\u201cFlorida remains the gold standard for higher education thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Legislature,\u201d said State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues<\/a> in a statement. \u201cThe System continuously delivers on providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education to help students reach their goals and propel Florida\u2019s economy to new heights.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking back on its accomplishments, the State University System of Florida<\/a> shared its highlights in a recent press release.<\/p>\n The university system said it awarded $645 million in Performance-Based Funding to the 12 public universities during the current fiscal year and recorded a record-high number of pre-licensure nursing graduates.<\/p>\n Another success was the growth of Florida\u2019s research at the schools.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the first time in the System\u2019s history, research expenditures exceeded $3 billion, a $200 million increase from the previous year,\u201d the State University System said in a press release. \u201cNearly 400 utility patents have been awarded across the System by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office<\/a>, demonstrating the measurable impact of research on campuses that improves lives and creates economic value.\u201d<\/p>\n The press release did not mention several challenges the system faced in 2025, including the University of Florida\u2019s disastrous presidential search. Trustees wanted to hire Santa Ono to lead Florida\u2019s flagship school, but the Florida Board of Governors overrode the trustees\u2019 choice<\/a>. The school recently\u00a0<\/a>formed a search committee<\/a> as the search for UF\u2019s next president continues\u00a0into 2026.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Influence_FGAT_Banner_728x90.jpg\")
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