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Inside UNF — April 2, 2026

UNF announces two major gifts to benefit Hodges Stadium

University of North Florida Hodges StadiumThe University of North Florida announced a generous $8 million gift from the Estate of Kernan R. Hodges in support of Hodges Stadium. The gift will be used for the renovation and upgrade of the stadium, home to the UNF soccer and track & field teams.
 
Hodges Stadium and the Visit Jax Track have attracted major sporting events to Jacksonville, bringing more than 200,000 hotel room nights booked and $160 million in total economic impact since 2012. The recent gift will help increase the impact of Hodges Stadium in the community.
 
The transformational gift from the Hodges family has helped UNF add national broadcast level lighting and a digital video board to the stadium. The gift, along with $6 million allocated from the City of Jacksonville in 2025, is also supporting additional upgrades including renovations to the restrooms, locker rooms, press box and infrastructure improvements. UNF is also exploring the addition of premium seating.
 
 
 
Corporate Traffic Logistics reps and UNF leadership in front of a signIn addition, UNF announced today, an extended partnership with Jacksonville based Corporate Traffic Logistics to enhance the experience for all UNF student athletes, including those within the men's and women's soccer and track and field programs.
 
The new five-year agreement includes exclusive naming rights of the playing surface at Hodges Stadium, which will be renamed "Corporate Traffic Logistics Field at Hodges Stadium."
 
Corporte Traffic Logistics, a family-owned and operatead logistics company, has also been named the preferred logistics partner of UNF Athletics.
 
Along with the partnership, the agreement includes prominent signage throughout Hodges Stadium as well as logo visibility at Harmon Stadium, the UNF Arena and the UNF Softball Complex.
 

UNF hosts archaeology lab dedication ceremony

UNF professor speaking to guest at a archaeology lab dedication eventThe University of North Florida’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work in the College of Arts and Sciences recently dedicated the Gail M. Cobb Archaeology Laboratory and the new outdoor archaeology laboratory.
 
The naming of the Gail M. Cobb Archaeology Laboratory indoor teaching and research space was made possible due to a transformative gift from Bill Cobb, given in memory of his late wife, Gail, who was a local archaeology enthusiast and teacher.
 
The new outdoor archaeology laboratory was made possible through a one‑time investment by the University. This space will expand teaching and learning efforts by allowing students to process materials, practice field techniques and engage hands‑on with archaeological inquiry.
 

UNF BOT Chair announces presidential search committee

UNF entrance signThe University of North Florida’s Presidential Search Committee held its first meeting on March 31, marking the official start of the search for the University’s next president..
 
The Committee will host initial listening sessions on April 9, 10, and 14. Dedicated sessions for staff will be included, and organizers emphasize the importance of the participation of UNF Community and other stakeholders during the search process. Specific times and locations for all sessions will be announced soon.
 
The 11-member Presidential Search Committee was announced March 23. The committee serves a critical role that includes screening applicants and presenting the UNF Board of Trustees a strong slate of unranked, highly qualified candidates for consideration 
 
The search will be guided by the Florida Board of Governors Regulation 1.002, Presidential Search and Selection, and Section 1004.098 of the Florida Statutes.  
 
The Board of Trustees will select the next UNF President, subject to approval by the Florida Board of Governors. 
 
The next meeting of the Presidential Search Committee is scheduled for April 21. Visit the UNF Presidential Search website for updates.

Coggin MBA programs receive top ranking

UNF Coggin College of Business buildingThe University of North Florida Coggin College of Business MBA and GlobalMBA programs have been ranked Tier One among global business schools by CEO Magazine in the 2026 MBA Rankings.
 
Since 2012, CEO Magazine evaluates the top business schools in their annual Global Rankings, profiling MBA, executive MBA and online MBA programs. The company uses a ranking system based on criteria including quality of faculty, international exposure, class size, accreditation, faculty-to-student ratio and more.
 
Designed with the goal of enhancing students with the skills to lead, innovate and make an impact in today's evolving business landscape, UNF’s MBA program is ranked among 152 prestigious schools from 24 countries.
 

UNF MedNexus and LSF Health Systems address workforce shortages

UNF MedNexus leaders speak to crowdThe University of North Florida’s MedNexus and LSF Health Systems have teamed up to address critical workforce shortages in behavioral health across Northeast Florida. They recently hosted a talent summit focused on strengthening the regional talent pipeline and accelerating students into meaningful, high-impact careers.
 
