Inside UNF — November 20, 2025

• Osprey spirit soars at Homecoming 2025
• Groundbreaking for new housing complex
• UNF unveils 2025-35 Campus Master Plan
• Exploring the impact of sports on Jacksonville’s economic growth
• Men's Soccer wins back-to-back ASUN Championship titles
• Osprey Profile: Madison Funk
• Silverfield College helps inspire the next generation of educators
• Inside News Roundup
• Faculty and Staff News
• Free Things to Do
• Dateline
• Swoop Summary

Osprey spirit soars at Homecoming 2025

  

The University of North Florida’s Homecoming 2025 celebration was a legendary tribute to the spirit of the Osprey and included the dramatic return of UNF’s beloved mascot, Ozzie the Osprey.

 

Ozzie, who had been missing since Halloween, made a grand reappearance during the Homecoming basketball game, bursting through a blaze of pyrotechnics to thunderous cheers from students, alumni and friends.

 

Homecoming 2025 was moved to the fall for the first time this year and also marked the triumphant return of the parade, believed to be the first in more than a decade. The streets came alive with the rhythm of drums from the Edward White High School marching band, cheering crowds and decorated vehicles from more than 50 community groups.

 

Learn more about this year's homecoming celebration.

 

Groundbreaking for new housing complex

The University of North Florida, Chance Partners and Fansler Construction recently broke ground on a new apartment complex, 30° North, for UNF students.

 

Located on First Coast Tech Parkway south of The Flats at UNF, the apartments are set to open in Fall 2027 on land owned by UNF and leased to an affiliate of Chance Partners LLC, a Jacksonville-based real estate development company.

 

The complex will consist of four buildings with 237 fully furnished units offering single, double, triple, and quad layouts, accommodating a total of 702 student beds.

 

Learn more about 30° North.

UNF unveils 2025-35 Campus Master Plan

The 2025-35 Campus Master Plan was unanimously approved by the University of North Florida Board of Trustees today.

 

The Campus Maser Plan is a bold, flexible and innovative roadmap for the next decade of physical transformation on campus that implements the vision of the UNF Strategic Plan. This plan aligns efforts campus-wide, optimizes resources and elevates the overall campus experience, while including elements that blend with the natural environment and engage the broader community.

 

The master plan outlines the facilities and improvements needed to realize UNF's ten-year vision, from new buildings and renovations to upgraded indoor and outdoor spaces, improved transportation and wayfinding, and more. It addresses the evolving needs of academics, student life, housing, athletics, research and natural areas – touching all aspects of University life.

 

Learn more about what the plan entails.

Exploring the impact of sports on Jacksonville’s economic growth

The University of North Florida hosted the “Sports as an Economic Engine in Jacksonville” panel with regional business and sports leaders as part of Homecoming Week festivities. Co-hosted by UNF’s Coggin College of Business (CCB) and the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, the panel drew a packed crowd at the University Center.

 

Participants explored how sports serve as a unifying force to bridge communities and elevate Jacksonville’s national visibility and how investments in sports infrastructure, major events and community engagement are fueling jobs, tourism and regional pride.

 

The panel discussion underscored how strategic collaboration between educational institutions, professional sports organizations and civic partners continues to shape Jacksonville’s identity and economic trajectory.

 

Learn more about the “Sports as an Economic Engine in Jacksonville” panel.

Men's Soccer wins back-to-back ASUN Championship titles

North Florida Men's Soccer earned its second consecutive Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship title after a match-clinching goal in overtime against Bellarmine, 3-2, on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Hodges Stadium.

 

Just minutes into the overtime period, a throw-in from senior defender Alex Barnett tipped off the head of sophomore midfielder Rafa Rios with junior defender Paul Schacherer cleaning up on the backside to earn the game-winning score. It marked the second-straight ASUN Championship title and the third in program history for North Florida - 2015, 2024 and 2025.

 

This evening, the team makes its third NCAA Championship appearance against the University of North Carolina at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, N.C at 6 p.m. ET. The winner of this matchup will advance to face nationally-seeded No. 4 Maryland.

 

Learn more about UNF men's soccer championship victory.

