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The University of West Florida, also known as West Florida and UWF, is a mid-sized public university located in Pensacola, Florida, United States. UWF is a member institution of the State University System of Florida. The University of West Florida is a Research University, which specializes in engineering and the humanities. UWF is a space-grant institution that was established in 1963. The University of West Florida sits on the third largest campus in the State University System, 1,600 acres (6.5 km), and its campus is a natural preserve that is bordered by two rivers and Escambia Bay. The University of West Florida is an exceptionally progressive university in terms of technology and environmental policy, as exemplified by their investment in the BEST house and their investments in solar powered student housing. The University of West Florida is known for its small class sizes and its intimate, private school like educational atmosphere, which distinguishes it from the larger universities in the State University System. The university's mascot is an Argonaut, and the school's logo is the Chambered Nautilus.

History

In 1962, the Florida Legislature authorized the State Board of Education to locate a state university in Escambia County. Following a feasibility study which demonstrated the need for an institution of higher education in Northwest Florida, funds were allocated for the development of the University of West Florida. The founding President was Harold Crosby. UWF became the sixth state university of the State University System of Florida, which today consists of eleven institutions of higher learning.

Ground was broken on April 16, 1965, and in the same year the Chambered Nautilus was adopted as the official UWF emblem. The initial building program, consisted of an administration classroom complex, library, Commons building, science complex, humanities building, audiovisual facility, utilities building and 15 student housing buildings accommodating approximately 500 resident students. Current facilities at UWF include: 35 academic buildings, 21 student services facilities, 25 dormitories, two university village student apartment complexes and 20 plant support facilities. In 1997, 600 acres (2.4 km) additional were acquired which brought the Pensacola campus to 1,600 acres (6.5 km), the second largest main campus in the State University System.

Initially, the university was organized in three resident or cluster colleges: Alpha, Gamma and Omega. Not only were academic disciplines assigned to these colleges, but student government, cultural programs and other activities were conducted within the colleges. UWF was originally an upper-level institution enrolling juniors, seniors, and graduate students. The first students began classes in the fall of 1967, and the first commencement exercises were held in June 1968 where 58 students received degrees. In 1969, the university undergraduate programs were accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the first master's degree programs were established.

In July 1979, the university organized in a more traditional structure by establishing three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Education. Following authorization by the Florida Legislature, a lower division was established, and freshmen attended the university for the first time in the fall semester of 1983, boosting enrollment from 5,200 students to 5,920 students.

In July 1988, Computer Science, a department within the College of Business, was identified as the Division of Computer Science as a stand alone and plans were begun to incorporate it into a fourth college, the College of Science and Technology. That decision was later reversed and computer science was moved to the School of Computer Science and Engineering within the College of Arts and Sciences. During the fall term of 1999, the colleges reorganized as the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and the College of Professional Studies.

Campuses

Main campuses

The main campus of 1,600 acres (6.5 km) of rolling hills and natural woodland along the Escambia River is ten miles (16 km) north of downtown Pensacola, Florida. Its facilities have been designed to complement the natural forest and waterways. It is the largest library in the Northwest Florida area. In addition to the main library on the main campus north of Pensacola, Florida, there is a branch library in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It has 628,000 printed volumes, 1 million microfilms and microfiches, 3,000 serial subscriptions and nearly 2,000 online journal subscriptions. UWF shares a branch campus in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with Okaloosa-Walton College, and has several centers and sites where academic programs and/or courses are taught. In addition, the University of West Florida has waterfront property on Santa Rosa Island that is available for recreational, academic, and research pursuits. The University also operates the NWFSC/UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus, the Eglin Air Force Base Center and the Hurlburt Field Center. As a result, a significant number of UWF students have been military personnel assigned to NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field. This is particularly true of commissioned officers at these installations pursuing postgraduate degrees outside of their normal duty hours.

