Tim Cost

President, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville

Jacksonville University is a highly ranked private institution with five colleges, 11 schools and four institutes. It’s also a $400-million-plus economic engine to the region with more than 40,000 alums. Since Cost became president in 2013, the university has added more than 60 new programs in law, health education, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity and data/computer sciences. JU is consistently ranked as a premier institution (top 10%) for students’ return on investment. Cost is past chair of the Jacksonville Civic Council, past chair of the JAXUSA Partnership and chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Jacksonville Branch.

EDUCATION: Jacksonville University (BA), University of Rochester (MBA)

MENTOR: The late, great Dr. Fran Kinne, associated with JU for 62 years, for her optimism, empathy and tenacity.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: The sharpest tool we have to accomplish goals is through partnerships and talented people. During my corporate career, I thought higher education leaders had become accustomed to silos, which I believe robs an organization of its natural agility, creativity, speed and resiliency. This type of mindset simply isn’t conducive to strategic partnerships and excellence. Here, we have been intentional about creating a mosaic of partnerships.

READING: iGen, by Dr. Jean Twenge.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“In life, sometimes your first instinct is best.”