Jacksonville University President Tim Cost to leave top slot, but remain as Chancellor

Jacksonville University President Tim Cost will step down from the top slot at the private college on the First Coast next year, but will remain heavily involved in the institution.

JU announced that Cost has agreed to leave the presidency and become Chancellor of the school in the Summer. Cost took over as President of JU 14 years ago

An alum who was a JU Dolphin baseball player and standout pitcher when he attended the school more than four decades ago, Cost left an executive position with PepsiCo and took the helm at the campus on the banks of the St. Johns River in Northeast Florida.

“President Cost’s exemplary leadership over the past 14 years has transformed our university in remarkable ways,” said Jacksonville University Board of Trustees Chair John Miller.

“Under his guidance, we’ve enjoyed growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, developed countless strategic partnerships in and outside of our community, and elevated our profile both in the region and beyond. The Board is grateful for his extraordinary commitment as President and his dedication to students, and we are confident he will help further advance our mission and expand our impact as Chancellor.”

A JU news release said Cost had reached an agreement with the Board of Trustees in 2022 that stated he would transition into the Chancellor role and largely focus on fundraising, alumni, community and government relations when he left the presidency.

But despite that agreement, Cost and JU ran into financial difficulties in the Spring. The university was forced to make a 10% faculty cut and eliminate several academic programs as Cost and the school engaged in financial restructuring.

The financial developments and hits to faculty and curriculum sparked student protests on the campus that has about 4,000 students. Many faculty members also expressed heavy criticism. Still, the Board of Trustees stood behind Cost and agreed with his proposals to right the financial ship.

The university plans an extensive search process before selecting the next President of the 91-year-old school.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as President,” Cost said. “This is a unique, thriving campus with vibrant students and faculty, and we are proud to have been of service to this great community. The senior executive talent here is deep and ready, and the time is right to transition to Chancellor.”