The Baptist University of Florida (BUF) marked an exciting season of growth this fall with two groundbreaking ceremonies celebrating the continued expansion of the university and its mission.

In August, university leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of BUF gathered to break ground on Ventry Hall, a new residence hall that will expand on campus housing and create additional opportunities for students to live, learn and grow in community at BUF.

The addition of Ventry Hall is an important part of the university’s vision for continued growth in the years ahead.

“With the addition of this brand-new residence hall, we will be able to welcome more students to live on campus and move closer to our goal of having 1,000 students on campus by 2031,” said BUF President Dr. Clayton Cloer.

The following day, the BUF community gathered again to celebrate the groundbreaking of the university’s new Athletic Complex. The first phase of the complex will include new baseball and softball fields, creating a home for two of BUF’s growing athletic programs.

While the new facilities will provide opportunities for student athletes to compete, the vision behind athletics at BUF extends far beyond competition.

“We’re thankful to the Lord that He has called us to do a new thing here at BUF through athletics,” said Cloer. “Our prayer is that every athlete who competes here would hear the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Both projects reflect BUF’s continued commitment to creating an environment where students can grow academically, relationally and spiritually. From expanding residential life to investing in athletics, the university continues to look for new opportunities to reach students and prepare them to serve Christ through their lives and callings.

As construction moves forward on Ventry Hall and the Athletic Complex, these projects serve as visible reminders of the growth taking place at The Baptist University of Florida and the opportunities still ahead.

God continues to open doors for BUF to reach more students, strengthen its campus community and advance its Christ-centered mission.

And at The Baptist University of Florida, we’re JUST.GETTING.STARTED.