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Inside UNF — October 7, 2022

Making space for another Osprey!

A new addition to the UNF campus is underway — a tree carving of Ospreys, courtesy of chainsaw carving artist James Gandy. Learn more about the history of UNF's mascot.

Chainsaw artist carving tree Tree carving Tree carving on UNF campus

Message from the President

It has been just over two months since I joined the University of North Florida, and I can tell you, it did not take long for me to feel at home here. As I shared from the beginning, listening has been a top priority for me, and I want you to know how much I have appreciated the conversations I’ve had with so many of you. I have enjoyed having coffee with faculty and visiting with staff, and I will continue to set aside time for these valuable discussions. 
 
To our employees who worked during the recent storm, thank you again! We are so grateful for all that you did to secure our campus and keep our students safe. While we were fortunate to avoid severe weather here in Jacksonville, I encourage everyone to be compassionate and understanding of any colleagues or students who may have been affected by the hurricane. If you see that someone is struggling or needs assistance, please do what you can to help.
 
We are all here to support our students, and their success is an integral part of everyone’s job at UNF. Every student counts, and I am grateful for all that you do every day to help them succeed.

Inside has a new look!

Inside UNFWe are always looking for ways to provide employees with up-to-date information, more interesting content and an easier format to read. With this issue of Inside, we’ve tried to do all those things and have also changed the look a bit. You probably noticed the new soaring Osprey banner, a refreshed layout and a couple new features.

We’ve also changed the schedule. Starting with this issue, Inside will be sent to your email boxes twice a month, typically during the first and third weeks. This allows us to send more timely news and keep the newsletter a bit shorter by splitting up some long content. For example, we will include employee Dateline milestones as well as Free Things to Do in the first issue of the month. Faculty and Staff news will go out in the second monthly issue. We hope you enjoy this issue, but we want to continue to improve and provide the news you want. Please take a moment to complete this short survey!  

School of Nursing hosts sixth annual sock drive

J. Brooks Brown HallThe School of Nursing's Sixth Annual Sock Drive is underway! Socks are being collected for donation to partner community agencies that serve the local homeless population. You can donate by drop off or by mail. Last year's drive was record-breaking, totaling 2,293 pairs of socks! 

Donations this year will be accepted through Thursday, Nov. 10, at the following on-campus drop-off locations:
  • Brooks College of Health Dean's Office, J. Brooks Brown Hall, Building 39 (third floor, #3031)
  • School of Nursing, J. Brooks Brown Hall, Building 39A (third floor, #3090)
To donate by mail, please send donations to:
Brooks College of Health, School of Nursing
Building 39A, Room #3090
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
 
For inquiries, please contact Deirdre Shoemake at d.shoemake@unf.edu.

Register now for 'Back to the Swoop'

By Kelly Harrison
Director of Professional Development and Training

Professional development forum posterThings are kicking into high gear as we make the final push toward the Professional Development Forum!

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18. The date was selected to coincide with UNF’s birthday month, October. Registration will close on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Specifics of the event, including the schedule and list of sessions, are available on the Center for Professional Development and Training Forum website

The theme this year — “Back to the SWOOP: Celebrating 50 Years of UNF” — is focused on learning from our past to forge our future. We have an interesting lineup of sessions that touch on topics such as IT, diversity and inclusion, leadership, and a few other interesting surprises. Something new this year is a general session right after lunch titled, “An Afternoon with the President,” where we will sit down with our new president, Dr. Moez Limayem, to talk about his thoughts, philosophies, wishes and dreams for the future of UNF. 

This year is special for us as we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of UNF, and it is always a great opportunity for employees to spend time with their colleagues, learn and grow as professionals and individuals, and have some fun. Rumor also has it that we may have some people from UNF’s past joining us as special guests for the awards luncheon at the Forum.

Don’t miss the fun. Register today!

UNF 'hooper' leads research project

By Byron E. Jones
 
In the world of research, it’s rare to have a researcher who’s also part of the study group. UNF graduate student and basketball player Dorian James is embracing that opportunity and will be able to provide his unique perspective.
 