Online Campus

UWF also maintains an Online Campus with over 400 online course sections each semester and 28 fully online undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs that are available to students anywhere in the world. Acceptance to any of the fully online degree or certificate programs provides the opportunity to apply for an out-of-state tuition waiver that reduces out-of-state tuition to near that of in-state. The Online Campus provides students with an additional way to access education at UWF whether completing courses far away from the campus or selecting to take an online course to round out a semester.{Director, UWF Online Campus, 2011}

Historic Pensacola Village

In 2001, the university acquired West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc, the previously state-controlled group that manages the Historic Pensacola Village. A few years later, John C. Cavanaugh became the fourth president on July 15, 2002. Under his supervision the university has created several classes taught by and/or in conjunction with the staff at Historic Pensacola. The Clara Barkley Dorr House was also appropriated as a downtown home for the institute president.

Administration and organization

The University of West Florida is a public institution, receiving most of its funding through state funds and tuition. A 13-member Board of Trustees governs the University. The undergraduate and graduate programs are divided into three Colleges, with the College of Arts and Sciences being the largest and most complex, followed by the College of Professional Studies, and finally the College of Business.

Academics

Accreditation

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees.

Many of UWF's programs of study are also accredited by specific organizations, these are:

• Business- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
• Education- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Chemistry- American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Clinical Laboratory Sciences- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
• Engineering Technology- Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET)
• Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science/Athletic Training- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Education Training (CAATE)
• Music- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• Nursing- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Psychology- Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC)
• Social Work- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Legal Studies- Florida Bar Association (FBA)

Ranking

UWF is ranked No. 27 in the Top 100 Best Buy Colleges list, No. 136 in the Best Southern Colleges category and No. 168 in the Best Research Universities category.

The 2011 edition of the US News and World Report currently ranks UWF as a second tier postsecondary institution in the National Universities category. In 2007 UWF was ranked 56th best in the category Masters Universities - South. In 2006 The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching changed UWF's classification from Master's University to Doctoral/Research University, in 2011 it was reclassified again as a Research University (high research activity). The University was voted a "Best Southeastern College" by The Princeton Review.

In 2008, the University of West Florida's Logistics team placed 1st in the Operation Stimulus National Logistics Case Competition in Denver on January 24 and 25. UWF's team, consisting of five marketing/management students, won the nationally recognized award for the first time by overcoming teams from nine other large universities. In 2008, the University of West Florida was selected as one of the Top 60 Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities by Military Advanced Education Magazine.

In 2009, UWF received the American Mock Trial Association Award when its mock trial team defeated The University of Florida, Florida State University, Georgia Tech, and Emory University at the East Coast Regional Tournament.

In 2010, UWF placed first at The Journalism Championship at Southeast Journalism Conference.

In 2011, for the first time in its history, UWF's Baseball team claimed the title of Division Two National Champions.

Student demographics

Currently, UWF enrolls over 12,176 students (Fall 2011 head count) in its three colleges, and has conferred more than 59,000 associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. 40% of students are male, and 60% are female. 20% of UWF students are a minority, and 1.6% are international students. 89% of students are Florida residents, and 11% of students are non-Florida residents. The University of West Florida and Jikei College Group in Japan established an educational partnership in 1989. An official agreement was signed in January 1990 in Tokyo by Dr. Morris Marx, President of UWF, and Dr. Kunihiko Ukifune, Chairman and CEO of Jikei College Group. The purpose of the partnership was to provide students, both American and Japanese, with opportunities to learn about each other's country. On September 20, 1994, the office was formally named the Jikei-American Center and continues to be located on the main campus of UWF. The collaboration between UWF and Jikei has set the model for international education.

School of Science and Engineering

In 2010 UWF opened a new multimillion dollar facility, home of the new School of Science and Engineering including the Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, and Software Engineering programs.

The building includes prototype robot fabrication and testing laboratories, 3-D virtual reality simulators, a state-of-the-art holo deck and a glass wall atrium that helps put science into public view. This construction is based on Project Kaleidoscope, a national initiative funded project by the National Science Foundation and the Keck Foundation. This collegiate facility is one of the first of its kind.

The building's mascot is a robot named PHLEN (PHenomenally Lifelike Eidetic Nerd) who is deployed to meet guests and give tours of the building's more advanced features.

