September 2022

By Marsha Blasco

Not many people work at the same company for 50 years. Even fewer can say they started when the organization began. Janice Wood has earned both distinctions. Hired as a founding faculty member in 1972, Wood is still on the job at the Florida Institute of Education at UNF, creating curriculum for Florida schools and childcare centers.

“People ask me all the time, ‘Why are you still there? Why are you still working?’” Wood said. “The answer is that I love what I’m doing … I love learning new things, so I’ve been lucky to still be excited about it.”

Before UNF opened, Wood was recruited from the Duval County Public School District. She was working full time, traveling two days a week to Florida State University to complete her doctorate and raising a new baby. The dean of the College of Education tried twice to bring her to UNF before succeeding. She never imagined that decision would begin a lifelong career of training students to become teachers. As the only faculty member with a specialty in Early Childhood Education, Wood developed UNF’s program from scratch, which she said was both exciting and daunting.

The early years presented unusual challenges, too. Most students had full-time jobs, so classes were offered in the evenings. “It was suggested to us that we wear boots to get out of our cars because a couple of faculty members had been bitten by snakes. There were lots of snakes and critters running all over the place,” she said.

Inside the classroom, the lone teaching tool was an overhead projector. No computers. No internet. No PowerPoints. No videos. The only way to observe teaching methods was to make frequent trips to area schools and childcare centers. And though the process of training teachers has not significantly changed, the mindset has, Wood said. In the 1970s, children learned to read when they went to school. Today, the emphasis is on exposing children to literature, conversations and books from birth. “Now parents realize how important it is that they become involved in the education of their children. That’s a big difference as to what has gone on in the last 50 years in education in general.”

Wood has great praise for the early administrators of the University and described Thomas G. Carpenter as the right personality for the task of building a university, drawing faculty together and having them look forward. She also witnessed the campus milestones as they happened including men’s and women’s cross country as the first athletic teams, each of the new buildings as they were built and the expansion of programs and enrollment.  

So much has changed. “The first students at UNF were upper level and graduate students, and many were older than we were as faculty members,” Wood said. “The average age of the faculty was two years younger than the average age of the students … and they didn’t let us forget how much older they were than us.” Reflecting back over so many memories, Wood is most grateful for the close relationships she shared with other faculty. Many remain friends today. “Over the years, I had several job offers, and I wouldn’t even consider them,” she said. “Most of the core faculty felt the same way.”

Now, after working for all seven of UNF’s presidents, Wood is contemplating retirement in 2023. “I thought it’s a good time to retire at 50 years,” she said. “I’ve loved every minute of it, and I’ve never wanted to do anything else … I know I will miss going on campus each day and doing the work I love.”

By Marsha Blasco

For several years, alumna Katie Bakewell has been sharing her expertise with participants in UNF’s summer internship — Florida Data Science for Social Good. As students work with nonprofits to analyze data and solve problems, they benefit from Bakewell’s eight years of experience at NLP Logix, a Jacksonville data science company, where she is a Modeling and Analytics Team lead.

Yet, according to Bakewell, not only the students gain from the experience. “Mentoring the students absolutely helps me with my job,” she said. “Data science is a new field, so we’re hiring people who are fresh graduates. And we get interns every semester from UNF, and we are asking them to do work similar to the summer interns … so it helps us to understand the best way to teach the skills we have. It’s definitely mutually beneficial.”

A one-of-a-kind program in Florida
UNF’s data science program began in 2017 with the vision and collaboration of Dr. Dan Richard, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Karthikeyan Umapathy, associate professor of computing. Now, after six years of success, the program can boast providing real-world training to 44 interns who have created 21 data-driven solutions for nonprofit organizations. Modeled after a program created at the University of Chicago, UNF’s summer internship is the only one of its kind in Florida.  

For 12 weeks each summer, a team of six or seven interns flex their data science skills and social conscience as they solve difficult issues. The co-founders credit success to the quality of the students and the program’s volunteers — eight industry experts and 10 faculty advisers who meet with the interns every other week to answer questions and offer guidance. “We saw a theme emerge that ‘It takes a village,’" Richard said. “We had support from all of the mentors, the faculty leads and many others who help with the program. It really makes the difference in the success of the program.”

