Following decades of growth and diversification, NUC University – Florida Technical College is entering its next phase as Northbridge University, reflecting its transition into a multi-state university system with an expanded academic portfolio, a growing national footprint, and a long-term strategic vision.
The transition to Northbridge University represents the natural progression of an institution that has evolved beyond its technical college origins – since its foundation in 1982 – aligning its identity with a sustained commitment to career-focused education and long-term impact across the United States and Puerto Rico. This rebrand is part of a broader expansion strategy supported by a $100 million investment over the next three years.
“The transition to Northbridge University reflects the scale, maturity, and momentum of the institution we have built, as well as our long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Bannett, chief executive officer of Northbridge University. “It positions us to compete nationally while strengthening our role as a trusted partner in our students’ academic and professional success.”
Today, Northbridge University operates 8 campuses in Florida—Miami, Pembroke Pines, Orlando, Kissimmee, DeLand, Lakeland, and Tampa—alongside 19 campuses in Puerto Rico and 3 campuses in Oregon through its aviation academic division, Hillsboro Aero Academy. Through its online learning platform, the university serves students in more than 40 states nationwide.
As part of its academic expansion, the university plans to launch more than 30 new academic programs, including doctoral degrees, with 10 new programs scheduled to begin in 2026. New offerings will emphasize high-growth fields such as artificial intelligence and other technology-driven disciplines aligned with evolving labor-market demand.
In parallel, the university is developing 20 short-term credential programs designed to address workforce shortages and accelerate pathways to employment in health care, construction, and other high-demand sectors.
Supporting this forward-looking strategy, Northbridge University has announced a $100 million investment over the next three years to fund new campus locations in Florida and across the United States, advanced instructional laboratories, expanded academic offerings, and enhanced virtual learning infrastructure.
The university’s academic portfolio also includes The DAVE School of Digital Arts, based at Universal Studios Florida, which offers specialized programs in visual effects, game production, and virtual production.
All academic programs, campuses, accreditations, and authorizations previously offered under NUC University – Florida Technical College will continue uninterrupted under the Northbridge University name. The institution remains accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with all institutional and programmatic accreditations fully in effect.
“Northbridge University is not a departure from our history—it is a clear articulation of who we are today,” said Dr. James Michael Burkett, president of Northbridge University. “This unified identity reflects the full scope of our academic offerings and supports our long-term institutional direction as a national university system.”
According to Gonçal Bonmatí, the rebrand follows a multi-year strategic planning process focused on responsible expansion and long-term institutional resilience.
“This transition positions the university for sustainable growth while building on a strong academic and operational foundation,” Bonmatí said.
The Northbridge University name and visual identity were formally introduced earlier this month during a launch event at the Orlando Science Center. The transition to the Northbridge University identity will be implemented through a phased national rollout aligned with academic, operational, and institutional priorities.
For more information, visit Northbridge.edu.
About Northbridge University Northbridge University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. Northbridge University is a Florida/Puerto Rico–based university system serving students across the United States through on-campus, hybrid, and online learning modalities. The university offers academic pathways ranging from diplomas and associate degrees to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, aligned with workforce and industry demand. Academic offerings prepare students for, workforce-aligned industries, including Business, Nursing, Technology, Construction Trades and Culinary Arts. Northbridge University’s academic units include The DAVE School of Digital Arts and Hillsboro Aero Academy, further strengthening its focus on industry-responsive education and career-ready outcomes.