Underwater Archeology

The shipwreck, which was discovered last summer in Pensacola Bay by two university students, is the remains of one of the colonization ships of the Tristan de Luna fleet that sank during a hurricane in 1559. The prehistoric sites at which we have conducted the most extensive investigations are an Early Woodland Stage Deptford shell midden on Pensacola Bay known as Hawkshaw (50 B.C.-A.D. 250) and a Middle Woodland Santa Rosa-Swift Creek shell ring on Escambia Bay (A.D. 400-650). UWF has one of the best underwater archaeology programs in the country because Pensacola has such rich, historically significant archaeological sites right in its own backyard. UWF’s graduate and undergraduate students gain hands-on experience that they simply would not have access to in other programs.

Student life

UWF hosts many opportunities for involvement through student clubs and organizations. Registered student organizations, administered by the University Commons, include: academic clubs, Greek organizations, professional and honor societies, religious organizations and special interest groups. Additionally, UWF own property on Pensacola Beach. The said property is frequently used by students for research and recreation. Because UWF is situated in a wilderness preserve, students may rent canoes, kayaks, and water-ski on Escambia river at their leisure. UWF’s offers numerous mountain bike trails that are located on campus and may be used by students free of charge. The University of West Florida offers its students a wide variety of recreational activities that are located on campus.

Housing

Over 2,000 students choose to live on campus. UWF offers traditional residence halls, small community residence halls, and University-owned apartment complexes. Single-student housing is also available.

The traditional residence halls are Argo Hall, Martin Hall, and Pace Hall which offer double and triple spaces; the "Southside Villages" offer double and single spaces; student apartments are in University Village Student Apartments-East and University Village Student Apartments-West.

On June 3, 2009 ground was broken in order to build Heritage Hall, a new residence hall at UWF. Heritage Hall will be able to comfortably house around 250 students, and will cost around $12.9 million to build. It will be designed along the lines of a duplex. The new dormitory will be outfitted with solar panels and, during daylight hours, will be powered exclusively by the sun. Construction is scheduled to be complete in Fall of 2010.

Greek life

The following Greek letter organizations are represented at UWF:

Student Media

UWF's independent student operated weekly newspaper, The Voyager, has been publishing since 1968.

Public Media

WUWF 88.1 FM is a 100,000 watt, professionally operated listener supported station affiliated with NPR, PRI and FPBS. WUWF-2 (HD) broadcasts classical music 24 hours per day. WUWF-3 (HD) broadcasts the SightLine Service for the visually impaired and offers both local and national programming 24 hours per day. WUWF-TV broadcasts on Cox Cable Channel 4 in Escambia County, FL and online at wuwf.org and wuwf.tv. WUWF-FM, WUWF-2, WUWF-3, WUWF-TV, wuwf.org, wuwf.tv and radiolive.org are operated by WUWF Public Media with broadcast licenses held by the Board of Trustees of the University of West Florida.

Transportation

UWF offers a trolley service and public bicycles around campus known as "Yellow Bikes". There is parking for all visitors, students, and employees. Freshmen are allowed to park on campus. Also, students may use the Escambia County Area transit Bus System at a discount rate.

Athletics

UWF intercollegiate athletics compete in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference. Men's intercollegiate sports include baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, cross country, and golf. Women's intercollegiate sports include basketball, tennis, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, and volleyball.

The UWF men's baseball team won the 2011 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship.

Traditions

Alma Mater

Where learning's light sends forth its beam

Through darkness of our youth,
There you, West Florida, home of dreams
Prepare the way of truth.
You guide us toward tomorrow's shore
With knowledge of our past;
Your power in us rests secure,
And evermore will last.
Your stately mansions were our home
Where minds and hearts are free
And though we may far from you roam,

We will always honor thee.

Chambered Nautilus

Dr. Harold Crosby, the university’s first president, selected the chambered nautilus to represent UWF because he was inspired by the poem The Chambered Nautilus by Oliver Wendell Holmes; it is "a symbol of growth, change and accomplishment."

Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,

As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!
Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,

Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea!

Alumni and faculty

Many notable politicians, business professionals, professional athletes, high ranking military officials, and other notable individuals are graduates of the University of West Florida.

