The University of North Florida did not get where it is today by
focusing inward. Instead, the University has kept part of its focus on Northeast
Florida and developed ways to make a difference in its own community through
affiliations with local outreach groups.
OneJax is one such organization. The nonprofit interfaith organization founded
was in 1970 and promotes respect and understanding among people of different
religions, races and cultures, recently joined forces with UNF and will now be
known as the OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida.
The affiliation came about through collaboration between
the OneJax Board of Directors and UNF. The Institute is now located at UNF
Hall. Dr. Tom Serwatka, UNF vice president
and chief of staff, said OneJax will
focus on community advocacy and extend the University’s reach off campus by
helping to overcoming
bias, bigotry and racism through education, community building and advocacy
initiatives.
OneJax
Executive Director Celeste Krueger said the organization compliments services
already provided to faculty, staff and students on campus through the
Interfaith Center and the Intercultural Center for PEACE.
“The tremendous synergy in this affiliation made this the right move for
us,” Krueger said. “We’re overjoyed to be a part of the UNF family and to make
a difference in the entire northeast region of Florida.”
The OneJax Board of Directors continues to guide the organization, with
several seats on the board added for UNF representatives. The board retained
the responsibility of raising funds to support operations for OneJax.
Serwatka said the OneJax Institute affiliation follows in the tradition
of other campus units, such as the Florida Institute of Education, the Center
for Global Health and Medical Diplomacy and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Florida Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions.
