In a year defined by record philanthropy, historic achievement and a growing network of corporate collaborators, the University of Central Florida has once again earned distinction on the national stage — this time as a recipient of the Innovative Institution Award.
Presented annually by EAB, a national education consulting firm with thousands of partners worldwide, the award celebrates organizations that develop creative solutions to higher education’s most pressing challenges. Recipients exemplify the collaborative spirit and institutional insight that inspire lasting, transformative change across academia and industry.
This year, UCF was one of three institutions selected from a pool of 40 applicants, recognized for its exceptional industry engagement and innovative partnership model that sets a new standard for others to follow. The honor affirms UCF’s commitment to a future-forward education, one that not only prepares students for a modern workforce but empowers them to lead in a globally connected, digitally driven world.
“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,” says President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This award reflects that enduring vision — and the bold leadership that continues to propel UCF as a next-generation university.”
A New Model for Partnership
At the center of this recognition is UCF’s Partnerships team, established in Spring 2024 within the Division of Advancement and Partnerships. Serving as industry’s “front door” to campus, the team connects corporate partners with the university’s vast resources to deliver solutions with mutual benefit.
From co-location and sponsored research to talent development and executive education, UCF’s partners engage across various disciplines, gaining access to a pipeline of future-ready professionals. In turn, the university builds connections that offer scholarships, internships and other life-changing opportunities for students. Together, these collaborations create a powerful engine of sustained growth and competitive advantage, fueling the intellectual capital and economic vitality that enrich both industry and society.
In its inaugural year, the Partnerships team generated more than $33 million in corporate investment; hosted 20 full-day immersive showcase experiences, tailored to meet client priorities; and deepened collaborations with global companies such as Siemens Energy and Lockheed Martin. Leveraging UCF’s strategic location in Orlando, the second-fastest growing tech hub in the South, the team provides a clear point of entry for industry partners, cultivating relationships that extend far beyond individual transactions. This partnership-first model encourages cross-campus collaboration, dissolving silos and aligning academia more closely with industry.
“It is a privilege to lead this Partnerships team at a place like UCF, where opportunities for industry engagement have never been greater,” says 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.”
Building Momentum Through Collaboration
The award arrives amid a season of extraordinary accomplishments for UCF. In September, the university achieved the 12 metrics required to become a Preeminent State Research University, Florida’s highest designation for research and academic excellence. The milestone stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of a thriving campus community — from faculty and staff driving $285 million in annual research expenditures to students whose talent and ambition continue to raise the bar for what’s possible.
Philanthropic support also reached an all-time high, with UCF Advancement and Partnerships recording $126.1 million in giving for the 2024-25 fiscal year — the largest total in its history. Among the major investments fueling UCF’s next era of growth is the expansion of its Pegasus Partners program, a consortium of top corporate innovators that now includes Addition Financial, AdventHealth, Lockheed Martin, Nemours Children’s Health, Orlando Health and Siemens Energy.
Across campus and throughout the region, these partnerships are creating opportunities that elevate both education and enterprise. Students test their knowledge in real-world environments. Faculty work alongside experts who help bring research from concept to application. And industry partners invest in ideas and people shaping the future. The result: a powerful alliance that transforms lives at scale and positions the next generation of Knights to redefine what’s next.
Charting the Course Ahead
EAB’s recognition highlights UCF’s growing influence as a national leader in university-industry collaboration, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can attract investment, accelerate workforce readiness and advance regional development.
As UCF continues to expand its reach, deepening its philanthropic roots and broadening its corporate partnerships, the Innovative Institution Award serves as affirmation of the university’s trajectory and the collective vision driving it forward.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award at a time when UCF is experiencing unprecedented momentum,” Senior Vice President for Advancement and Partnerships Rodney Grabowski says. “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.”