Osprey Profile: Madison Funk

By Byron E. Jones

 

When Madison Funk was in the sixth grade, she told her parents she was thinking about becoming a nurse. That summer, with the urging of her father, a healthcare employee, Funk gained valuable experience volunteering with hospital nurses.

 

“My dad got me involved in a volunteer program at his hospital,” recalls Funk. “I got to volunteer with anesthesia techs, and then I spent a day with a CRNA, and I thought to myself, ‘This is the coolest job.’”

 

She volunteered each summer until she graduated from high school, with her mother and father’s encouragement.

 

She would go on to become a nurse, and eventually her path would lead her to the University of North Florida to continue her education.

 

Funk will graduate this December with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesiology.

College and Early ICU Experiences 

A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Funk remained in-state for college — earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Campbell University in 2020. In August of that year, she began working at Duke University Hospital as a registered nurse in their medical pulmonary ICU. Shortly after her hiring, COVID-19 cases soared. Although it was a stressful time working on the frontlines during the pandemic, Funk says she was fortunate to work in a hospital with a great support system.

 

During her two-year stint working as an ICU nurse, Funk’s responsibilities included handling medication infusions, administering sedation and caring for the overall well-being of patients and their families.

 

Reflecting upon her ICU experiences, Funk says supporting patients and their families through such difficult times further ignited her desire to become a nurse anesthesiologist.

 

“Working in the ICU, especially during the pandemic, you’re there for the worst of it,” said Funk. “With anesthesia, I have an opportunity to make someone’s experience better.”

 

Learn more about Funk's journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist.

Silverfield College helps inspire the next generation of educators

The University of North Florida’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services proudly hosted the second annual Future Educators of America (FEA) Northeast Regional Conference and first annual Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium, welcoming more than 150 high school students, faculty and leaders in education from across the region for a day of inspiration, collaboration and professional growth.

 

At midday, the conference transitioned into the Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium, a signature event honoring Dr. Andrew A. Robinson, a pioneering Jacksonville educator, associate professor of education and former UNF interim president.

 

The symposium featured a panel of district leaders discussing the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s teaching landscape and underscored the importance of preparing adaptable, resilient educators.

 

Read the full story.

 

Courtesy of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Inside News Roundup

Sick Leave Pool

Human Resources is now accepting requests to join the Sick Leave Pool during the open enrollment period. The Sick Leave Pool is a voluntary program that allows eligible employees to contribute a portion of their accrued Sick Leave into a shared pool. Members who experience a catastrophic illness or injury and have exhausted their own leave may request additional Sick Leave hours from the pool, in accordance with Sick Leave Pool Policy 4.0130P. The current Sick Leave Pool balance is 1,441 hours. Current active employees (faculty or staff) with at least 12 months of continuous service and a Sick Leave balance of at least 64 hours are eligible to be members. Please consider joining today. For more information on the Sick Leave Pool program and the steps to enroll, please review the HR Sick Pool Leave webpage, or submit questions to Get HR Help - UNF Support Center or call (904) 620-2903.

Colleague-to-Colleague

Recognize colleagues who exceed expectations and exemplify UNF's core values through the Colleague-to-Colleague Recognition (C2C) Program. This initiative promotes appreciation and collaboration on campus. Learn more in the C2C Knowledge Base Article, or submit your recognition today.

Ceramics Guild Holiday Pottery

Today is the last day to find unique holiday gifts during the UNF Ceramics Guild Holiday Pottery Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. behind Building 45 at the ceramics studio.

Faculy-led 2027 Proposal Open

Faculty members are invited to submit proposals for the 2027 Faculty-Led Programs. The deadline for Spring Break 2027 proposals is Friday, April 3, 2026, and the deadline for Spring/Summer 2027 proposals is Friday, May 15, 2026. For vendor information, faculty should refer to the Vendor Portfolio and the Program Brochure. Any questions can be directed to luisa.martinez@unf.edu.

UNF Website Publishing

The main UNF website will be published on Monday, Dec. 29, for maintenance. All incomplete page drafts must be finalized or marked as not ready by Friday, Dec. 19. For questions, please reach out to webmaster@unf.edu for assistance. 

