Mayor Keith James welcomes Vanderbilt University to new West Palm Beach campus

Under the bright lights of the Norton Museum of Art, a sense of excitement filled the air as West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James welcomed Vanderbilt University to the city. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, as the university prepares to establish a graduate campus in the heart of West Palm Beach.

The gathering was part of Vanderbilt's February Board of Trust meeting, a significant event typically held in Nashville, Tennessee. This time, however, the university chose to embrace its new second home, showcasing its commitment to the community. Mayor James expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "Together, ladies and gentlemen, we are embarking on a journey that will create something truly remarkable, indeed magical."

University officials shared their vision of collaboration, emphasizing their desire to contribute positively to the local community. They noted the warm reception they have received, with community members showing openness to their plans. Vanderbilt's new campus will be situated along Tamron Avenue, occupying five acres of county-owned land and two acres of city-owned land.

The campus is expected to enroll around a thousand students, offering programs such as an executive MBA, master's degrees in finance, and advanced studies in artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science. Additionally, an innovation hub will be established to support local entrepreneurs, further enhancing the region's economic landscape.

Vanderbilt's decision to expand into West Palm Beach aligns with the city's growing reputation as "Wall Street South," a hub for finance and innovation. The university aims to be a critical catalyst in developing the local innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the belief that this is the right place and the right time for their expansion.

As the community looks forward to this new partnership, the promise of growth and collaboration shines brightly on the horizon, setting the stage for a transformative future in West Palm Beach.