leading a private university comes with constant pressure to balance affordability with institutional growth. He said he is leaving with a sense of optimism, confident that the next president will build on the foundation laid over the past decade and a half.

As for his own plans, Cost said he is not rushing into anything. He plans to stay in Jacksonville and remain involved in civic and educational initiatives, but he made clear that he is ready to step back and let the next chapter begin.