In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, we spotlight Stephanie Cost, the dynamic First Lady of Jacksonville University, whose influence is shaping the future of student success and community engagement.

In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, host Kent Justice interviews Tim Cost, president of Jacksonville University (JU), about recent financial concerns and the university’s strategic direction.

Florida voters will vote “yes” or “no” to Amendment 3, the legalization of recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years or older.

Jacksonville University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning to celebrate the opening of its new College of Law campus downtown.

A 19-year-old man was killed by a lightning strike in South Florida Sunday, according to News4JAX partner station WPLG.

OCEARCH, the largest shark-tagging and oceanic research organization in the world, will make an announcement Tuesday morning at JU after receiving "generous contributions" from the city and the state.

Jacksonville University, along with local leaders, unveiled plans to commemorate an African American burial site on its campus, starting with a new headstone for a Civil War veteran, Cpl. William Johnson.

The Jacksonville Lacrosse Classic proudly showcases the JU men's lacrosse team, Florida's only Division 1 men's lacrosse program in Northeast Florida.

Jacksonville University stands as a beacon of academic excellence with its diverse array of offerings. From renowned business and law programs to a vibrant arts scene and thriving sports culture, JU caters to students with varied interests and aspirations. Notably, the university's commitment to supporting military personnel shines through initiatives such as the Veterans and Military Resource Center, ensuring those who have served receive the assistance they deserve as they pursue their educational goals.

Three teams of Jacksonville University engineering students will face off next week in a robotics competition for a chance to represent JU in the regional tournament in Atlanta.

On Sunday, Jacksonville’s newest professional sports team played its inaugural basketball game at Swisher Gymnasium at Jacksonville University.

Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute is naming its Master in Public Policy Minority Fellowship Program after former Jacksonville sheriff Dr. Nathaniel “Nat” Glover, a widely respected public servant in Florida.

Jacksonville’s newest professional basketball team, the Jacksonville 95ers, announced its new home and partnership with Jacksonville University.

Wednesday marks the first day of the early signing period for high school athletes. All athletes other than football can ink national letters of intent with their college.

Jacksonville University and the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS) are inviting the community to a viewing of the partial solar eclipse on Saturday afternoon.

A necropsy report for the young dolphin seen in a photo being held out of the water by someone last month has been released.

Jacksonville University unveiled a new art sculpture called “The Love Letter to the Arlington Community” on Wednesday.

Jacksonville University just announced a major renovation project that will bring a brand-new pool and other amenities to its campus.

Jacksonville University has turned the page from a turbulent time in track and field history and started anew with the hire of three coaches on Thursday.

The State of Florida has designated $5 million in funding for Jacksonville University and its world-renowned ocean research partner OCEARCH for a marine science research facility in Mayport.

Blake DeLamielleure had an unforgettable afternoon, completing the cycle with a walk-off home run in the 11th inning to lead Jacksonville University to a 3-2 win over rival UNF on Saturday.

Jacksonville University has filled its women’s basketball team head coaching vacancy, announcing the hire of Special Jennings to lead its program.

The son of the former slam dunk champion embracing family legacy on the basketball court.

Florida’s population is growing and aging, and thousands of nurses are expected to retire in the next several years.

Florida’s population is growing and aging, and thousands of nurses are expected to retire in the next several years.

Jacksonville University, and a former track and cross country coach there, are responding to a lawsuit claiming the school ignored the coach’s “malicious” behavior for years because of his competitive record.

The parents of a Jacksonville University student who died by suicide are suing the school and its former track and cross country coach, alleging the school did not support their daughter academically and ignored complaints about how the coach treated runners.

Wednesday kicks off the national signing day period for high school athletes across the country. News4JAX is publishing the names and schools of those athletes who have been submitted by their schools.

In a matter of weeks, you will have a chance to hear from the candidates for mayor as they take the stage for our News4JAX mayoral debate.

Jacksonville University’s footprint in Arlington is expanding — and it’s impact of Northeast Florida continues growing, too.

The medical school is supported by long-term clinical agreements with the region’s preeminent healthcare providers, including Baptist Health, Flagler Health+, and AdventHealth, according to a release.