The summit brought together leading behavioral health organizations and high-potential students in psychology, social work, sociology and mental health counseling for a focused talent discovery and networking experience. 
 
Graduating students connected directly with employers actively hiring for roles in mental health, substance use recovery, youth services, case management and integrated behavioral health roles.
 

Osprey Profile: Justin Tuazon

By Mattison Hansen
 
For University of North Florida senior Justin Tuazon, video games were once just a way to spend summer afternoons with friends. Now, they’ve led him to the global stage.
 
Justin Tuazon headshotTuazon, a health administration major and head coach of the UNF varsity Overwatch team, has been selected to compete on the Philippines national team in the Overwatch World Cup, one of the biggest international tournaments in competitive gaming.
 
Tuazon’s selection to the Philippines national team followed a competitive tryout process open to eligible players around the world.
 
Organized by Blizzard Entertainment, the Overwatch World Cup brings together elite players from around the world to represent their countries in the team-based multiplayer game.
 
Tuazon will compete as a hit-scan DPS (damage-per-second) player, a role that focuses on precision aim and high-impact offensive plays. He is especially excited to learn from the team’s international coaching staff, which includes prominent Korean esports coaches.
 

UNF hosts NASA Day to launch space technology careers

NASA representative speaking with UNF studentsRepresentatives from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center touched down at the University of North Florida for a daylong visit designed to connect Ospreys with one of the agency’s most competitive early-career opportunities.  
 
The event highlighted the NASA Pathways Internship Program, which offers students a structured path into federal service. Unlike traditional internships, Pathways positions include mentorship, rotational assignments and professional development experiences that prepare participants for long-term careers with NASA.
 
The NASA visit featured two information sessions with a tabling event in between, giving UNF students the chance to connect directly with NASA professionals and learn about the opportunities available within the agency.
 

UNF alum helps the PGA TOUR secure partnerships

By Alex Achorn
 
University of North Florida alum and Jacksonville native Danielle Young (’15) has built a career behind the scenes in professional golf.  After more than a decade with the PGA TOUR, Young was recently promoted to director of sponsor relations.
 
UNF alum Danielle YoungIn her current role, Young manages a portfolio of official marketing partners for the PGA TOUR. Her responsibilities include daily communication with partners, long-term strategic planning and cultivating relationships with major brands across the golf industry.
 
Young first enrolled at UNF with plans to pursue nursing. When her academic path shifted, she began taking sport management classes while preparing for her next steps. That’s when she discovered a new passion that would shape her career. 
 
Through mentorship from Silverfield College of Education and Human Services faculty members Dr. Kristi Sweeney and Dr. Jason Lee, Young discovered a passion for the sports industry and switched her major to sport management. 
 

Inside News Roundup

Student Union Reservations

Reservations for Fall 2026 will open at 10 a.m. on the dates listed on the Student Union website. Departments may submit a maximum of one recurring meeting, one recurring tabling, one recurring Market Days reservation, and one stand-alone event. All requests must be submitted through Web App. An active account is required. Request new accounts through this form allowing two business days for processing.

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Florida History Speaker Series

The Carpenter Library, Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History Speaker Series 2026, will host a reception and speakers on Friday, April 3, at 5 p.m. and the keynote featuring Dr. J. Michael Francis, the Hough Family Chair of Florida Studies at the University of South Florida, at 6 p.m. at the Lastinger Center for History. Dr. Francis will discuss “A Corsair, a Soldier, and a Dog: The Telling and Retelling of the 1586 Francis Drake Assault on St. Augustine.” On Wednesday, April 8, at 5 p.m., Dr. Denise Bossy, professor of history, will discuss “The Spiritual World of Local Timucuas in the 16th Century: New Evidence from Long Overlooked Sources.” On Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m., Instructor Ian Carey will discuss “In Flux: Florida Artists and the Landscape.”

The Carpenter Library’s Virtual Learning Center

The VLC Cultural VR/AR Series: Jazz, Poetry & Story Worlds in AR/VR is slated for April 6 at 11 a.m. in the Virtual Learning Center, Bldg. 12, Room 3401.

Spring Break 2027 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Applications Due Friday

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.

Celebrate an Outstanding Administrator

Each month, the Office of Experiential Learning celebrates an outstanding administrator who brings Engage UNF to life. This leader uses the platform to strengthen involvement, streamline organization management, and create meaningful experiences for students across UNF. Get to know the people behind the work and this month’s Engage UNF IMPACT Makers, Vincent Bistricky, operations manager, and Katie Schuldt, graduate assistant with Blackstone LaunchPad within the Coggin College of Business. Learn more about Engage UNF and nominate a candidate today.