Dorian James conducting research projectAs a student in the Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) program, James is working with EMHA Director Dr. Shyam Paryani to conduct an independent study remotely monitoring athletes to determine how their fitness and activity levels relate to performance, injury recovery and overall wellness.
 
Beginning this month and throughout the remainder of the 2022-23 school year, James and his teammates will wear Firstbeat™ monitors and Fitbit™ trackers to collect data for multiple parameters including heart rate, calorie intake and sleep activity. Using a customized app, all participants can view their personal data to gain insight into how their daily regimen affects their health. There are also plans to expand this study to all UNF sports teams in 2023.
 
“We’re trying to improve general health for a lot of people,” said James. “A lot of the time athletes focus on their performance. What is their health going to be like after they finish playing sports?”
 
In the world of sports, athletic performance is usually assessed through a series of physical activities such as running, jumping or lifting. While athletic assessments help evaluate performance, Dorian and faculty members of the EMHA program are looking to learn more about the general wellness of athletes through remote monitoring.
 
He shared that the idea to conduct such a study on athletes was conceptualized by Paryani, who helped create a virtual care center for residents at a local retirement community over the summer by utilizing remote patient monitoring. The ongoing project involves the use of various sensors to detect abnormalities in a person’s health. If anything is detected, the individual receives a call on their phone from an app equipped with telemedicine to communicate with a doctor’s office. This early detection has proven successful in preventing hospitalizations.
 
Through conversations with Paryani, James was presented with the opportunity to help design and administer this new study monitoring UNF student-athletes. He admits to being intrigued by the thought of combining his love for athletics and human wellness.
 
James, whose mother is a family physician, says he initially wanted to attend medical school and follow in her footsteps. During the outbreak of COVID-19, he became interested in health administration with the goal of becoming the general manager of a hospital. Prior to graduating with a bachelor’s in biomedical science in August, he talked with Dr. Paryani about the EMHA program and decided to join. 
 
While he says this is his first time taking on a project of this depth, he’s excited about the process. “I feel like this project will have a real impact on improving healthcare and changing lives,” James said.
 
Learn more about the EMHA Program and catch Dorian along with his teammates for the upcoming men’s basketball season.

Get To Know: Dena Begle

Dena Begle wearing a stethoscope and UNF Athletics shirtDena Begle, BSN, RN, AMB-BC is a lead nurse in student health services. She was also a fall 2021 Presidential SPOT Award winner for her lasting positive effects and contributions to the University.

What does your job involve?
At Student Health Services, we take care of the Osprey’s health needs. From physicals to flu shots and everything in between! I wear many hats within SHS. My role as lead is to support our team of RNs, coordinate schedules, and ensure consistent standards of practice and competencies in the delivery of care. I also help lead the women’s health and travel health clinics within SHS.
 
How long have you worked at UNF?
I have worked here for four years.
 
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The SHS team! We are definitely one big happy family. We have so much fun while also making such a positive impact on the students. We not only take care of students when they’re sick or injured, but we also look for opportunities to reach out to students through events on campus and partnering with other UNF organizations. The passion you will find at SHS is truly one-of-a-kind, and I am lucky to be a part of the team.
 
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I love spending time with my amazing husband, Justin, and our three sweet kiddos. Our son, David, is 12 and our daughters, Fiona and Isla, are 8. We love swimming, boating and movie night Fridays! I also enjoy running, baking, reading and snuggling my mini labradoodle, Nutmeg.
 
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Tyler, TX. I moved to Florida with my family in 2003 and officially became a Jacksonville resident in 2007.
 
Where did you go to school?
I went to the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I met my husband at UCF and now we both work here at UNF!
 
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Love God, Love Others and Love Yourself.
 
Who inspires you and why?
My late grandfather, Fred King or “Dude” as we lovingly nicknamed him, has always been my inspiration. He was the founder and owner of Kinco Windows until Parkinson’s led him to early retirement. He was known as a friend to his employees, customers and the community as a whole. He loved his family fervently and ran his business with class, kindness and a servant’s heart.
 
