UNF CCB director of development listed among JBJ 40 under 40 list
Caleb Garrett, University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business (CCB) director of development, represents UNF as one of Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 honorees.
Garrett has been instrumental in advancing UNF’s development efforts since joining in 2019 as assistant director of development. In 2022, he transitioned to the College of Computing, Engineering & Construction (CCEC), where he launched an alumni giving society and expanded fundraising efforts. He returned to CCB in 2024 as director of development, continuing to drive record-breaking philanthropy and donor engagement.
He has consistently exceeded fundraising goals, secured major gifts and built strong donor and alumni relationships. His notable achievements include securing a transformative seven-figure contribution in collaboration with Dr. Paul Eason, UNF’s vice president of strategy and innovation, and closing multiple six-figure donations to support student scholarships, academic programs and faculty initiatives.
His leadership has driven record-breaking fundraising through CCB’s and CCEC’s various advisory councils. He has optimized solicitation processes, significantly increasing funds raised and organized key fundraising and networking events such as the Coggin Annual Scholarship Luncheon, CCEC alumni mixers and CCEC Lunches with Leaders. In both CCB and CCEC, he directs social media strategies, leads efforts in university initiatives like UNF Homecoming and UNF Giving Day and oversees scholarships from marketing to awarding.
He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) First Coast Chapter and serves on the boards of the Youth Crisis Center and the PS27 Foundation.
Garrett holds a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic University, along with a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University. His expertise in development and strategic fundraising has positioned UNF as a leader in philanthropic engagement within the region.
Among the individuals honored by the Jacksonville Business Journal, four UNF alumni also made the list, including Charles “Alex” Kellison (‘09), Kacy Hedgecock Swanson (‘12), Samantha Sotter (‘15) and Mallory Salter (‘13).
For the full list of honorees, visit the Jacksonville Business Journal.