Fuel the Future University of North Florida Giving Day 2026 Wednesday, April 8UNF Giving Day 2026 is Wednesday, April 8

Giving Day is a 24‑hour race to fuel UNF’s future by supporting scholarships, colleges, programs and key student experiences. Make a contribution of any size to support UNF students and programs.

Candidate’s Statement Workshop for Instructor and Lecturer Promotion

Join OFE for a workshop focusing on the Candidate’s Statement portion required for Instructor and Lecturer promotion. This session is helpful for all NTT faculty, from those in their first year to those preparing for promotion. Register for a session on Wednesday, April 8, from 2 to 3 p.m., or Thursday, April 9, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Senior Service Award and Graduate Student Service Award

The Senior Service Award is a prestigious award presented to a graduating senior that made significant contributions through volunteerism while maintaining an outstanding academic record. The winner receives a physical award, a paver in the Student Union and recognition during graduation. The new Graduate Student Service Award is also open to any spring graduate from The Graduate School. The application deadline is Friday, April 10. Learn more by visiting the Student Awards, Scholarships and Grants webpage.

Virtual Health & Vitality Lunchtime Chat

The next Health & Vitality Lunchtime Chat is Tuesday, April 14 from noon to 12:30 p.m. Partnering with Community First Credit Union and Financial Wellness Specialist Bree McKee, this presentation will focus on the essentials of financial wellness and help you take charge of your future as you learn practical tools and strategies to manage your money with confidence and build strong lifelong financialhabits.
The presentation will be about 15 minutes followed by a Q&A. RSVP by April 13 to receive a Zoom link. All present attendees will have a chance to win a $10 gift card at the end of the presentation.

Promotion and Tenure Information Session

Join the Office of Faculty Excellence on Thursday, April 16 for the annual promotion and tenure discussion. Learn about the process, annual preparation steps and necessary dossier information. Hear insights from University representatives and UNF Provost Dr. Karen Patterson. Register today.

ADA Compliance Deadline Approaching

In Spring 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring public universities to ensure their digital content meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. At UNF, the compliance deadline is Friday, April 24, covering university websites, mobile apps and platforms like Canvas. Faculty must ensure their materials are accessible. To learn more, attend an upcoming workshop or visit during office hours. For questions, contact CIRT Accessibility at cirt.accessibility@unf.edu.

Active Assailant Training Exercise Volunteers Needed

UNF, in partnership with UPD, JSO and JFRD, will hold an Active Assailant Training Exercise on Tuesday, May 5, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. One hundred fifty (150) UNF employees and students are needed to volunteer as actors. Water and lunch will be provided. If interested, please complete the volunteer form. Building Emergency Coordinators will receive a separate email with a specific volunteer form.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campusCoggin College of Business

Accounting

Dr. Leah Muriel, assistant professor, along with co-authors, Adrienne Rhodes and Dan Russomanno, published “Delegation and Chief Financial Officer Retention: Evidence from Chief Accounting Officers on the Executive Team” in Management Science in January.

College of Arts and Sciences

Art, Art History and Design

Stephen Heywood, professor, participated in the following exhibitions: Twenty-Sixth San Angelo National Ceramics Competition - National Juried Exhibition. San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, San Angelo, Texas, April; SIP - National Juried Exhibition. Sulfur Studios, Savannah, Georgia, April; ArtFields - National Juried Exhibition; The ROB Gallery, Lake City, South Carolina, April and the 16th Annual Workhouse Clay International - International Juried Exhibition. Workhouse Art Center, Lorton, Virginia, March.
 
Dr. Margaret Fowler, visiting instructor, had her curatorial project, Touring the Landscape: Art, Travel, and the Shaping of American Identity, which is exhibited at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, published in the national publication, American Fine Art Magazine. The project brought together an interdisciplinary partnership between the COAS, the Honors Program and the Cummer Museum. It is also a student-curated exhibition with students from Art History, Archaeology, History, Honors and Sociology.

Communication

Dr. Roy Christopher, instructor, is the speaker for the Spring 2026 Author Talk event. He will present selections from his works and participate in a Q&A on Tuesday, April 14, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Carpenter Library, Special Collections Reading Room, 1st floor.

English

Dr. Nicholas de Villiers, professor, presented a paper "Tsai Ming-liang’s Late Digital Era: Faces, Silence, Stillness, and Cinephilia" at the Society for Cinema and Media Studies conference in March.