Victor Li, quantitative research manager at the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been advising the teams for several years and continues to be impressed with how quickly they are able to solve complicated tasks. He believes the UNF program successfully bridges the gap between classroom learning and the workplace. “Having real-world experience is so important in the field of data science, and for Dan and Karthik to create a program that combines the real-world experience while also helping out the nonprofits, is just an incredible alliance,” Li said.

As part of the Jaguars analytics team, Li assists all departments with their data needs to enhance decision-making and strategic planning. He is able to draw from his five years in the field to provide insights to the students, yet he also finds mentoring to be “100%” helpful to his own job. “One thing that’s interesting in the world of data science programming is it’s always changing,” Li said. “So, it’s helpful to be in a collaborative environment to hear everyone bringing in their new ideas. Just being in that environment is really conducive to staying up to date … and being able to explain concepts is sort of a muscle that needs to be trained and kept in shape too.”

Role of UNF Faculty Advisors
Dr. Georgette Dumont, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, began to work with the UNF program in its first year and has missed only one summer while on sabbatical. Not only does the program fit well with her expertise in public and nonprofit management, but she’s also passionate about nonprofit organizations. “Over the past decade, nonprofit funders are increasingly asking for data that confirms the organization’s success,” Dumont said. “This internship is ideal because it’s connecting the University to the community and offering what the community needs,” she said. “I just love what they’re doing, and that’s why I keep coming back.”

She believes she brings the human aspect to the discussion, focusing on what the data means to the organization, the clients and the funders and finding ways to help students interpret the data through those lenses. In return, she believes faculty mentors also benefit by learning more about what is happening in the community.

Dr. Lakshmi Goel, professor and associate dean of the Coggin College of Business, has assisted with the program for four years. She has high praise for Umapathy and Richard and the tremendous level of support they personally provide for the interns, as well as connecting them with other experts to ensure their success.

Though she has a background in Information Systems and Analytics, she sees her role as making a business case for the data. How are we connecting this information to the organization’s mission and goals? “You can really get lost in the data,” Goel said. “And my role is to pull students back and make sure they are considering what the organization can do with the information … it must be aligned to what the company needs.”

Goel said she learns something from every project and gains the satisfaction that the University is providing real value to the community. “The talent for the area of data science is so expensive, which makes it hard for nonprofits to access,” she said. “This program gives these organizations something valuable they otherwise would not be able to afford.”

Interns share thoughts on the program at the Big Reveal
The six interns attended the Big Reveal event at the end of August, which is a forum for the students and clients to share their projects and findings with the public. A member of the audience asked students what could be improved next year. Several said they would have enjoyed more in-person time rather than remote work, yet otherwise had only praise for the program. Here are a few comments:

• Sara Milligan, Doctoral student in Philosophy, USF — I really don’t think there’s anything that could have been done better, and I really appreciate all of the hard work that Dan and Karthik and everyone else put into it to make it a really smooth, amazing learning experience for all of us.

• Minakshi Sharma, Master of Public Health student, UNF — “Even though we were doing the internship online, I felt like we were all together at the same place at the same time. Whatever the problem we had, it was solved instantly … It was like everyone involved in this was there every time. And the professors were very helpful.”

• Mahmoud Elbatouty, Bachelor of Science student, UNF — This program was amazing. The professors, and especially the resources we were given …”

• Adhithyan Rangarajan, Master of Science student, USF — “The professors have been super helpful. They’ve gone above and beyond and helped us. And, also the clients and mentors have given us the right pointers when we needed it.”

• Other interns: Abhishek Pancholi, Master of Science student, USF; Brian Ferdman, Master of Science student, UWF

Learn more about the 2022 projects and the interns online.

By Byron E. Jones

His UNF journey has since progressed from those early days as a camper to being a devoted participant and contributor to the youth camp program — eventually becoming a volunteer and camp counselor as a teen. He then enrolled as a student at UNF. While pursuing his degree, in 2019, he became a group supervisor for the 11 to 12-year-olds before being promoted to assistant director in the summer of 2022 and helping to manage the day-to-day operations in addition to his club sports position. Earlier this year, he became the new club sports and facilities coordinator.

By Byron E. Jones

There are many exciting things taking place for UNF Athletics at the dawning of the fall 2022 semester. In June, the department announced a partnership with CSI Companies to facilitate the installation of a new Arena floor, which will be revealed in the upcoming months. Recently, Director of Athletics Nick Morrow discussed future plans for the athletics program and its facilities, including new lighting installations for baseball, softball and tennis.

At the 2022 North Florida Athletics AD Reception in August, he revealed the creation of “The Pursuit,” a five-year strategic plan that lists the mission, vision, core values and priorities of the athletics program. Created over the course of nine months, Morrow shared that the name “The Pursuit” comes from a quote by legendary NFL head coach Vince Lombardi when discussing achieving greatness — a task the athletics department is committed to doing.

Morrow also stated that the strategic plan was a collaborative effort among various groups within the Osprey community including coaches, student-athletes (current and former), VPs, alumni and donors.

“I’m really excited about this strategic plan,” said Morrow. “It was really important to me and the department for it to be collaborative.”

North Florida Athletics has announced changes to home event ticketing, which means there are now many more free sporting events for the campus community to enjoy.

Ticketed and Non-Ticketed Varsity Sports
The breakdown of ticketed and free admission home events has changed this season. Men's basketball, softball, baseball and outdoor track and field comprise the ticketed home events.

Director of Athletics Nick Morrow hopes the change will bring more community members to watch sports at UNF. “It is important that we provide our local Jacksonville community with affordable, family friendly entertainment,” Morrow said. “This change will remove a financial barrier that may exist and allow for more people to visit our beautiful campus to enjoy quality Division I athletics. It is our goal to provide an excellent fan experience that leaves people wanting to return and bring their friends and neighbors.”

The cost to attend events for the listed sports is free, although UNF will offer premium experiences varying by sport and venue. Single game Bank of England Suite tickets will also be available for volleyball and women's basketball games. Osprey Club Hospitality will be available for select events, courtside seats will be available on a game-by-game basis for women's basketball and single game Bank of England Suite tickets will be available for volleyball and women's basketball games.

Details on Group and VIP Experiences
UNF will offer group experiences for outings of 10 or more people. 

• $15 per ticket
• Group experiences such as national anthem buddies, halftime performances, team autograph sessions
• Concessions voucher
• UNF T-Shirt

VIP experiences (availability and cost varies)

• Birthday parties
• In-venue tailgates
• Corporate events

For more information on group and VIP fan experiences, please contact Kaitlin Parsons or Aaron Longe at the email addresses below:
Kaitlin Parsons - Associate AD for External Operations | k.parsons@unf.edu
Aaron Longe - Assistant Director of Marketing | n01528564@unf.edu

Information submitted by the UNF Athletics Department.

Dr. Karen Shears Cousins is the associate vice president in the Office of the Provost and an affiliated professor of history.

What does your job involve?
Truthfully, I am a jack-of-all-trades! I facilitate and represent the provost; lead, advise and monitor issues and projects on behalf of the provost; and oversee the implementation of strategies and the reporting necessary to comply with Board of Governors requirements, which affect the academic enterprise.

How long have you worked at UNF?
I was a full-time undergraduate and graduate student at UNF from 2006 to 2011. That’s a lot of work — but of a different kind! I came back seven years later as a visiting assistant professor in history for the 2018-19 academic year and have been in administration full time since the summer of 2019, beginning as the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.

What do you enjoy most about working here?
I have hilarious, supportive and caring colleagues in Academic and Student Affairs, and I get to work with gifted faculty and students across all the colleges and departments. I love my job!

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I love to read, both nonfiction and fiction. I like to walk on the beach with my husband, looking for little treasures offered up by the ocean; and I like to travel, where I always gravitate to museums and historical churches.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Orlando, but my father was in the U.S. Air Force, so I grew up all over the place. I had attended 13 schools by the time I graduated from 12^th grade.

Where did you go to school?
UNF for my B.A. and M.A., and the fabulous University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, where I earned my Ph.D. in history in 2018. It’s the thing of which I’m most proud!

Who inspires you and why?
I’ve had a series of women in my life who have inspired me, beginning with my mother, Jackie Shears, who is now 87. She’s still my cherished role model. Most recently, the woman who inspires me is my boss, Karen Patterson. I admire and seek to emulate the grace and strength under pressure that she models every day.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I didn’t go to college right after high school. Instead, I graduated from the Washington Business School. The skills I honed as a professional legal secretary and ultimately as high-level executive assistant to international corporate principals, undergirding the education I later gained, have proven to be a pretty good mix!

Meet Gavin Martellotti

Gavin Martellotti is currently a junior majoring in Music Performance as a saxophonist. He was named the winner of the UNF Wind Symphony Concerto Competition in the spring and performed David Maslanka’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone with the UNF Wind Symphony. He was also selected to participate in the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute at the Snow Pond Music Festival over the summer studying with world-renowned saxophone pedagogues. He's currently pursuing a conducting certificate.

What brought you to UNF?
In high school, I took virtual lessons from a young professor who received her undergraduate degree from UNF. She's an incredibly successful saxophonist and really advocated for studying here. When I auditioned here, I had been accepted into a different university that I was leaning heavily towards. At my audition, the saxophone professor here, Dr. Bovenzi, told me, "Of all the places you have applied to, you will receive the best saxophone education here,". It was a bold statement but it really stuck with me. Prior to my audition, I had taken a lesson with him and spoke with him. He seemed to understand the things I want to accomplish in music and I'm really grateful for that. I'm really here because of Dr. Bovenzi. I recently attended the Snow Pond music festival, and I was able to keep up with graduate students and students from major universities. I can attest that I am receiving the best saxophone education I could be receiving.

What have you enjoyed most about the University?
I enjoy how much opportunity there is here, especially as an undergraduate student. UNF is a place where if you want to do something, there is absolutely a way to accomplish it.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
I really enjoy the Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center. Sometimes I'll stay after a rehearsal and improvise, or play melodies. It's especially nice when the lights are dim, and it's a space where you can easily make your sound consume the whole room.

What campus clubs/organizations/activities are you involved in?
I recently joined the UNF Composers Club, and I work at the Alumni Engagement center.

Where did you grow up?
Sebastian, Florida

When did you first become interested in music and how did you settle upon the saxophone?
I started playing music in middle school. I initially didn't join the band program, but a lot of my friends were in it, so I decided to join. I thought the saxophone was a really cool instrument, so I settled upon that and the rest is history.

What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
"Motivation comes after consistency."

Who inspires you?
My peers inspire me. So many of my peers and friends are great musicians and great people. It's wonderful to be surrounded by people who are also driven and excellent at what they do. Both of my roommates are also saxophonists and are each accomplished musicians in their own regard who push me to keep moving forward.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I make stamps! I carve designs into lino blocks, and I use an ink pad.

UNF's 2022 Convocation will be held Friday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. in the Lazzara Performance Hall, Fine Arts Building.

This 51st Annual Convocation will be a celebration of the accomplishments of many colleagues and friends. It will also be an opportunity to hear remarks from President Limayem and to recognize the achievements of our faculty in the areas of International Service, International Leadership, Teaching, Scholarship, Service, and Advising. Another highlight of this program is the honoring of UNF's 45th Distinguished Professor, Michele Moore. 

Click here to view a list of awardees.

UNF Preschool and College of Education team up to offer new learning experiences
The UNF Preschool and College of Education and Human Services are working together to increase experiential learning opportunities for UNF education students as well as continue to foster the nurturing learning environment for children, for which the Preschool has been well known since 1975. Under the College purview since spring 2020, the Preschool has expanded its capacity to serve as a training, observation and internship site for education students and faculty. Learn more about the new learning experiences.

Adopt a dolphin to support UNF's dolphin research program 
North Florida’s Dolphin Research Program provides critical information on the population of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting Jacksonville’s estuarine waters. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Quincy Gibson, associate professor of biology, and student researchers have identified and conducted studies on the behavioral ecology of over 500 individual dolphins in the St. Johns River, approximately half of which are year-round residents. To help support the program and its research, the Dolphin Research Program offers the unique opportunity to symbolically “adopt” a local dolphin that has been identified during marine mammal research. Learn how to adopt a dolphin.

UNF hosts environmental, social and governance factors workshop for business executives
The Coggin College of Business Executive Programs hosted a workshop on understanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors on Thursday, Aug. 25, in downtown Jacksonville. The workshop was designed for business executives, managers reporting data to a board of directors, and small business owners positioning themselves to be acquired by a public corporation where robust ESG processes and reporting are likely to be in place. Learn more about the workshop online.

UNF contributing to needs assessment for Northeast Florida Veterans and Families
The Center for Community Initiatives at UNF has partnered with a national veteran-serving organization Endeavors, the Combined Arms Institute, and the City of Jacksonville to conduct research on the needs of veterans and their families in Northeast Florida. The goal of the assessment survey is to learn how to better help local veterans. Find more information online about UNF’s role in the needs assessment. Learn more and take the survey online.

UNF Continuing Education offers new animal-assisted interventions and interactions certificate
The Division of Continuing Education is now offering a noncredit program and certificate as a Human-Animal Intervention Specialist for healthcare, human service, educational professionals and volunteers who wish to include animals in their goal-driven or recreational work. This course is also appropriate for dog trainers who help prepare humans and their animals for Animal-Assisted Interventions. The program is an option for those who want to pursue advanced study but do not seek a graduate degree. The inaugural class will begin in fall 2022. Learn more about the certificate online.

UNF and partners awarded National Science Foundation grant to study seagrass health
The Department of Biology chair Dr. Cliff Ross, in collaboration with the University of South Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, has been awarded a federal grant from the National Science Foundation to study seagrass health. The entire grant, among all partnering institutions, is $1M and will be the first in history to research viral infections of seagrass and the resulting impact on coastal ecosystems. Learn more about this research project online.

UNF Brooks College publishes study on teacher empathy in higher education
A research study conducted by the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics on the importance of teacher empathy in higher education was recently published. The findings support the theory that contextual factors among students can play a significant role in how instructor empathy is perceived and highlight how instructor empathy can have a significant impact on students including fostering a more positive university experience and success both inside and outside of the classroom. Read more about the study.

UNF leadership program hosts training events for PGA TOUR and First Tee Scholars
The Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI) recently hosted two leadership training events for the PGA TOUR and First Tee Scholars program. The First Tee Scholars program participated in Leadership Day on UNF’s campus. The program challenged the First Tee collegiate student leaders from around the country to work together on team-building exercises at UNF’s Osprey Challenge Course at Eco Adventure as well as leadership training activities facilitated by TLI faculty and students. Learn more about the leadership training events.

MOCA Jacksonville presents Shervone Neckles ‘Bless This House’
Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., UNF Gallery at MOCA; Exhibition on display through Sunday, March 5
The title of the exhibition, “Bless This House,” is inspired by the song by the same name, whose version by New Orleans gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was often played at the East Flatbush, Brooklyn house Shervone Neckles grew up in. Neckles is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, community worker, and artist advocate who uses repurposed materials and Afro-Caribbean sensibilities to retell histories and mythologies. Learn more about the exhibition online.

First Wednesday Art Walk
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 5 – 9 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
You’re invited to bring your family, friends and co-workers to a self-guided tour of Downtown’s Northbank. See current exhibitions, take part in free community art projects for all ages and explore the world of contemporary art. Learn more online.

Distinguished Voices Lecture Series: ‘China: The Asia-Pacific Struggle for Control’
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Malcolm Turnbull, the former prime minister of Australia, will visit for a special lecture on the growing influence of China and the impact of China’s emergence on the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In addition to politics, his notable career also spans journalism, law, entrepreneurship and investment banking. UNF partners with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville to bring distinguished speakers to campus. Register for a free e-ticket online.

Faculty Recital
Friday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Features Dr. Andrea Venet, associate professor of percussion, with special guest Paige DeDecker. Find more concerts online.

Faculty Recital
Sunday, Sept. 18, 3 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
The 'Potpourri' features Dr. Gary Smart, professor of piano, composition and improvisation, with music by Mozart, Liszt, Debussy and solo piano improvisations. Find more concerts online.

Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series
Presents Classical Faculty Scholarship Concert
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Dr. James Hall, Artistic Director. Find more concerts online.

50^th Anniversary Speaker Series Event
‘UNF’s Aerial Footprint, 50 Years of Land Use Change’
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Dr. Christopher Baynard and Dr. Robert D. Richardson will present with graduate students Christian Hobbs and Chris Wilson. This project examines the growth of UNF at the landscape level over the past 50 years using available satellite imagery and air photos, as well as kite, balloon and pole aerial photography. In addition to the campus’ expanding footprint over time, land-use patterns are also examined and calculated to generate a better understanding of UNF’s development. Register online for this event.

