As the Maritime Administration assessed the University for this prestigious designation, the department considered factors such as operational footprint, relevant assets, workforce pipelines, and the economic impact of the University. Instructional frameworks like the high-tech fabrication labs, industry-standard software, and a waterfront complex allow students to explore both campus-based learning opportunities and hands-on experiences at dedicated waterfront operations. UWF also supports the Watercraft and Vessel Engineering, or WAVE, program, which deploys a project-based watercraft curriculum tailored to coastal marine manufacturers.
“UWF is strategically expanding its research and development efforts in areas related to watercraft and vessel engineering and is enhancing its STEM educational offerings to meet the workforce needs of marine manufacturers,” said Dr. Mohamed Khabou, dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering.
UWF functions as a major technical workforce driver for the Florida Panhandle. The University coordinates a steady pipeline of 1,085 active students that directly support production yards as they build deep-water vessels and modular military assemblies. Through both mentorships and internships, UWF students across multiple departments can be found in worksite pipelines such as high-performance sailboat manufacturer American Magic, wind turbine original equipment manufacturer Jupiter Bach, and artificial intelligence marine sensor manufacturer Tocaro Blue. The University also translates military veteran skills in navigation and electronics into shoreside roles, streamlining hiring processes.
The UWF Haas Center has played an important role in building the University’s understanding of the region’s maritime workforce and industrial needs through applied research and industry partnerships.
“The Haas Center’s role in this effort grew out of applied research we conducted for a shipbuilder seeking to understand the workforce, economic and industrial capacity needed to support its expansion,” said Nicole Gislason, Executive Director of the UWF Haas Center. “That work demonstrated both the scale of the opportunity for Northwest Florida and the critical role UWF can play in developing the engineers, technicians, and skilled talent required by a growing maritime industrial base. This designation recognizes UWF’s ability to connect research and industry needs in ways that strengthen the regional economy.”
Established in 1950, the Maritime Administration, through the US Secretary of Transportation, focuses on promoting and developing the maritime industry throughout the nation to meet the growing economic and security needs. Through the department’s assessment, UWF is recognized for its continuous supply of highly motivated and qualified graduates due to the University’s strategic investment in regional training in maritime engineering.
To learn more about UWF’s science and engineering programs, visit uwf.edu/hmcse.
