College Alumni Honors and Awards

Alumni Association of the
University of North Florida

11th Annual Alumni Recognition - 2006

College of Education and Human Services

2005 Outstanding Alumni Awards

Dr. Monica McAleer
Master of Education, 1986
Doctorate in Education, 2000

 Dr. Monica McAleer is a leader in education in the Clay and Duval Public School Districts.  After graduating from Florida State University in 1973 with a B.S in social science education, Dr McAleer began teaching social studies and mathematics at the St. Matthews School in Duval County. In 1976 she moved to Lakeside Middle School in Clay County and taught Social Studies where she remained until receiving an M.Ed. in administration and supervision from the University of North Florida in 1986. She then accepted the position of Specialist, Staff Development/Community Affairs with the Clay County Public School District where she was responsible for implementing the ESOL program and supervising the Adult Education program. In 1989 Dr. McAleer accepted the position of coordinator, human resource development where she was responsible for coordinating the Clay Assessment System as well as the pre-intern/intern program with local universities. In 1993 she returned to the Duval County Public School District as coordinator, professional development.  In 2000 she received an Ed.D. from the University of North Florida in Educational Leadership. In 2004 Dr McAleer was promoted to her current position as supervisor, human resources services.  She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University in their graduate teacher education program in educational leadership. Her area of expertise is personnel selection and development.

Dr. Judith Poppell
Doctor of Education, 1998

 Dr. Judith Poppell is a leader in the field of urban education in Duval County. After graduating from Jacksonville University with a B.S. in elementary education in 1962, Dr. Poppell worked as a mathematics teacher in Duval County for 12 years, during which time she also received an M.Ed. in administration and supervision from the University of Florida. In 1974 she was promoted to assistant principal for curriculum and then promoted again in 1978 when she became a principal in the Duval County School District. During her service in Duval County, she also served as director of pupil accounting and general director of Student Assignment and Magnet Programs. After receiving an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in 1998 from UNF, Dr. Poppell accepted the position of general director of Academic and Special Programs in Duval County. She has also worked in the COEHS as the director of urban initiatives. Her current position is executive director of the Leadership Institute at the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership.