J.J. Daniel Bio

The UNF Administration Building was named for Jacksonville attorney, businessman and civic leader Jaquelin James "J. J." Daniel, in recognition of his leadership in the founding of UNF, and his many contributions to Jacksonville and higher education in Florida. For more than 15 years, he served on the Florida Board of Regents (1971-1982) and its predecessor, the Board of Control (1957-1961), and chaired both Boards during his tenure. His legacy shows he was a leading advocate of accessible public university education and academic freedom.

A lifelong resident of Jacksonville and descendant of one of the city's pioneer families, J. J. Daniel was also known for his strong commitment and prodigious service to community and charitable causes. As Chairman of the Local Government Study Commission, he played a key role in fostering Jacksonville's consolidated government in the late 1960s. He was publisher of the Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville Journal from 1976 to 1982. He died August 7, 1990.