The University of Florida will establish a permanent presence near the U.S. Capitol through a property donated by Brian and Kathryn Ballard valued at $4.25 million. The property will be known as the Ballard House.
UF plans to use the Washington, D.C., location for student education, professional development, faculty research engagement, alumni events, and interactions with government and private-sector leaders.
Students will be able to participate in programs focused on policymaking, government institutions, civic engagement, and public service.
Faculty members will be able to use the property to brief Congress, federal agencies, and other stakeholders on research spanning fields including artificial intelligence, agriculture, and healthcare.
The Ballard House will also host speaker programs, policy roundtables, civic education events, and gatherings for UF alumni working in the Washington region.
Brian Ballard earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida.
He previously served as Chief of Staff to Florida Gov. Bob Martinez and later founded lobbying firm Ballard Partners.
KEY QUOTES:
“The nation’s great public universities have a real home in Washington, and now the University of Florida will too. This new presence opens important opportunities for our university and for generations of Gators.”
Stuart R. Bell, President of the University of Florida
“Students can read about Congress, the Supreme Court and the institutions of American government in a classroom, but there is no substitute for really being there.”
Chuck Clemons, Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the University of Florida
