Flagler College Concludes Historic Flagler Forward Campaign, Marking $155.6 Million Milestone

The campaign brought together $85.6 million in private philanthropy and $70 million in state funding to expand student opportunity and preserve the College's historic campus.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagler College has concluded Flagler Forward, its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. The College celebrated with two days of events that brought the campus community together in recognition of the generosity and shared commitment behind the achievement. The celebrations included a Gala on October 22 in Ponce Dining Hall and a Soirée on October 23 in the historic Flagler Room.

The campaign generated $85.6 million in private philanthropy, including a $12 million gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, the largest gift in the College's history. An additional $70 million in state funding supported the restoration and preservation of Ponce Hall, bringing the total investment associated with Flagler Forward to $155.6 million.

Launched publicly in 2023, the campaign officially concluded on June 30, 2026. Over its course, 14,215 donors contributed 46,122 gifts in support of the campaign's three pillars: People, Programs, and Places.

"Flagler Forward represents what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for the future," said Flagler College President John Delaney. "This campaign was about more than reaching a fundraising goal. It was about opening doors for students, investing in the people who make a Flagler education distinctive, and preserving a historic campus that will continue to inspire future generations. We are deeply grateful to every donor who helped strengthen the College."

People (141% to Goal): Expanding Opportunity for Students and Faculty

Flagler Forward established 195 new scholarships, contributing to a 70% increase in named scholarship aid to help students access a Flagler education. The campaign also raised $7 million for annual and endowed professorships and established three new endowed positions. This support recognizes faculty excellence, advances teaching and scholarship, and creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn from dedicated educators.

Programs (151% to Goal): Broadening the Flagler Experience

Flagler Forward expanded experiential learning, connecting classroom instruction with opportunities to engage with the wider world.

Through the Flagler Sophomore High-Impact Practice (FlagSHIP), the campaign established 21 scholarships and raised over $1.6 million toward endowed awards to help students participate in immersive educational experiences. Since the campaign's launch, study-abroad participation has increased by 647%, giving more students opportunities to explore different cultures, perspectives, and global challenges.

Professional partnerships have also connected academic preparation with career experience. Through a collaboration with 54 Below, the celebrated New York City performance venue known as "Broadway's Living Room," Flagler Musical Theatre and Hospitality and Tourism Management students now gain firsthand practice in a real-world, professional setting.

Places (107% to Goal): Preserving History and Building for the Future

The campaign's most significant facilities undertaking was the comprehensive renovation of Ponce Hall, the College's iconic former Hotel Ponce de Leon and a National Historic Landmark. Supported by $70 million in state funding, the 211,295-square-foot project included renovations to 190 residence rooms, preservation of 60 fireplaces, and installation of five modern building systems.

The renovation preserves the architectural character of one of St. Augustine's most recognizable landmarks while modernizing essential infrastructure for future generations of students.

Campaign-supported projects also expanded opportunities for learning, research, and campus engagement. The Brown Innovation Center fosters collaboration and creative problem-solving, while the Deagan Archaeology Lab supports hands-on archaeological research. A Modular Science Lab expanded capacity for practical scientific learning, and renovations to the Learning Resource Center enhanced a key hub for academic support.

The new Campus Services Building strengthens the student experience through the Bailey Fitness Center, Mernik Mail Services, and Baker Campus Store providing resources that support student well-being and everyday campus life. Looking ahead, Flagler Forward helped secure funding for the future Music Hall and Joyner Center for Religion and Culture, advancing plans for spaces that will enrich campus life and support the College's academic, artistic, and cultural mission.

Athletics facilities also benefited from campaign investments, including renovations to the Pollard Tennis Center and completion of Phase I of the Lacrosse Intramurals Field. These facilities support Flagler's student-athletes, whose accomplishments include the men's tennis team's NCAA Division II national title in the 2025–26 season.

A Lasting Legacy

Flagler Forward marks a defining achievement in the College's history. Investments in students, faculty, academic programs, and campus facilities will help Flagler expand while preserving the historic character and distinctive educational experience that set the College apart.

"The success of Flagler Forward reflects the extraordinary generosity of the people who believe in this College and its mission," said Kristy Myers, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. "Every gift helped build momentum and create opportunities that will benefit our campus community for years to come. As we celebrate this triumph, we are even more excited about what lies ahead for Flagler." 

Explore the Flagler Forward Campaign Impact Report and Honor Roll to learn more about the campaign's accomplishments and the donors whose generosity made this milestone possible.

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