Haskell and UNF Cultivate Talent through Collaboration and Innovation

Haskell and the University of North Florida (UNF) have long shared a tightly woven relationship. Rooted in the shared values of innovation, collaboration and community, this partnership has made a lasting impact on the lives of students and the growth of the region.

The two Jacksonville, Florida, institutions date their histories to 1965. That year, Preston Haskell founded the company that bears his name, and the Florida Legislature authorized UNF as a state university that would officially open its doors seven years later.

While Haskell and UNF have evolved in their own ways, the partnership has grown through both physical contributions to the campus and a commitment to students' professional development.

As the company behind various UNF facilities, Haskell has been integral to shaping the campus landscape. Those projects include essential infrastructure such as student housing and recreational spaces like the tennis clubhouse, along with the design for the multipurpose stadium.

Most recently, Haskell’s design and technology teams conducted an assessment of Hodges Stadium using advanced photogrammetry software, a technique that converts 2D images into precise 3D models of objects, environments and people. The drone scan will give the team data insights and a comprehensive understanding of the stadium’s current conditions before proposing any renovations or additions. As a partner to UNF, these projects are not just buildings; they are spaces that foster learning, wellness and community engagement for UNF students.

Beyond these physical contributions, Haskell is deeply invested in the advancement of UNF students. More than 140 UNF alumni currently work at Haskell, and each year, dozens of UNF students participate in Haskell’s intern program, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Tye McGhee is a perfect example. A UNF alumnus who began his journey with Haskell as a “super intern,” he joined the company upon graduation as an assistant project manager (APM) and now serves as a superintendent. McGhee’s story is one of many that demonstrate how the program nurtures UNF talent and offers a clear path to career success.

The goal of Haskell’s internship program providing students with an immersive industry experience, with an impressive 90% of interns receiving job offers upon graduation. Additionally, Haskell funds an annual scholarship program through UNF’s College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, supporting fields like Construction Management, Civil Engineering, and Information Technology.

Haskell’s involvement at UNF also extends to curriculum support and mentorship. Many team members contribute their knowledge and industry expertise by serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board, teaching as adjunct professors and leading specialized workshops. Through programs such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SPHE), Haskell plays an active role in preparing future leaders across diverse AEC fields. These initiatives enrich UNF’s Construction Management curriculum and give students direct access to industry expertise.

A standout example of that collaborative spirit came this past summer when Haskell team members joined forces with UNF students to create a state-of-the-art process training skid for UNF’s Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) curriculum. Two Haskell employees, both UNF alumni, worked closely with four engineering students to bring this project to life. Designed to train future engineers, the skid teaches principles such as pump operations, water hammer effects and valve dynamics. Their project not only won UNF’s Best Production Project of the Year but also demonstrated the powerful outcomes that resulted when Haskell and UNF combined their knowledge and resources.

The partnership between Haskell and UNF is more than a business relationship; it’s a shared commitment to community impact, student development and educational innovation. Together, they are building a brighter future – one that reflects the collaborative spirit and enduring values they stand for.

Driven by our core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust, Haskell is committed to contributing to the communities where we live and work. Contact us to discuss your facilities – and your community’s – needs.