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UNF’s preeminent transportation and logistics program in the Coggin College of Business got a boost this summer with the announcement of a $2.5 million endowment gift from Crowley Maritime Corporation and the creation of the new Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics.

President David Szymanski and Tom Crowley shared the news before a crowd of Coggin faculty, staff, students and alumni. “Our vision is the creation of a world-class center of excellence that will empower students for successful careers and create an environment for leading research in digital transformation and data analytics driving our industry,” said Crowley, whose grandfather started the company in 1892. “We are honored to have such a dynamic university to be the home to this center of excellence.”

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Crowley Maritime is a global leader in logistics, marine and energy solutions for the commercial and government sectors, with a widespread presence in Central America and the Caribbean. Erin Fouraker, a former Coggin marketing graduate now employed as a digital marketer at Crowley, spoke at the event. Fouraker credited her career success to a top-notch education from the Coggin College, programs that allowed her to find her interest in international marketing and Spanish, and an internship with Crowley Maritime. “I’m excited to see this partnership between my alma mater and the company that springboarded my career as a student,” Fouraker said.

The Center is designed to be a world leader in transportation and logistics research, education and industry engagement. The endowment will help fund the CCTL operations and leadership, faculty support, visiting scholars, pertinent industry research, pursuit of federally funded grants and contracts, student recruitment in the areas of transportation, logistics and data analytics, and course development.

President Szymanski said that being able to name the Center adds a level of prestige and commitment, and he praised Crowley for having a worldwide reputation as being the best in their field. “We’ve also had internships and students who have been hired, so we’ve made a difference, but they’ve made a difference for us,” Szymanski said. “It’s that joint impact that really propels our community and propels our institution.”