MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu or
Nancy Hatch
772-465-2400 ext. 439, nhatch@hboi.edu
BOCA RATON, FL (December 12, 2007) - Florida Atlantic University’s Board of Trustees and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s (HBOI) Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the framework for transitioning the operations of HBOI into FAU.
“This is an exciting moment for Florida Atlantic University, as the partnership will certainly fuel our momentum toward a new level of dynamic research opportunities on the Treasure Coast and beyond,” said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. “The commitment made by the State for the expansion of this partnership truly demonstrates legislative support for advances in ocean and coastal research and technology.”
The MOU with HBOI delineates the framework for transferring HBOI assets, including approximately 138 acres of land, HBOI research grants and contracts, and intellectual property. The transferred assets will become a part of FAU, and HBOI will remain intact as an FAU research institute, reporting primarily to the Provost’s office and other organizational divisions throughout FAU. The MOU also covers the transition of the HBOI employees to FAU, and the restructuring of the HBOI foundation into an FAU direct-support organization.
“We are excited about this new chapter in our history: one that will enable Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Florida Atlantic University to tackle some of the most challenging issues facing our ocean planet,” said Dr. Shirley Pomponi, president and CEO of Harbor Branch.
Governor Crist previously approved an appropriation of $8.16 million to FAU in recurring funding for the operation of HBOI by FAU and a one-time appropriation of $44.6 million to FAU in PECO funding for renovation and new space at HBOI.
- FAU -
Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
