The University of Central Florida (UCF) has been named a recipient of the Innovative Institution Award, an honor presented annually by EAB, a national education consulting firm. The award recognizes organizations that create solutions to significant challenges in higher education and demonstrate collaboration between academia and industry.
This year, UCF was one of three institutions chosen from 40 applicants for its approach to industry engagement and partnership models. The university’s efforts aim to prepare students for the workforce while building relationships with corporate partners.
“From the pioneering technologies that helped land humans on the moon to the groundbreaking research shaping tomorrow’s innovations, UCF has long been at the forefront of collaboration between academia and industry,” said President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This award reflects that enduring vision — and the bold leadership that continues to propel UCF as a next-generation university.”
Central to this recognition is UCF’s Partnerships team, created in Spring 2024 within the Division of Advancement and Partnerships. This team connects companies with university resources, facilitating initiatives such as co-location, sponsored research, talent development, and executive education. In its first year, the team secured more than $33 million in corporate investment and hosted 20 immersive showcase experiences tailored for clients. It also expanded collaborations with companies including Siemens Energy and Lockheed Martin.
“It is a privilege to lead this Partnerships team at a place like UCF, where opportunities for industry engagement have never been greater,” said Associate Vice President of Partnerships Michael Harding. “We are a pragmatic university, always focused on what comes next, much like the industries we serve. We are honored to receive EAB’s recognition among so many other strong peers.”
UCF recently met all requirements to become a Preeminent State Research University in Florida—a designation reflecting excellence in research and academics—and reported $285 million in annual research expenditures. Philanthropic giving reached $126.1 million for fiscal year 2024-25, marking an all-time high for the institution.
Major investments include growth in UCF’s Pegasus Partners program—a consortium featuring Addition Financial, AdventHealth, Lockheed Martin, Nemours Children’s Health, Orlando Health and Siemens Energy—designed to foster innovation through collaboration between students, faculty and industry professionals.
EAB’s recognition highlights UCF’s influence as a leader in university-industry partnerships by showing how strategic alliances can attract investment and advance regional development.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award at a time when UCF is experiencing unprecedented momentum,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement and Partnerships Rodney Grabowski. “Together with our industry partners, we are strengthening connections within the community and pushing the boundaries of what higher education can achieve. We’re not just creating opportunity — we’re building a future without limits.”
