Boca Raton-based Florida Atlantic University may no longer be opening a dental school after having two sources of funding fall through, CBS12 reported March 27.
The state previously offered to give the university $30 million toward its new dental school. The university later requested an additional $100 million to cover construction and operations. Barbara Feingold, vice chair of FAU's board of trustees and presidential search committee, also pledged a $30 million donation for the dental school, but said her donation would depend on the results of the university's presidential search.
The state recently rejected the university's $100 million grant request and is now withholding its original $30 million grant.
CBS12 reported that the possibility of opening the dental school is now off the table due to disagreements between state lawmakers and university officials over the university's presidential search.
The search was paused after state investigators probed the search process in response to questions raised about the university search committee's screening process. State officials are now working out rules to govern the search once it resumes.
"The strategic direction of the university is fluid and always under consideration by the board of trustees. Clearly, a college of dentistry requires a pause and, possibly, a pivot," a university spokesperson told CBS12. "Regardless, all decisions are made in the best interests of the university. The university remains grateful for the ongoing support of the Florida legislature and the Florida Board of Governors."