50^th Anniversary Speaker Series Event
‘Striving for a Greener, More Diverse Institution’
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Dr. Charles Closmann, associate professor of history, will moderate a panel including Dr. David Courtwright, former professor of history, Emeritus, former Presidential Scholar, and Dr. Radha Pyati, former UNF professor of chemistry, former president of UNF Faculty Association, and currently dean of Arts and Sciences at West Chester University. For this event, Dr. Closmann will highlight the environmental history of UNF, and the university’s efforts in recent years to address diversity and inclusion among students, faculty and staff. Register online to attend this event.

Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Massimo Osanna
Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Dr. Massimo Osanna has been called “the man who saved Pompeii,” as he led the most extensive excavations at the famous site since World War II. He was director of the Archeological Park of Pompeii for seven years and was named director general of Italian State Museums in 2020. He is also a professor of classical archaeology at the University Federico II of Naples.

Here at UNF, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The significance of this date range relates to the independence observances of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize. Celebrations held throughout the month detail the history and achievements of Hispanic people.

For additional resources and information regarding National Hispanic Heritage Month, view the library's online display.

904 Weekend 2022 Focuses on "Fueling the Pursuit Initiative"
North Florida Athletics launched its initiative for 904 Weekend - 2022, with the focus put on fundraising for nutritional services and counseling for UNF student-athletes. Learn more about this initiative.

Women's Golf Brings in Idaho Transfer, Helen Zhou
North Florida women's golf adds its second transfer of the summer by signing Hong-Hong "Helen" Zhou from the University of Idaho. She will be the first student-athlete in program history to be a native of China and the second from an Asian country. Learn more about women's golf's newest addition.

Men's Basketball Season Tickets on Sale for 22-23
Fans now have a chance to reserve their men's basketball season tickets for the 2022-23 year as the UNF Arena experiences its first year with exciting updates to the facility. Learn more about purchasing season tickets.

North Florida Athletics Offers NOCAP Sports to Assist With NIL
North Florida Athletics announces that its student-athletes have access to NOCAP Sports, a premiere service in aiding collegiate student-athletes in enhancing their opportunities in the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) market. Learn more about NOCAP Sports and how it benefits student-athletes.

Nathan Jubran Named ASUN Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Nathan Jubran was awarded ASUN Male Student-Athlete of the Year honors as announced by the conference on Friday, Aug. 12. Jubran is the first Osprey to collect this honor from the ASUN for the cross country and track and field programs. Learn more about Jubran's award-winning season.

Women's Basketball Welcomes Myron Brown as Director of Operations
North Florida women's basketball welcomes its new director of operations Myron Brown, a Michigan native who brings in nearly two decades of experience in high school and collegiate basketball. Brown most recently served as the head women's basketball coach at the NAIA institution, Thomas College, in Thomasville, Georgia. Learn more about Myron.

Kudos to Information Technology Services and the Library for fully integrating UNF resources into the Florida VirtualCampus platform and for being among the first state universities to do so! The Florida Virtual Campus is a suite of centralized services that supports all public colleges and universities in the state, providing free access to library resources, admissions information, career planning tools and more. Florida Virtual Campus aims to help students prepare and succeed in college. UNF is one of only three state universities to offer full connectivity to a wide range of resources!

Learn more about Florida’s Virtual Campus.

The Princeton Review ranks UNF among ‘Best in the Southeast’ for 2023

For 14 years running, the University of North Florida has been placed on the “Best in the Southeast” list by The Princeton Review. For 2023, UNF shares the honor with only 143 colleges and universities in the 12 Southeastern states that also made the list.

Selections are based on data collected from its survey of thousands of currently enrolled students and administrators, staff visits to the schools and the perspectives of college counselors and advisors whose opinions the company solicits. UNF students surveyed shared that “students get an excellent education, for a terrifically low tuition, by knowledgeable and caring instructors,” that they feel prepared “for opportunities in the professional world,” and the university “accommodates a wide variety of students, from those interested in out-of-class activities to serious research scholars.” Students also noted that “cultural diversity seems to be celebrated by students and faculty,” and that “students can feel free to be themselves and express themselves accordingly.” Read more about the ranking.

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