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Meet the Team
The Graduate School Staff
Michele J. Moore, Ph.D. | Dean of the Graduate School
mmoore@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Dr. Michele Johnson Moore is Dean of the Graduate School at the University of North Florida. Previously she served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health. Since starting at UNF in 1999, Dr. Moore has also served as the Master of Public Health program director, worked on many federally funded grant projects, participated in community-based research and service, co-authored numerous peer reviewed manuscripts and presentations, and taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. She has received the UNF Distinguished Professor Award, Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award and Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award. Dr. Moore earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida, where she was honored by the College of Health & Human Performance as an Outstanding Young Alumni and inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
Stephanie Urbas | Director of the Graduate School
stephanie.urbas@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of West Georgia, where her work remains on display in the Wolves' Campus Center. She began her career in graphic design and communication, working in corporate financial consulting where she developed a strong foundation in UX and MarTech. Her work in marketing and interest in strategic management led her to earn an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. Today, she thrives at the intersection of creative design and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on process improvement and building meaningful customer journeys. In 2025, she made the move to the sunny shores of Jax Beach to join the University of North Florida. This move reflects her commitment to higher education and improving accessibility to critical information.
Alyssa Elaskari | Assistant Director of Recruitment and Outreach
alyssa.elaskari@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Alyssa Elaskari is the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Outreach for the University of North Florida’s Graduate School. In her role, she leads initiatives in communications, recruitment, partnerships, and student engagement, collaborating closely with graduate program directors across the university. Alyssa holds a Master of Education from the UNF and a Master of Arts in English from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. With a background in nonprofit management, education, and social services, Alyssa brings a deep commitment to access and community building in higher education. She is passionate about empowering students to see themselves as scholars and leaders. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her three daughters. She is also a writer and translator of poetry, exploring the intersections of English and Arabic through her creative work.
Lucy Hollins | Coordinator of Graduate Operations
l.hollins@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Lucy Hollins is the University of North Florida’s Graduate School Coordinator. Before her role here, she worked as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Digital Humanities Institute. Beginning her work at UNF as an undergraduate, she enrolled in the Accelerated BA to MA in English program, where she focused on Rhetoric and Composition, graduated with distinction, and forged many lifelong connections. During this time, she completed a project coordinating with the faculty and students of COAS to highlight the gravity and importance of the humanities. She also teaches undergraduate courses at the university. She looks forward to a lifetime in higher education. Lucy has found her home at UNF between her coordinator position at the Graduate School and teaching for the English Department.
Ashley Allen | Coordinator of Funding and Operations
a.allen@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Ashley Allen is the Administrative Coordinator at the University of North Florida’s Graduate School. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration to expand her knowledge of public agencies and how they serve society. Committed to public service, Ashley has worked with non-profit organizations, as well as conducted research on government organizations and their effect on rural populations. Ashley received her bachelor's degree in Sociology, with a minor in Business Administration, from Louisiana State University, and she hopes to use her experience and knowledge gained to further dedicate herself to higher education.
Braxton Nenigar | Graduate Student Success Coordinator
braxton.n@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Braxton Nenigar is the Graduate Student Success Coordinator at the University of North Florida, where he is excited to help students find their path and make the most of their college experience. Braxton earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with minors in Leadership and Sport Management at UNF. During his time at the university, he led the Sport Management Club, creating opportunities to work at Super Bowl LIX and Super Bowl LX, and facilitated a first-year student course through the Hicks Honors College. These experiences strengthened his passion for leadership, mentorship, and building connections with students. Braxton looks forward to helping students feel supported, reach their goals, and make the most of their time at UNF.
Graduate School Student Staff Support
Chandana K. | Graduate Assistant
graduateschool@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Chandana is pursuing her Master's degree in Construction Management at UNF, with a background in Architecture and over five years of experience. Her passion lies in combining design thinking with efficient project delivery to create sustainable built environments. Currently, she is working on a research project on a dynamic carbon accounting framework in construction and demolition waste management. As a part of the graduate school team, Chandana is glad to assist students with their queries and contribute to a supportive environment.
Ayati P. | Graduate Assistant
graduateschool@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Ayati is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Business Analytics with a concentration in FinTech at the University of North Florida. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems with a minor in Business Administration from UNF. Ayati's academic interests include data analytics, technology, and using data-driven approaches to solve real-world problems. As a Graduate Assistant in the Graduate School, she is excited to support graduate students and contribute to a positive and welcoming environment. Ayati looks forward to connecting with students, assisting with their questions, and being part of their graduate school experience as she continues to grow academically and professionally at UNF.
Chey S. | Graduate Assistant
graduateschool@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600
Kylie C. | Graduate Assistant
graduateschool@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1600