Faculty and Staff Greek Life Participation

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is gathering information about UNF professional staff and faculty who are members of fraternities and sororities. This survey will help highlight and celebrate the presence of Greek life across the UNF community. The results will be posted on OFSL's website. Please fill out the survey if interested. 

OspreyPsych’s Free Telehealth Support Group

Ospreypsych Telehealth Supportive Group Therapy, led by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner graduate students, offers six virtual sessions for UNF undergraduates from all majors experiencing academic stress and anxiety, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at noon. Participation is free. Share the sign up form link with students. 

Save the Date 

UNF is the presenting sponsor as TEDxJacksonville returns to UNF on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Lazzara Performance Hall. The theme is “On the Edge,” and explores the transformative space where risk meets opportunity and where the courage to challenge convention can ignite meaningful change. 

Family Weekend Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for Family Weekend 2026 to help welcome parents and families to UNF from Friday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 1, 2026. Contact AJ Felix at a.j.felix@unf.edu or (904) 620-1077 if you are interested in volunteering.

Faculty and Staff News

College of Arts and Sciences

English

Dr. Nicholas de Villiers, professor, published a chapter “Basic Pleasure Models, Femmes Fatales, Techno-Orientalist Androids, and ‘Girlfriend Experiences’ from 2019 to 2049 via 2022 and 2046” in The Cultural Heritage of Blade Runner: ‘More Human than Human’ (Liverpool University Press), November.

College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

Computing

Dr. Nan Niu, professor of computing and director of the School of Computing, received the 2025 ACM SIGSOFT Recognition of Service for his outstanding service as the ACM SIGSOFT North American CAPS Chair from 2017 to 2025. Additionally, Dr. Niu and two UNF School of Computing student teams, Ospreys 1 and Ospreys 2, placed second and third in the International Collegiate Programming Contest NA South Division 2025 Division 2 at Florida State University in November 2025.

Construction Management

Dr. Andrew Barnes, assistant professor of construction management and faculty advisor for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Club, led a site visit to the 2025 NAHB competition building site during Nov. 14-15 in Lilburn, Georgia with student officers and team members including Amanda Williams (Club President), Christian Ryan, Charles Garrison, Christian Shore, Christian Malki and Diego Olvera. The group conducted market intelligence research by studying site conditions, competition, commercial and cultural attractions, and surrounding communities.

Hicks Honors College

Professor Will Pewitt, assistant director of the Hicks Honors College, published two translations of Abū Tammām in TriQuarterly, Fall 2025.

Free Things to Do

Art with a Heart in Healthcare: The Art of Music

Exhibition on view now through Jan. 11, 2026, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville continues its partnership with Art with a Heart in Healthcare, a nonprofit organization that provides personalized art experiences to support the healing process for patients and families at local hospitals. The Art of Music features guitars transformed by pediatric patients from Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital into vibrant visual interpretations of their favorite songs. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Project Atrium: Muralists in Action

Exhibition on view now through Feb. 8, 2026, MOCA Jacksonville
Led by veteran artists Shaun Thurston and Dustin Harewood, this exhibtion showcases Jacksonville's vibrant muralist scene. Learn more about this collaborative exhibition from local muralists.

Fall 2025 Senior Exhibition Opening Reception

Thursday, Nov. 20, 5 - 7 p.m., UNF Gallery of Art
This exhibition serves as a showcase for UNF's talented graduating students from our University’s diverse programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and witness the next generation of leaders, artists and scholars shaping the future..

38th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: Swingin' into the Holidays

Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater
Featuring all the UNF jazz ensembles performing Christmas, holiday and big band jazz. J.B. Scott artistic director and director, UNF Jazz Ensemble 1. Learn more about this holiday musical event.

Nature Journaling with the UNF Botanical Garden

Friday, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Butterfly Garden, east of Tom and Betty Petway Hall
Learn the basics of starting a nature journal, look closely at native wildlife and participate in easy and fun guided sketching activities. Learn more about this upcoming nature journaling opportunity.

Puzzle Day at the Virtual Learning Center

Friday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Third Floor
Come by the Carpenter Library for Puzzle Day at the Virtual Learning Center. Explore problem-solving skills with both digital and virtual reality puzzle experiences. Learn more about this all day event at the UNF Library.

North Florida Philosophy Slams presents: "What is Censorship?" with Adrienne Lerner, JD

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Sahara Cafe & Bar
Join in on the final Philosophy Slam event during fall 2025. "Slams" are facilitated communal ponderings on philosophical issues related to life. Learn more about this informal open discussion forum.

Astronomy Night

Friday, Dec. 5, 8 - 9:30 p.m., Science and Engineering Building, Room 1102
You're invited to attend the final fall 2025 "Astronomy Night" featuring Ana Maria Milla of Planetarium Cusco in Peru, presenting “Cultural Astronomy in Peru.” The talk will be followed by an hour of stargazing with telescopes. Everyone is invited. Learn more about Astronony Nights events.

A Cozy Choral Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church

Featuring University of North Florida's Coro Profundo, Osprey Treble and Chamber Singers. Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor. Learn more about this upcoming holiday musical performance.

Dateline

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in November 2025:

25 Years

Armisha Bartley, Custodial Supervisor, Physical Facilities
Richmond Wynn, VP Community Engagement and Partnerships, President's Office

20 Years

Anissa Agne, Assistant VP Enrollment Financial Aid, Enrollment Management
Richard Elmore, Assistant Director University Facilities Planning, Facilities Planning
Samantha Lento, Assistant Director Facilities Management, Housing and Residence Life
Tracy Milligan, Assistant Director Research Program Services, NEFL Center for Community Initiatives

15 Years

Jeannie Jacobs, Associate Director Academic Support Services, First-Year Advising
Midori Stephens, Program Manager Outreach and Education, Small Business Development Center
Ernest Vickers, Senior Heavy Equipment Operator, Physical Facilities

5 Years

Williams Toledo, Senior Fire Alarm Technician, Physical Facilities

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:

Corrie Barnett, Academic Advisor, Coggin College of Business, Advising
Dawn Behrend, Associate Dean for Administrative Services, Thomas G. Carpenter Library
William Clayton, Media Developer, Institute of Police Technology and Management
Collin Frye, Business / Financial Coordinator, Hicks Honors College
James Hartwell, Law Enforcement Liaison, Institute of Police Technology and Management
Samantha Isaacs, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Athletics
Kaitlin Mersnick, Prospect Research Coordinator, University Development Advancement Operations
Hannah Perron, Office Manager, Department of Recreation and Wellness
Amanda Pitts, Student Academic Success Services Coordinator, Office of Student Success
Nicole Price, Academic Advisor, College of Arts & Sciences, Advising
Lori Rice, Manager Simulation and Clinical Innovation, School of Nursing
Xavier Swearin, Executive Secretary Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Stacey Templeton, Coordinator International Students Affairs, International Center
Hal Willard, Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Facilities

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:

Kyla Coolbaugh, Laboratory Manager, Department of Biology
Julie Dann, Associate Director Academic Support Services, Office of the Provost
Brenna Smith, Integrated Solutions Manager, ITS
Courtney Stevenson, Assistant Director, Academic Advising
Luci Tappin, Divisional Budget Officer, Student Affairs Budget and Operations

Swoop Summary

Men's Soccer Selected To Face North Carolina in NCAA Championship First Round

North Florida Men's Soccer is officially slated to make its third NCAA Championship appearance when it battles North Carolina in the First Round on today (Nov. 20) at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, N.C at 6 p.m. ET. Learn more about this NCAA Championship first round matchup.

Roster Revamped: Women's Basketball Newcomers Establishing Cohesion

With six transfers and five freshmen, the Ospreys' lineup looks almost entirely new from last season, but to the players, the chemistry is clicking faster than expected.. Learn more about how the lady Ospreys have developed strong bonds.

Here are a few upcoming events:

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Women's Basketball vs. Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 28) and Campbell (Nov. 29)
Friday, Nov. 28 (11 a.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 29 (1:30 p.m.)  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets

 
Men's Basketball vs. Trinity College of Jacksonville

Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets

 
Men's Basketball vs. SIU Edwardsville

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets

 
Women's Basketball vs. Coastal Georgia

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets

 

Visit unfospreys.com for more events