Jacksonville University Streamlines Programs: 40 Faculty Layoffs Amid Major Changes

Jacksonville University (JU) is making significant changes to its academic programs due to financial pressures. The university announced plans to cut some majors and lay off 40 faculty members, aiming to save around $10 million. This move reflects a broader trend in higher education as many institutions reassess their offerings to better align with student needs and market demands.

JU’s Chief Financial Officer, Kim Banks, emphasized the critical position universities find themselves in today. “We need to prioritize our academic programs and ensure long-term financial health,” she said. The goal is to reduce expenses by 10% across all operations by fall 2025.

The university will continue to offer 37 popular undergraduate majors, catering to 96% of its current students. These include majors in nursing, business administration, computer science, and psychology. Graduate programs in high-demand areas such as clinical mental health counseling and public policy will also remain.

In a significant restructuring, JU plans to combine disciplines into a new Linda Berry Stein College of Arts and Sciences in May 2025. This college will accommodate approximately 1,000 students across various fields, enhancing collaboration and resource allocation.

However, some specialized majors that have seen lower enrollment will no longer be available to new students starting in Fall 2025. About 100 out of nearly 4,200 students are affected. JU assures that current students in those majors will have options to graduate on time through teach-out plans.

To support these students during this transition, JU has established a Care Team. This team will provide personalized academic guidance and assistance in navigating the changes.

This shift at JU aligns with broader statistics indicating that enrollment in certain programs is declining. According to a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in traditional college programs has decreased by about 1.4 million students since 2019. This decline highlights the importance of universities adapting to the evolving educational landscape.

As education continues to shift, Jacksonville University aims to rise to the challenge, preparing future leaders for success while ensuring financial sustainability.

Check out this related article: Celebrate Excellence: Oakland University Honors Four Influential Leaders with Honorary Degrees at 2025 Spring Commencement