Wednesday marks the first day of the early signing period for high school athletes in all sports but football.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday afternoon to celebrate the opening of the Jacksonville University College of Law.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can easily mix with other drugs to the point where you may not know it’s there.

A local university is giving prospective students the ultimate sneak peek into its campus life with a featured episode on an Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning TV show.

After the five candidates who want to tackle Jacksonville's biggest law enforcement issues squared off Wednesday night on Channel 4, an analyst with the Jacksonville Public Policy Institute shared what he considered the biggest takeaways from the debate.

The five candidates for Jacksonville sheriff are faced off Wednesday night.

Major League Baseball draft wrapped up Tuesday, with five local players coming off the board.

Jacksonville University Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Bryan Franks stopped by the show to talk about the University’s Marine Science Research Institute and its partnership with OCEARCH, a non-profit dedicated to researching ocean life – specifically sharks. Dr. Franks has been studying sharks for over 2 decades, and in honor of Shark Week this month, he talked about their importance in our oceans and the work JU and OCEARCH are doing to learn more about them.

Jacksonville University’s director of cross country and track and field is stepping down from his position, athletic director Alex Ricker-Gilbert said in a message Saturday.

The Dolphins moved quickly to fill their vacancy, hiring Tara Singleton as just the second head women's lacrosse coach in program history.

Longtime women’s lacrosse coach Mindy McCord is leaving the program she built at Jacksonville University for a chance to do the same at USF.

After winning the ASUN conference championship, the #17 JU Dolphins are looking to take it to the next level in the NCAA tournament, starting Friday.

Josiah Sabino is the All-News4JAX boys basketball player of the year and headed to Jacksonville University on a scholarship. Talk about a change.

Another season, another excellent performance by the Jacksonville University women’s lacrosse team under head coach Mindy McCord.

Brooks Rehabilitation is helping young children with mobile disabilities become active.

Local national champion youth wheelchair basketball players gave Jacksonville University men’s basketball players a little lesson on Monday.

Stephanie Davis, a freshman on the Jacksonville University women’s soccer team, was killed in a crash Sunday in Baker County that also injured seven teammates.

A new OCEARCH research center could be coming to Mayport.

Jacksonville University announced plans Monday to establish a law school in downtown Jacksonville.

For the first time since 1971, Jacksonville University completed an undefeated home season, and they did it with an impressive 71-39 win over cross-town rivals UNF to complete a sweep in the River City Rumble Wednesday night at a packed Swisher Gymnasium.

Jacksonville University nursing students are adding a new and fun way to learn.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority hopes a new roundabout at a busy intersection in Arlington makes the area safer for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Jacksonville University women’s basketball team’s away game against the University of North Carolina has been canceled due to “COVID protocols with the Dolphins’ program,” according to a post on judolphins.com.

Powered by funding from JAXPORT, Connected brings together research, education and global commerce in a mission to educate and engage the community on a broad range of topics related to the river.

It was a good start for the JU men's and women's basketball teams.

The Jacksonville University men’s and women’s basketball teams are a week from tipoff. There may be a few nerves, but there are lot more new faces than anything.

The University of Florida is among the top five public universities in the nation, according to the annual rankings released Monday by U.S. News & World Report.

Public health experts and doctors are hopeful that the FDA’s decision to give the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine its full approval for anyone age 16 and above will help lift public confidence and push some holdouts toward getting the shots.

After sending a letter to students on Monday saying that any student studying in-person must provide proof that they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, Edward Waters University reversed its position on Friday.

A woman was killed in a stabbing Friday morning at an apartment complex on University Boulevard near the Jacksonville University campus.

One man is in life-threatening condition after a shooting at an apartment complex

Jacksonville University’s Cinderella run through the college baseball postseason ended with a 13-8 loss to Virginia in the Columbia Regional.

Recognize some of those names on the roster? The JU baseball roster is dotted with players who grew up right here on the First Coast and now get the chance to represent Jacksonville on a national stage.

The Jacksonville University baseball team will start its NCAA baseball tournament in the Columbia, S.C. region and face top-seeded Old Dominion (42-14) on Friday night at 7.

