UF Health, Santa Fe College Renew Nurse Training Partnership with $700K in Support

GAINESVILLE — UF Health and Santa Fe College have formally renewed a critical partnership aimed at strengthening Florida’s nursing workforce. On Wednesday, leaders from both institutions gathered at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus to mark the third year of collaboration that has already yielded millions in combined funding for nursing education.

UF Health President and System CEO Dr. Stephen J. Motew and Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II signed the agreement during a late-morning ceremony attended by students, faculty, and staff from both organizations.

UF Health’s $350,000 grant to Santa Fe’s Nursing program for 2025 is being fully matched through the State of Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, resulting in a $700,000 investment in the college’s healthcare education infrastructure.

“LINE funding provided by the State of Florida is a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together under a shared vision,” said Dr. Shakira Henderson, Dean of the UF College of Nursing and Chief Administrative Officer at UF Health. “It is not a financial investment, it is a vote of confidence in programs like Santa Fe, which continue to set the bar when it comes to nursing excellence.”

This year’s grant brings the total support from UF Health and the LINE match to over $1.8 million since 2022. Previous awards totaled $345,200 in 2023–24 and $780,000 in 2022–23.

Dr. Broadie expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the tangible outcomes already seen on campus. With past funding, Santa Fe College has expanded faculty, introduced advanced simulation mannequins, and launched programs like ANEW, which supports working adults returning to nursing.

“UF Health stands right beside Santa Fe College in ensuring that we address the nursing shortage and produce the best qualified nursing graduates on the planet,” Broadie said.

Dr. Motew emphasized the increasing need for well-trained nurses, especially as Florida’s population ages.

“I am very proud of the long-standing relationship UF and UF Health have with Santa Fe,” Motew said. “We have to really put into perspective the opportunity to train together, highly skilled, compassionate nurses who deliver exceptional care to our community.”

Motew also praised the collaboration for allowing both institutions to “chase new paradigms” in integrating nursing education with real-world healthcare delivery.

This year’s funding will go directly toward student scholarships, reducing financial barriers for future nurses. Additionally, LINE funds will support development of a dedicated academic space designed for healthcare-focused study and support services.

Santa Fe College has maintained a strong track record in preparing nurses for the field. The school surpassed both state and national averages in 2024, posting a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX nursing certification exam.

One of those students, Seth Mantio, an Army veteran, attended the signing ceremony and reflected on how the program is shaping his future.

“This program ensures that my patients will feel comfortable with me and instills confidence that I can help them when they need it most,” Mantio said.

UF Health’s support for Santa Fe College extends beyond nursing. In 2021, the health system awarded a five-year, $1 million grant to bolster the college’s Surgical Technology program, focusing on recruitment, outreach, and training for underserved populations.

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