Información
Vision:
A leading student-centered urban public research university that is locally and globally engaged.
Operational Statement:
As an anchor public institution in South Florida, FIU is committed to providing quality learning, state-of-the-art research and creative activity, and problem-solving engagement.
Unlikely beginnings
An abandoned airfield is an unusual place for the birth of a university. But in the summer of 1969, founding FIU president Chuck Perry gathered three leaders who would help him create his vision.
From that single building on that abandoned airfield, FIU has grown to be one of the largest universities in the country. The spirit of entrepreneurship born on that summer day thrives at today’s FIU .
The vision becomes reality
Our beginnings were unconventional; our opening day in 1972 continued that trend. With 5,667 students, it was the largest opening enrollment in U.S. collegiate history.
The typical student entering FIU that year was 25, attending school full-time and working full-time. Eighty percent of the student body had just graduated from Miami-Dade Community College. Forty-three percent were married. FIU was far from your typical university.
The Maidique years – growth and progress
In August 1986, the Board of Regents unanimously approved Modesto A. “Mitch” Maidique as FIU’s fourth president. The former Harvard Business School professor and high-tech entrepreneur had a clear vision and goals for the University.
Some of his major accomplishments:
• enrollment increased from 16,400 to more than 34,000
• tremendous programmatic growth- more than 190 degree programs in 19 colleges and schools
• FIU admitted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society , the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, the youngest member of the society and one of only five in the state of Florida (2000)
• FIU College of Law – the first public law school in South Florida – opened in 2002
• Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – South Florida’s only public medical school – opened in 2009
• FIU classified as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive (highest ranking)
• Elevation of entire intercollegiate athletic program from NCAA Division II to Division I
• Golden Panthers began competing in intercollegiate football (Division I-AA ) as part of the Sun Belt Conference and the Atlantic Soccer Conference
The next generation – President Rosenberg continues the legacy
On August 28, 2009, Florida International University’s fifth president, Mark B. Rosenberg, took the oath of office. Rosenberg is former chancellor of the State University System of Florida and the first FIU faculty member to ascend to the presidency of the university.
FIU has two major campuses:
Modesto A. Maidique Campus in western Miami-Dade County
Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami
Modesto A. Maidique Campus ( MMC ) is our first campus, on 342 lush acres of tropical, landscaped grounds with:
• Residence halls
• U.S. Century Bank Arena
• New, eight-story Library
• Environmental preserve
• FIU stadium
• Athletic facilities
Near MMC is the Engineering Center , FIU’s 40-acre major research facility. Dedicated to education, innovation and service, the Center graduates 900 BS/BA, MS and Ph.D. students each year.
The 200-acre Biscayne Bay Campus includes a natural mangrove preserve, direct access to the bay, apartment-style housing, library, aquatic center, and the Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center, accommodating up to 500.
Another academic center – FIU Broward in Pembroke Pines – offers select, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs from our various colleges and schools. With early morning, evening and weekend courses, as well as fast-track programs, this center is especially popular for adult learners with busy lives.
The Downtown Center, located in downtown Miami, offers graduate-level business courses for busy professionals. The top-ranked Chapman School of Business offers a popular MBA program at the Center.