Political Science and Public Administration

Dr. Wanzhu Shi, assistant professor, along with Dr. Lauren Azevedo, published "Determinants of AI Adoption in Nonprofit Organizations" in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, March.

Psychology

Dr. Jack Shelley-Tremblay, professor, was recently made a Fellow of the Alabama Academy of Science and received the Wright Gardner Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science.
 
Dr. Tracy Alloway, professor, along with UG student co-authors Daryn Argo, Sarah Gruskin and Baylee Comer, published “The Development of a Social Intelligence Test for Teenagers: A Pilot Study in Children,” Vol. 13, Issue 4., as part of the Special Issue Masking and Social Camouflaging in Autism: Contexts, Challenges, and Pathway Children, to be released on April 5.
 
Dr. Elizabeth Brown, associate professor, along with Dr. Doyle Tate and former UNF students Jasmine Graham and Ziena Baker, published "A place for all? Feminine gender expression and communal opportunities in STEM bolster STEM belonging and motivation for sexual and gender minorities" in Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy in January. In addition, Dr. Brown, Dr. Kim Cheek, associate professor and Dr. Ryan Shamet, assistant professor of civil engineering, presented a talk entitled "Enhancing Elementary Students’ Earth Science and Engineering Knowledge Through an Authentic and Relevant Afterschool Camp" at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual conference in February. Also, Dr. Brown and Kimberly Hensley, Rachel Allen and Abigail Sawyer, presented a poster entitled "Do I belong? Diversity policies & feelings of belonging" at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual conference in February.

School of Music

Dr. Gary Smart, professor, released an album of compositions for piano solo on Navona Records in March. The album, “Rose Music”, features performances by pianists Dr. Galen Peiskee, Dr. Yukino Miyake and Dr. Erin Bennett, associate professor.
 
Dr. Nick Curry, professor, was the featured guest artist at the Music Institute of Chicago Spring workshop in Evanston, Illinois. He gave lectures and master classes over this two-day event in March.

Digital Learning and Innovation

Andy Rush, course media developer, will be presenting a digital poster “A YouTube of One’s Own: A Federated Approach with PeerTube and Beyond” at the Florida Online Innovation Summit on April 9.

Hicks Honors College

Will Pewitt, assistant director, published his original translations of three poems by Wallāda bint al-Mustakfī in The Massachusetts Review, March.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Rakesh Maurya, associate professor, was invited as a guest on this counseling podcast (The Thoughtful Counselor, managed by Palo Alto University) and shared research-based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students.

Free Things to Do

Whitney Oldenburg, Blue Bennu, 2023Whitney Oldenburg: Left Behind

Exhibition on view now through April 19, MOCA Jacksonville
This exhibit features recent sculptures Jacksonville native Whitney Oldenburg (b. 1987), accompanied by a special presentation of the artist’s drawings. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Image attribution: Whitney Oldenburg, Blue Bennu, 2023, metal, string, wood, resin, clay, rock, matches, 30 x 24 x 12 in.

Austin Lightholder: UNF Student Artist-in-Residence

Exhibition on view now through May 17, MOCA Jacksonville
Austin Lightholder is a senior at the University of North Florida working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. During his residency at MOCA, he will create a body of work under the theme Alchemy of Perception — an exploration of transformation as both an inward experience and an outward gesture. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind student artist-in-residence exhibition.

Project Atrium: Nari Ward - Great Greetings

Exhibition on view now through Aug. 16, MOCA Jacksonville
Great Greetings is a new exhibition which transforms MOCA Jacksonville’s Atrium into a shimmering space of gold and silver by using everyday, disposable emergency blankets. The blankets, often used for survival or post-marathon recovery, drape the Atrium’s walls and dangle overhead as pennants, enveloping viewers in gleaming metallic color. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind exhibition.

Osprey Spring Jamboree event flyerOsprey Spring Jamboree and Poetry Festival

Friday, April 3, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ogier Gardens
Experience this annual celebration of spring featuring live music, free food, activities, therapy animals, giveaways and more! Learn more about this annual campus event.

Astronomy Night

Friday, April 3, 8 - 9:30 p.m., Science and Engineering Building
Astronomy Nights are public stargazing events held monthly featuring a public talk about an astronomy-related topic, followed by an hour of stargazing. This evening's topic is "The Search for Life," presented by Dr. Mahmuda Afrin Badhan, an instructor in the UNF Department of Physics and Astronomy. Learn more about free stargazing event.