Image gallery

• Julee Cottage, 1805
• Tivoli House, 1805
• Clara Barkley Dorr House, 1871, residence of UWF president
• Lear Rocheblave House, 1890
• Old Christ Church, cir. 1835; corporate charter as an act of the Territorial Legislative Council of the Territory of Florida, 1829
• T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum
• Museum of Commerce
• Museum of Industry

See also

• State University System of Florida
• John C. Pace Library

References

1. As of June 30, 2009. "U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2009 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2008 to FY 2009" (PDF). 2009 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments. National Association of College and University Business Officers. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
3. Get to know the face of UWF
4. http://uwf.edu/uwfMain/press/topstoryarch.cfm?emailID=19345
5. "About the library". Archived from the original on 2007-06-30. Retrieved 2007-07-15.
6. "Finance, Administration and Audit Committee Minutes - June 17, 2004" (DOC). Retrieved 2007-07-15.
7. "UWF Board of Trustees". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
8. "University of West Florida's star rising". Retrieved 2011-08-20. {{cite web}}: Text "head" ignored (help)
9. "U.S. News and World Report: National Universities: Tier 4 (2008)". Retrieved 2007-11-07.
10. "Best Southeastern Colleges by the Princeton Review". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
11. http://uwf.edu/cob/pdf/news/COB_Logistics_team_first_UWF.pdf
12. http://kmimediagroup.com/files/MAE_3-6_TopSchools.pdf
13. "American Mock Trial Association Award News". Retrieved 2009-06-14.
14. "Quick facts". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
15. http://upic.uwf.edu/OIR/Enrollment/main.cfm?TopicID=44&SubTopicID=17 2008 Enrollment by Department
16. "School of Science and Engineering - UWF". Retrieved 2008-10-24.
17. "Underwater Archeology- UWF". Retrieved 2009-07-12.
18. "UWF Housing". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
19. "PNJ New Housing". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
20. http://uwf.edu/greekaff/frat_cncil.cfm Interfraternity Council
21. http://uwf.edu/greekaff/colg_pan_concl.cfm College Panhellenic Council
22. http://uwf.edu/greekaff/nphc_council.cfm National Pan-Hellenic Council
23. http://uwf.deltaphilambda.org
24. NCAA.com NCAA.com article. Retrieved 07-18-2011.
25. "University of West Florida Logo". UWF Graphic Identity Standards. University of West Florida. Retrieved 2007-11-10.

External links

• Official UWF Website
• UWF Student Newspaper, The Voyager

v t e University of West Florida
Athletics	West Florida Argonauts
People	Notable alumni and faculty
Student life	WUWF FM
Campus and buildings	College of Arts and Sciences John C. Pace Library Pensacola Historic District (Dorr House, Julee Cottage, Lavalle House, Pensacola Museum of History)
Affiliations	National Collegiate Athletic Association Gulf South Conference Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Space-Grant Universities

v t e The State University System of Florida
Campuses	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Polytechnic University Florida State University New College of Florida University of Central Florida University of Florida University of North Florida University of South Florida University of West Florida
Chancellors	J. Broward Culpepper (1954–1968) Robert B. Mautz (1968–1975) E. Travis York (1975–1981) Barbara W. Newell (1981–1985) Charles B. Reed (1985–1998) Adam W. Herbert (1998–2001) Judy G. Hample (2001) Debra D. Austin (2003–2005) Mark B. Rosenberg (2005–2009) John Delaney (2009) Frank T. Brogan (2009–2013) Marshall Criser III (2014–)
Governing body	Florida Board of Control Florida Board of Regents Florida Board of Governors
Other	University Press of Florida Florida Institute of Oceanography List of State University System Libraries Bright Futures Scholarship Program Florida Student Association Advisory Council of Faculty Senates
State University System of Florida - Founded in 1905

30°32′58″N 87°13′05″W / 30.549493°N 87.21812°W / 30.549493; -87.21812

• University of West Florida
• American Association of State Colleges and Universities
• Educational institutions established in 1963
• Universities and colleges in Florida
• Pensacola Metro Area
• Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Pensacola, Florida
• Education in Escambia County, Florida
• Buildings and structures in Pensacola, Florida
• Visitor attractions in Escambia County, Florida