FORT MYERS, Fla.—Today, the Florida Board of Governors (Board) approved $6 million for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund for 23 proposals from 10 universities within the State University System of Florida (System). The Board also approved the recommendations and a formal statement from the Board’s Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics.
The LINE program was established in 2022 as a competitive grant opportunity that provides matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis to participating institutions partnering with healthcare providers, incentivizing collaboration to meet local, regional, and statewide demand for nurses. Investment from healthcare providers is a significant component of the LINE program, contributing funding for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment purchases, and simulation centers to increase capacity in high-quality nursing education programs.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the support from the Florida Legislature, the State University System is directly tackling critical nursing workforce needs in Florida,” said System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through meaningful partnerships between our universities and healthcare systems throughout the state, we are enhancing our nursing programs with hands-on learning and ensuring our graduates provide exceptional care for Floridians in all stages of life.”
Funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are projected to produce more than 2,100 nursing scholarships and accept nearly 1,000 additional students in nursing programs across the System. Additionally, 10 approved proposals support and expand the System’s world-class nursing faculty.
The approved $6 million will be shared across the 23 proposals from Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, and University of West Florida.
Additionally, at the direction of Board Chair Alan Levine, the Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics was created in January 2026 to discuss the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, including the financial, operational, and governance challenges facing the State University System.
“When I was elected Chair and recommended the formation of the Intercollegiate Athletics Task Force, I took the unprecedented step of appointing non-Board members, including Trustee Chairs and Athletic Directors, to help us learn and identify the best ways we can support student-athletes and our System athletics programs,” said Board Chair Alan Levine. “The Task Force has done an incredible job of collaboratively developing these recommendations, and the Board’s approval reflects our dedication to transparent, competitive, and fair models that unify System athletics and support student-athletes’ success both on campus and beyond graduation.”
Following productive discussions with university leaders, including Board of Trustees Chairs, Presidents, Athletic Directors, coaches, and student-athletes, the Task Force presented several key recommendations and approved a Statement on Intercollegiate Athletics that articulates the Board’s guiding principles and priorities for supporting a sustainable, competitive, and student-centered model.
Read the recommendations here and the statement here.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors and a Board-appointed Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. The System comprises 12 universities and more than 431,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has ranked number one in higher education by U.S. News & World Report since the inception of the rankings in 2017, recognized for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.