Staff Spotlight

PAST WINNERS

• NOVEMBER 2024

  Noelle Frantz

   

  Noelle is a dedicated instructional designer whose hard work and attention to detail ensure faculty have the support they need to design high-quality online courses that meet rigorous standards. Faculty appreciate her commitment to delivering projects on time and value her willingness to tackle challenges. Beyond her impressive organizational skills, Noelle is a dependable colleague who’s always ready to help her team members with a positive, approachable attitude. Her dedication and quiet professionalism make her an invaluable asset to our team.

  "I am honored to be recognized with this month’s A&P Staff Spotlight. I’m grateful to work alongside an incredibly talented team of instructional designers who share a passion for student success. Their dedication to innovation and excellence in education inspires me every day. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with faculty to bring their ideas to life in their courses. Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to work closely with faculty in several online programs within the Brooks College of Health, assisting them in designing engaging and impactful online courses. I’m proud to know that my work with faculty is improving the educational journey for so many students at UNF and equipping them with the knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers. I am excited to continue partnering with both faculty and colleagues to create educational experiences that empower our students to succeed."

• DECEMBER 2024

  Erin Byrd 

  Erin has distinguished herself as a key Workday resource. She is well versed in the system and extremely knowledgeable. What sets her apart is her dedication to her co-workers and continuous improvement in the system. Erin works tirelessly to help units across campus. She attends meetings across campus with different constituent groups and she is universally respected by all. Erin is always willing to listen to concerns and questions and, more importantly, seeks resolution for her colleagues. Erin transitioned to Workday Operations and the campus exhaled in relief because, anyone who has met Erin, knows she will get the job done.

  "I am so grateful to have been nominated for this spotlight honor! I’m so thankful to have worked with many of you over my 12 years across 3 divisions here at the University. UNF is such a great place to work because of all the wonderful people here that truly care. I’m so happy that we have an amazing new team in place for Workday Operations. We have already accomplished so much in our short time together and I’m so excited to see the future of continuous improvements we can make for Workday at UNF. My favorite part of this new role is the wide range of items that I get to work on. Each day brings up new puzzles to solve and new opportunities to implement positive changes for the campus. I’m so thankful to serve the University in this way. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue this effort. I look forward to continuing our collaboration to make Workday at UNF the best it can be, enabling us all to perform our jobs in the best way possible. SWOOP!"

  

• FEBRUARY 2025

  Brett Butler

  Brett is the director of One-Stop and has been the catalyst for the change in office culture. His positive outlook on life and leadership style makes coming to work enjoyable. Many of the staff, myself included, have grown so much under Brett's leadership and the office would not be the same if he were to find different employment. Outside of work, he is always looking for ways to bring staff together in no work activities to build the trust and partnership we need in the office. He is truly the best supervisor many of us have had.

  "I am very grateful for the One-Stop Team. The environment we’ve fostered together makes work a joy in a position that can be heavy and stressful. We laugh together a lot, and it’s been an honor to be a part of their professional and personal journeys. Our team is incredibly diverse in their seasons of life, career experiences, educational backgrounds, and skillsets; yet, they’ve come together to work as a cohesive force to help UNF students overcome barriers to academic success. One-Stop exists to relieve the heaviness of wading alone through the complex processes and puzzles inherent in higher education administration, and we find purpose and fulfillment in co-navigating these barriers to success with our UNF students!"

  

• MARCH 2025

  Joslyn Simmons

  Joslyn Simmons is one of the best team players you will ever meet. She has such a positive, can-do attitude and is always ready to assist her colleagues. Over the past few years, the Coggin Dean's Office has seen several positions turn over, and Joslyn has been instrumental in keeping things running. She will cover any role with enthusiasm, but Joslyn especially shines when sharing her brimming Osprey pride with future UNF students!

  "I am honored to be nominated for this month’s spotlight. As an UNF double alumna, it has been a pleasure working in this community over the years and impacting the next generation. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of my UNF journey. You all are rock stars in your own special way. Special shoutout to Team Coggin and my mom, Angela Simmons.  Together we all make UNF a better place for our students, faculty, staff, and community!"

  

• APRIL 2025

  Miranda O'Brien

  I am truly honored to be recognized as this month's UNF A&P Staff Spotlight. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and talented colleagues at UNF, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the success of our university.

  Throughout my time at the Brooks College of Health, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with many incredible teams and help enhance our marketing, communications, and digital strategies. I believe strongly in the power of teamwork and community, and I’m always inspired by the passion and dedication of the people I work with. Whether it's creating marketing plans, improving our website, or advising colleagues across campus, I am proud to be part of something that makes a real difference.

  I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me, both at work and in my personal endeavors. Whether it’s my coworkers, the departments I collaborate with, or the community at Funkytown Fitness, I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made and the chance to contribute in meaningful ways.

  Thank you for this recognition—it truly means the world to me, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make UNF an even better place.

  

• MAY 2025

  Rachel Taylor

  Working with Eco Adventure at the University of North Florida has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I’ve found such joy in encouraging Ospreys to discover the best version of themselves through our challenge course, indoor climbing wall, gear checkout, and student expeditions. UNF has provided me with a supportive supervisor, a resilient staff to lead, and a beautifully curated space to do this work.

  Our department offers more than just fun outdoor experiences—we create opportunities for students to form meaningful connections between the lessons learned in nature and their academic and personal growth. UNF’s campus provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of learning, and my role with Eco Adventure helps students engage with that part of their education in a deeper, more intentional way. I truly learn something new every day.

  In my two years at UNF, I’ve had the privilege of hosting over 2,000 Ospreys on our high ropes course, zipline, and aerial skypark. I’ve also been fortunate to work with organizations like the Mayo Clinic, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, First Tee Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Edward Waters University, UNF Alumni Assocation, Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind, several local high schools, and regional addiction recovery groups. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how powerful recreation can be in building resilience, fostering connection, and supporting healing.

  Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, I moved to Jacksonville after graduating from Utah State University in 2021. Eco Adventure gave me a home away from home—and a purpose. I'm proud to continue my education as an Osprey in the Masters of Educational Leadership program. 

  I’m grateful to be part of a community of colleagues who lead with heart, creativity, and commitment. To the students of UNF: thank you for your trust, your courage, and your willingness to grow through challenge. You remind me every day that joy, curiosity, and care are the most powerful tools we have.

  
• JUNE 2025

  Patti Palmer

  It’s a privilege to be honored in the A&P Staff Spotlight. Reflecting on my time at UNF, I’m reminded of how fortunate I’ve been to have had great leadership from day one. From the moment I interviewed for my first role, I had the privilege of being hired by leaders who saw potential in me and believed in what I could bring to the team. Their trust and encouragement set the tone for everything that followed.

  Since then, I’ve been empowered with the autonomy to bring creativity into my work and collaborate with some of the most intelligent and passionate colleagues. That kind of environment makes all the difference. As a result, I have led and contributed to new initiatives that have driven record employer and student engagement over the last few years. Career Services is a rewarding space and being part of something that helps students build their futures is a privilege. Connecting people is at the heart of what I do. As a trusted representative of UNF in the community I am able to strengthen UNF’s impact while opening doors of meaningful opportunities. I have built strong partnerships with regional and national companies that help create career opportunities for students. But more than partnerships, these are lasting relationships rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to student success.

  This award reflects the strength of the entire team and genuine support of my exceptional leadership. Thank you for believing in me and making this journey so fulfilling.