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I recently planted a butterfly garden, and I’ve already successfully released five monarch butterflies! We currently have 23 monarch chrysalises and at least another dozen monarch caterpillars getting fatter every day!

Free Things to Do in October

Amy Bennion Beecham Crown of FeathersSpin: Amy Bennion Beecham and John Bennion’
Exhibition available now through Nov. 11; Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. UNF Gallery of Art (Backspace)
Spin is a collaborative project between artist Amy Bennion Beecham and author John Bennion. The novel bends and blends genres – fiction, essay and art. The Back Gallery of UNF Gallery of Art exhibits 20 of Professor Beecham’s graphite and ink drawings from this collaboration. (© Amy Bennion Beecham, Crown of Feathers, 2017, graphite, 9" x 9")

Shervone Neckles: ‘Bless this House’
Exhibition on view now through March 5; UNF Gallery at MOCA Jacksonville;
Free admission for UNF employees and one guest.
The song, “Bless this House” in the voice of Mahalia Jackson filled the rooms of Shervone Neckles’ family home in Grenvill, Grenada, West Indies. Encircled by the repeated refrain in varying tones, this Gospel calls for a blessing to the walls, roof, door and windows. Learn more about the exhibition.

Cummer Series school of music event with Cummer Family Foundation

Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series
Friday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring John Daugherty, baritone, and Geoffrey Loff, piano, and James Hall as artistic director.

2nd Annual Aria Competition Finals
Saturday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Features Dr. John Daugherty, director.

UNF Orchestra in Concert
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Featuring works by Handel and Mozart. Dr. Simon Shiao, conductor.

Faculty Recital: Hello Mr. Clarke! The Music of Herbert L. Clarke
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring Drs. Marc Dickman, trombone and euphonium; Randy Tinnin, cornet and trumpet; and Gary Smart, piano.

Dateline

UNF Dateline balloonsMilestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in October:
 
20 Years
Elizabeth Hardy, Online Success Coach, DL-Online
Dirk Small, IT Full Stack Software Engineer, Management
 
15 Years
Julia Figura, Admissions Processing Specialist, Enrollment Services Processing Office
Cynthia Hoffer, Office Specialist, University Police Department
Robert Keyser, Coordinator IT Support, Service Management
 
10 Years
Albina Mikhaylova, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services, Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Innovation
Justin Sipes, Director Center for Community-Based Learning
 
5 Years
Claritza Day, Assistant Director, Project Management Office
Rosalind Dexter-Harris, Director, Enrollment Services Planning and Operations
Terry Evans, Director, Admissions
Richard Hecht, Graphic Designer, Marketing and Communications
Amanda Kulp, Assistant VP of Institutional Effectiveness
Krystina LeFils, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services, Admissions
Eva Tinc, Senior IT Project Manager, Project Management Office
Kimberly Troke, Quality Assurance Analyst, Florida Institute of Education
 
Welcome
The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Suzanne Adinolfi, VPK Regional Facilitator, Florida Institute of Education
Von Nell Baggett, Director, Academic Advising Services, COAS
Stephanie Bartolo, Administrative Secretary, Counseling Center
McKenzie Bengry, Office Manager, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Michael Boele, Assistant AD - Business, Athletics
Shannon Brandt-Asciolla, Instructor, English
Nellie Carroll, Academic Advisor, COAS Advising
Sydney Collins, Human Resources Associate, Human Resources
Caleb Crowder, Coordinator, Aquatics and Risk Management
Nicole Gengler, Administrative Assistant, Major Gifts
Saber Gray, Instructor, English
Xavier Hill, Psychologist, Counseling Center
Lauren Hirneisen, Assistant Coach, Cross Country
Imani Jackson, Instructor, English
Sergio Kelsor, Coordinator, Academic Support Services, International Business 
Sean Key, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Kevin Kraft, Police Communications Operator, University Police Department
Alya Limayem, Associate Professor, Biology
Louis Marinkovich, VPK Regional Facilitator, Florida Institute of Education
Gabriella Marquez, Student Affairs Specialist, Department of Diversity Initiatives
Allison Mason, Coordinator, University Archives, Library
John Miller, Assistant Professor, Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management
Stephen Miske, Academic Advisor, COAS 
Denise Monti, Instructor, Honors
Reeva Morton, Instructor, Exceptional, Deaf and Interpreter Education
Sarah Nix, Laboratory Manager, Chemistry
Sumit Raj, Post Doctoral Associate, Mechanical Engineering
Sophie Raleigh, Coordinator of Communications, College of Education and Human Services
Haley Reinheimer, Accreditation Coordinator, College of Education and Human Services
Alyssa Schneider, Student Success Systems Analyst, Undergraduate Studies
Lillian Seltenreich, Administrative Secretary, Psychology
Ashlee Shaner, Coordinator, Data Management, Advancement Services
Susan Stanley, Library Systems Specialist, Library
Igor Tavuzhnyanskiy, Assistant Director, Enrollment Services Communications
George Wahl, Events Planning Associate, Student Union
Bryant Wilcox, Interfaith Specialist, Department of Diversity Initiatives
Amy Young, Student Government Success Specialist, SG Business and Accounting Office

Great Job
The following employees were promoted recently:
Victoria Armenta, Coordinator, Special Events, Alumni Services
Erin Davis, Associate Director, Foundation Accounting, Training and Services Institute
Rosalind Dexter-Harris, Director, Enrollment Services Planning and Operations
Tori Dillard, Assistant Director, Admissions
Sheresa Divens, Assistant Director, Residential Academic Initiative, Housing
Gennadiy Gedroit, Junior Network Engineer, Cyberinfrastructure
Gregory Graves, Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Matt Hartley, Director, Interfaith Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Haley Sanders, Academic Advisor, Brooks College of Health
Ashley Smith, Coordinator, Clinical Research - Psychology
Tony Turrin, Senior Business Systems Analyst, Project Management Office

Goodbye
The following employees have left UNF recently:
Maria Grace Amendola, Assistant Professor, Nursing
Harold Anderson, Coordinator, Events Catering, MOCA Jacksonville
Lola Argalas, Associate Director, Foundation Accounting, Training and Services Institute
Mitra Asgarinik, Instructional Designer, Distance Learning Fee
Christy Brown, Mental Health Counselor, Counseling Center
Cornet Ellison, Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Facilities
Ayia Ghazy, Administrative Secretary, Electrical Engineering
Thomas Higginbotham, Admissions Coordinator, Admissions
Tia Kimball, Instructor, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
Judith Kraft, Administrative Assistant, Nursing
Lakeria Lockwood, Groundskeeper, Grounds
Justin Lovins, Assistant Director Operations, DL-UNF Online
Kevin Nazario-Toro, Recycle Refuse Worker, Recycle
Darius Perkins, Coordinator Residence Life, Crossings
Erik Rettig, Assistant Director Data Management, Advancement Services
Melinda Rojas, Coordinator, Institutional Support, Writing Center
Brenda Rolison, Administrative Assistant, Faculty Development and Research
Shannon Stewart, Coordinator Scholarships, Stewardship and Donor Relations
 

In Memoriam
The UNF community was saddened to learn of the death of Marvin Thompson, senior custodial worker, who passed away August 31. Read his obituary online.

Swoop Summary

Swoop Mini Plan with game schedule details to the leftSupport our Athletics teams! A number of seasons are currently underway on campus, and ticket packages are on sale for basketball season. UNF Men's Basketball recently revealed the Swoop Mini Plan for only $80. The plan includes admission to four upcoming games against South Carolina State (Nov. 19), Liberty University (Jan. 21), Jacksonville University (Feb. 4) and Florida Gulf Coast University (Feb. 9).
Those who purchase the plan will receive a commemorative court replica of the new CSI Companies Court.
 

Here's What's Coming Up Next:


Volleyball vs. North Alabama
Sunday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.  |  Swisher Gymnasium  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Soccer vs. Queens (Charlotte)
Thursday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Men's Soccer vs. Bellarmine
Saturday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Basketball vs. Warner
Monday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Free Admission