Northeast Florida History Conference Keynote and Reception

Friday, April 3, 5 - 7 p.m., Carpenter Library, Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History Reading Room
Attend the Carpenter Library's Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History for the Northeast Florida History Conference keynote and reception. The evenings keynote speaker is Dr. J. Michael Francis presenting "A Corsair, a Soldier, and a Dog. The Telling and Retelling of the 1586 Francis Drake Assault on St. Augustine." Learn more about the conference and register today.

2026 Leadership Awards and Taylor Talks

Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center, Room 1044
Join the Taylor Leadership Institute for its annual Leadership Awards and Taylor Talks, showcasing UNF students as they share their powerful stories of transformational leadership. Learn more and register for this annual leadership event.

UNF Shakespeare Presents "As You Like It"

Thursday, April 9, 6 - 7 p.m., J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater
Enjoy a one-hour barestage production of "As You Like It," one of Shakespeare’s most buoyant and generous comedies. Learn more about this production.

Fifth Annual Love Your Mother Earth Day Festival

Friday, April 10, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ogier Gardens
Take part in a celebration of environmental responsibility with educational workshops, crafts, giveaways and more. This events is presented by RecWell in collaboration with the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. Learn more about this festival event.

Iron Pour event at the University of North FloridaUNF 2026 Spring Sculpture Iron Pour

Saturday, April 11, 3 - 7 p.m., Behind UNF Annex, Building 6
This exciting live metal casting event is a rare opportunity, hosted only during the spring and fall semesters, and you won’t want to miss it!. Learn more about this year's spring iron pour.

University of North Florida Opera Theatre Production of "The Magic Flute"

Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m., Lazarra Performance Hall
Presented by VyStar Credit Union, this fully staged production showcases the artistry of UNF student performers, highlighting expressive vocals, dramatic storytelling and the timeless brilliance of Mozart’s score. Learn more about this theater production.

Library Author Talk: Dr. Roy Christopher

Tuesday, April 14, 5 - 6 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Special Collections Reading Room, First Floor
Join the Carpenter Library for their spring 2026 Author Talk event featuring UNF Instructor and Author Roy Christopher presenting selections from his works and participating in a Q&A. Learn more about Dr. Christopher.

Two women holding drinks at a UNF Alumni Third Thursday eventThird Thursday: COAS Edition

Thursday, April 16, 6 - 8 p.m., UNF Boathouse in the Student Union
April's Third Thursday features a special edition hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. Reconnect with alumni from across disciplines, make new professional connections and enjoy a casual atmosphere overlooking campus. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available. RSVP today.

38th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: JE1 Plays the Music of JE1

Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
This exciting event features Jazz Ensemble 1 performing a dynamic program of jazz repertoire that highlights creativity, improvisation and ensemble excellence featuring student compositions. Learn more about this event presented by the UNF School of Music.

Spring 2026 Student Research Symposium

Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., John A. Delaney Student Union, Third Floor
The inaugural spring offering of the Student Research Symposium series is a multi-disciplinary conference where students present their research projects in poster and oral formats. Learn more about this research symposium event.

Swoop Summary

UNF Women's Tennis players in uniformWomen's Tennis Stays Unbeaten With Senior Day Win Over Austin Peay, 5-2

North Florida Women's Tennis remained undefeated at 19-0 when it defeated Austin Peay, 5-2, on Senior Day at UNF Tennis Complex on Sunday. With the win, North Florida finished its spring season with a 13-0 home record. Learn more about the incredible accomplishments of North Florida Women's Tennis.

Volleyball Unveils 2026 Spring Schedule

North Florida Volleyball revealed its 2026 spring schedule on Wednesday, featuring four matches against teams from four different Division I conferences. Two of North Florida's four spring matches will be played against schools from Power Four conferences in UCF and Florida State. Learn more about the volleyball team's spring schedule.

Here are a few upcoming events:

Women's Soccer vs. Georgia Southern
Friday, April 3, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Baseball vs. Queens
Saturday, April 4, 1:05 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium |  Purchase Baseball Tickets (Queens)
 
Softball vs. Stetson (Doubleheader)
Saturday, April 11, 2 & 4:30 p.m.  |  UNF Softball Complex  |  Purchase Tickets (Stetson)
 
Softball vs. Queens (Doubleheader)
Saturday, April 18, 2 & 4:30 p.m. |  UNF Softball Complex  |  Purchase Softball Tickets (Queens)
 
Women's Soccer vs. Miami
Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Baseball vs. FSU
Tuesday, April 21, 6:05 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (FSU)