Keiser University to kick off Capitol Day events with lawmakers, university reps on hand

Image via Keiser University.

Keiser University will hold its Capitol Day this Thursday to spotlight its work as a private nonprofit university.

The Keiser University Day will begin with an 8:30 a.m. news conference featuring multiple state lawmakers and representatives from Keiser U.

Republican Sens. Jay Collins of Hillsborough and Joe Gruters of Sarasota will be on hand for the presser, as will Republican Rep. Alex Rizo of Hialeah. Joining them will be Bob Boyd, President of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida, Keiser University Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Keiser University Vice Chancellor Belinda Keiser, Keiser University Flagship President Gary Vonk, and others.

The events will continue on the Capitol’s first-floor rotunda, where visitors can learn more about Keiser’s academic programs and meet current students, faculty and alumni. The university will also set up its nursing simulation mobile bus in the large vehicle area for the public to experience.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to meet with our state leaders and thank them for their ongoing support of Keiser University,” Arthur Keiser said in a statement spotlighting the upcoming Capitol Day. “We’re excited to keep working with legislators to ensure Keiser University can continue its positive impact in Florida and help meet the critical workforce demands of the state and the educational needs of our students.”

Keiser University Day will specifically spotlight the institution’s workforce degree programs.

“Keiser University recently completed an economic impact study which revealed that the institution has an annual economic impact in Florida of $5.9 billion,” read the release on the upcoming Capitol Day. “The report revealed that Keiser produces approximately 44,770 jobs for Florida and provides more than $1.9 billion in income to Floridians.”

In 2023, Keiser landed in the No. 1 spot on the U.S. News & World Report rankings for student social mobility — universities that excel in helping poorer students move up the economic ladder.

Keiser again landed in the Top 25 on that list in 2024. It was the fourth straight year the university did so, placing fifth in 2022 and 11th in 2021, in addition to its first-place ranking in 2023. They also ranked as a Top 300 university nationwide last year.

Keiser launched in 1977. It’s headquartered in Fort Lauderdale but has 21 campuses across Florida.