In the history of Jacksonville sports, there are a few teams who wore the title of Cinderella particularly well. The 1970 Jacksonville University basketball team. The 1996 Jaguars. And now, you can add the 2021 JU baseball team to the list.

Needing a win to keep their season alive, Jacksonville University enjoyed their biggest offensive explosion of the year to keep their postseason going.

Jacksonville University on Sunday held a celebration of life for Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne, chancellor emerita and former president of the university.

A beloved former president of Jacksonville University who died during the COVID-19 pandemic will be honored this weekend. Dr. Frances Kinne was 102, and she died just days before her 103rd birthday.

After being saved by the rain, Jacksonville University's men's soccer team is heading to the NCAA tournament following a 2-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast in the ASUN conference finals.

One man was killed and another man was wounded in two shootings Saturday night in Arlington, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Dee Brown, the former Bolles and JU basketball star turned NBA Slam Dunk champion and former pro coach, was hired this week to help the program across a number of different categories.

One of Jacksonville University’s most recognizable basketball names is making a return to campus.

Jordan Mincy was introduced as the new men's basketball coach at JU on Friday. Mincy vowed to JU players on Friday that they would win and be a part of a program that they’re proud to call their own. And he wants former JU players to be a part of the new era coming in. Gilmore led JU to the 1970 national championship game and later became an NBA hall of famer. And there’s a lot of good coaches, but it’s about finding the right person for your place, and Jordan’s that.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University is filling its basketball vacancy with a coach from just down the road in Gainesville. Jordan Mincy, an assistant at the University of Florida, is the Dolphins new head basketball coach, the school announced on Thursday. Mincy, 34, spent the past six seasons as an assistant on Mike White’s coaching staff at Florida. “I can’t wait to get to work as we start writing the next chapter in Jacksonville basketball history,” Mincy said in a release. Jasick was hired in 2014 to replace Cliff Warren, the most successful coach in JU history.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University shook things up in its men’s basketball program Monday, firing coach Tony Jasick. Jasick just completed his seventh season with the Dolphins. JU went 11-13 this season and didn’t compete in the conference tournament due to COVID-19 precautionary procedures. “First I want to thank Tony for his many years of service to this program, these young men and to this University,” said athletic director Alex Ricker-Gilbert. What we have in front of us is an opportunity to embrace our role as Jacksonville’s University, to build upon the strong foundation of our rich basketball history.”Jasick was hired in 2014 to replace Cliff Warren, the most successful coach in JU history.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville University student has filed a federal lawsuit against Jacksonville University. Ashley Allen of California is suing because the school hasn’t refunded tuition, fees, or room and board following the shutdown due to the coronavirus last spring. Even though students continued to receive instruction online, Allen said when the school shut down she and other students were deprived of what they paid for. The lawsuit points out that the university touts the benefits of the campus, the location and the on-campus experience. A university spokesperson said it was still looking into the lawsuit but added the school typically doesn’t comment on matters that are under litigation.

