Saint Leo University Celebrates Grand Opening in Jacksonville

March 19, 2018 • Diocese of St. Augustine

Saint Leo University welcomed the community to its new Jacksonville Education Center in the Oakleaf Town Center during a grand opening celebration March 10.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce and members of the Saint Leo University community cut the ribbon for the university’s new Jacksonville Education Center. (Photos by Vicki Palombo of Photographic Memories by Vic)

“The grand opening was a true celebration,” said Jessica Starkey, center director. “We had current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supportive community members attend. We were honored to have Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels, Clay County Chamber of Commerce President Teresa Calfee, and the Chancellor of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Deacon David Williams, attend.”

More than 120 individuals toured Saint Leo’s newest facility. The new teaching location occupies a stand-alone, 8,400-square-foot space near The Home Depot at 9775 Crosshill Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32222. The Oakleaf Town Center is an open-air regional shopping center that is convenient to those in the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Middleburg areas.

While the Jacksonville location is new, Saint Leo has served the Northeast Florida community through partnerships with Naval Station Mayport and St. Johns River State College since 1994. “We will continue to support our diverse student population and embrace our core value of community,” Starkey said.

The Jacksonville and Mayport locations are convenient for adult learners and offer flexible schedules. “Whether it’s your first time in college, or you want to transfer or continue your degree, Saint Leo is here for you in Jacksonville,” Starkey said.

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Jeffrey D. Senese and Jacksonville Education Center Director Jessica Starkey welcome guests to the grand opening of Saint Leo University’s newest location. (Photos by Vicki Palombo of Photographic Memories by Vic)

Saint Leo’s Jacksonville Education Center offers associate and bachelor’s degrees. Degrees include bachelor’s degrees in accounting, criminal justice, human services, elementary and middle grades education, business administration, psychology, computer information systems, and healthcare management. Evening and online classes make it easy for busy professionals or members of the military to further their education, Starkey said.

Registration is taking place for the Summer 1 Semester, which begins Monday, April 30. Summer 2 Semester begins Monday, June 25. For more information, go to Jacksonville Education Center, call (904) 771-7825, or email jacksonville@saintleo.edu.

Upcoming events at Saint Leo’s Jacksonville Education Center include:

Spring into Education, Refer Your Peeps: From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, April 9, current students and alumni are invited to bring prospective students and guests to learn about the center and Saint Leo and receive a sweet treat. Application fee waivers will be available. Prospective students may bring their unofficial or official transcripts. For information, contact Michelle Frazier, michelle.frazier02@saintleo.edu or call (904) 771-7825.

Coffee and Conversations: From 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, guests are invited to enjoy a free cup of coffee and a breakfast pastry while chatting with the Jacksonville staff about ways to make their education dreams a reality. Application fee waivers will be available. Prospective students may bring their unofficial or official transcripts. For information, contact Michelle Frazier, michelle.frazier02@saintleo.edu or call (904) 771-7825.