Jacksonville — The University of North Florida announced that David Szymanski will relinquish his role as university president to become CEO and Executive Director of UNF MedNexus, the school’s healthcare initiative program.
First proposed by Szymanski in 2019, UNF MedNexus received $6 million in funding through Florida’s 2020-21 state budget. After successfully launching the healthcare curriculum, Szymanski approached the university’s board of trustees to run MedNexus full-time. A decision was made to do so by the fall semester.
Beginning September 17, an interim president will serve until a new one is chosen.
Symanski described his three-year tenure as president of UNF as an honor.
“I am eternally grateful,” he said. “Together, we have successfully elevated UNF to a world-class academic and research institution uniquely committed to student success and diversity. And we will continue to work together to address the critical healthcare needs of our region and the state.”
The UNF Board of Trustees is on board with the move.
“We are tremendously grateful for President Szymanski’s leadership,” said Chair Kevin Hyde. “Under his direction, the university has built an exceptionally strong foundation for future success. His many positive contributions as president will be felt for many years to come.”
According to UNF, MedNexus is designed to meet the growing healthcare trends by linking resources that expand educational programs. The hub-and-spoke structure allows UNF and its partners — healthcare providers, thought leaders, educators and researchers — to address Florida’s evolving healthcare needs while providing a pathway to search for healthcare jobs nationwide.
“UNF MedNexus is about students,” said Szymanski. “It’s about jobs. It’s about meeting the healthcare needs of our community, our state, and our healthcare providers.”
Together, with the City of Palm Coast and AdventHealth, UNF MedNexus will also extend UNF’s nursing program and partner for a second simulation lab in Palm Coast. MedNexus will also offer graduate and undergraduate scholarships for the Brooks College of Health and School of Nursing students.
©2021 Cox Media Group