Jacksonville University and Baptist Health teamed up to launch an accelerated nursing second-degree program that only takes 12 months to complete and earn a work-promise agreement from Baptist Health upon graduation and licensure. JU said this 12-month program is a way that rapidly addresses the “ever-increasing need” for qualified nurses in Northeast Florida. JU baptist health nursing program (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) It looks and feels like a hospital and it’s where 35 students part of JU’s accelerated 12-month nursing program will learn. Wolf said while it may be a rigorous curriculum, the unique partnership with Baptist Health is like no other.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you’ve ever been on the Jacksonville University’s campus, there’s one piece of history you’re almost guaranteed to overlook, an African-American cemetery from a time period shortly after the Civil War. The old cemetery no longer has any headstones. “This is an African-American cemetery that dates back to around 1873. Jacksonville University published a story on the cemetery in 2019 in its University Magazine. Memorial Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $3,005,900Sunset Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $1,550,000Old City Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $1,150,000Hillside Cemetery Assessment/Restoration - $230,000Mt.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Due to a threat made Friday afternoon, everyone on the campus of Jacksonville University was asked to evacuate. Students were sent a notice at 3:08 p.m.A campus email at 5:50 p.m. gave students the “all clear.”“Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office K-9 units have thoroughly searched the Jacksonville University campus and verified it is safe for you to return. Daytona State College was evacuated Friday morning after the college said it received information about a “potential threat,” according to ClickOrlando. In Tampa, Southeastern University was given an “all clear” after a bomb threat, according to the Tampa Free Press. And Fox4 reported that Florida Southwestern State College was reopened after an unfounded email threat.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and former U.S. Rep. David Jolly join this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” to talk about their experiences during the riot at the Capitol. They also discuss their views on the impeachment of President Donald Trump, including how they voted and why, and look ahead to the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, Florida Sen. Audrey Gibson, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and News4Jax anchor Tom Wills join this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” as they discuss the invasion of the halls of Congress, objections to Electoral College votes and whether impeachment should be attempted. In addition, former advisor to President Donald Trump, Omarosa Manigault Newman, provides her perspective on the breach of the U.S. Capitol.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University has partnered with the city of Palm Coast to build a campus in Flagler County and begin offering health care graduate programs to Flagler and Volusia counties, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland announced Tuesday. The new JU Palm Coast Campus and the school’s main campus in Jacksonville are two anchors of what the school expects to become an education corridor stretching through Northeast Florida. The initial campus footprint, located in 4,000 to 6,000 square feet of space with classroom and healthcare training technology. JU is already developing and acquiring curriculum and seeking accreditation for the Palm Coast location and said it will make additional direct financial investments following the first year of operation. JU’s Palm Coast Campus is expected to enroll up to 50 students for its first classes in fall 2021 and seeking a total enrollment between 100 and 150 students within 24 months.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Matt Dobbins is one of the best pitchers to ever play at Jacksonville University. His supportive sidekick, a kangaroo named Ridley Roo, helps Duncan overcome his fear of flying. “My wife’s brother, Charles Hedrick, he’s a University of Florida grad and he is an art major,” Dobbins said. And he knocked out the park.”Dobbins says he’s seen support coming from all of the community as the book gains more and more attention. Maybe even a baseball book about bouncing back after failure.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute joins this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” which explores the Lot J proposal from multiple angles with Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer, Jacksonville Civic Council CEO and President Jeanne Miller, Urban Land Institute Chair Tarik Bateh, Jaguars Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh and Mayor Lenny Curry’s Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury.

Attorneys say these disturbing cases point out the prevalence of sexual assault at universities and a culture encouraging victims to not report the crimes to authorities. She now wants to reveal her identity and speak publicly to inspire other victims to come forward. She said she was involved in a sexual assault investigation, after reporting she was raped at an off-campus party in 2019. So many of those victims did not come forward because they were worried they would not make the Olympic team. By coming forward, they hope their story will encourage others to take a stand against sexual assault.

Wednesday was the first official day of the early signing period for high school athletes in all sports but football. ClayMorgan Kendrick, softball, Florida State University. St. Johns Country Day baseball players, from left to right, Connor Moore, James Oman, Luke Shannahan and Jace Thomas during signing day on Wednesday. (St. Johns Country Day School)Trinity ChristianReagan Griffs, softball, Jacksonville University; Amaya Ross, softball, Florida State University; MacKenzie Marell, softball, Charlotte; Morgan McMillian, softball, Jacksonville University. Welcome to the Florida State Softball Family, Amaya!#OneTribe pic.twitter.com/JzOxnDbUHH — Florida State Softball 🥎 (@FSU_Softball) November 11, 2020Ware CountyCaleb Stewart, baseball, Georgia State.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week In Jacksonville,” News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute co-hosts alongside News4Jax anchor and reporter Kent Justice. Former U.S. Reps. David Jolly and Patrick Murphy discuss a new book, which they co-authored, designed to talk about barriers on Capitol Hill. Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan talks about high voter turnout and concerns just before Election Day. And Mullaney describes the five things that could be affected if the Democrats earn a majority in the Senate.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute hosts this edition of “This Week In Jacksonville." Former Sheriff Nat Glover of Duval Citizens for Better Schools discusses the sales tax referendum on Duval County ballots. City Councilman Michael Boylan breaks down the JEA referendum for Duval County voters. Former U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire talks about his new book, “Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America.”

REPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debatePublished: October 14, 2020, 9:45 pmWatch U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Donna Deegan square off in Jacksonville for the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. Wednesday’s debate, hosted by News4JAX in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, will be moderated by Kent Justice.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Democratic challenger Donna Deegan squared off Wednesday evening in the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. Deegan said she would support that plan, while Rutherford said absolutely not. People simply want racial justice.”Watch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jax’s Voter’s Guide.

News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, hosted the debate, which was moderated by Kent Justice. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. It is anything but affordable.”Supreme CourtThe debate comes on the same week as Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. People simply want racial justice.”Watch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jax’s Voter’s Guide.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, will host the only televised debate between U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and challenger Donna Deegan in the 4th Congressional District race, which covers Nassau and parts of Duval and St. Johns counties. We’ve compiled biographies and questionnaire responses for both Rutherford and Deegan as part of our Voter’s Guide — check it out. We’ll carry the debate live on Channel 4 and it will be streamed live on News4Jax.com. News4Jax Political Anchor Kent Justice is the moderator for this debate. The candidates may have the chance to ask each other questions during this hour-long debate.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Years before Amy Coney Barrett became a Supreme Court nominee, she taught law at the University of Notre Dame. While a law professor, she spent time on the lecture circuit, delivering remarks at public and private engagements, including a 2016 visit to Jacksonville University as part of its Hesburgh Lecture Series. During the lecture, which was based on the impact of the presidential election on the U.S. Supreme Court, Barrett discussed the late Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she clerked, among other topics. “I mean, we shouldn’t be putting people on the court that share our policy preferences,” Barrett said. “We should we putting people on the court who want to apply the Constitution.”View the complete remarks below:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney, of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, discusses President Donald Trump nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, of South Carolina, gives his thoughts on the nomination process. And local attorney Pat Kilbane, who knows Barrett on a professional level, shares his impressions and insight.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The health-information network company Availity has donated $100,000 to Jacksonville University to establish a scholarship fund for advanced registered nurse practitioners who could practice independently from physicians under a new state law. Availity said in a prepared statement Tuesday that scholarships will be awarded by the university on a first come, first served basis and that applicants should apply at www.ju.edu/availity. In addition to announcing the establishment of the Availity Scholarship Fund scholarships, Jacksonville University announced it is offering online access to the 45 continuing education hours. Jacksonville-based Availity was founded in 2001 as a joint venture between Florida Blue and Humana. Through mergers and acquisitions, it has grown over the years into a health information network that connects more than 1 million providers and health-plan companies.

Husband Isaac Byrd Jr. told News4Jax Renae had an emergency cesarean section on Aug. 23. Im heartbroken, Byrd Jr. said. Renae Byrd with husband Isaac (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) Renae Byrd wasnt just a new mother, but a brilliant writer and photographer, according to her brother. Most important, she was just so loving, Byrd Jr. said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On campus classes are starting again at University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters College this morning. UNF is requiring masks at all times for students, including outdoors. University officials are also requiring students use a daily self-screening tool. RELATED: Pandemic protocols: College students under new process for move-in dayAt Jacksonville University, students and staff are sticking to three commonly cited guidelines to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus. Keep 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and othersWear face coveringsWash your hands frequentlyEd Waters College established protocols for students living on campus who test positive for the virus.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Atlantic Sun Conference postponed its fall sports regular season and championships on Friday morning, potentially pushing the seasons of both Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida until spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ASUN Presidents Council said that holding a spring season for the postponed fall sports is a priority for the league. "Obviously this is a huge disappointment," said ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart. "Anyone who follows college sports understands the dynamics that brought us to this decision, but that doesn't mean we like it. We will make every effort to provide a quality competitive experience for our fall student-athletes during the spring semester, Gumbart said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” News4Jax political analyst and Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney breaks down the revised plan for the Republican National Convention and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the 2020 elections. And Clay County sheriff candidates Mike Taylor and Ben Carroll both talk about their priorities if they’re elected.