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Inside UNF — October 8, 2026

Florida BOG confirms UNF's eighth president

Welcome to the Nest Dr. Michael P. ShannonThe Florida Board of Governors has unanimously confirmed Dr. Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida.
 
Shannon, who will step into the role on Jan. 4, was selected by the UNF Board of Trustees on Sept. 16 after a five-month national search.
 
Shannon, currently president of the University of North Georgia, holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds a master's degree in health physics and a Ph.D. in nuclear and radiological engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Shannon and his wife Jessica have four children.
 
Learn more about Dr. Shannon.

UNF alum soars to space as NASA astronaut

UNF alum Luke DelaneyThe University of North Florida community cheered on campus and around the globe on Thursday, Oct. 1, as alum Luke Delaney launched into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission.
 
In addition to Delaney, NASA Astronaut Jessica Watkins, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos Cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov make up the mission team.
 
UNF’s interim President Angela Falconetti and Executive Vice President and Provost Karen Patterson watched the launch from a special viewing area at NASA.
 
In UNF’s Science and Engineering building, dozens of students, faculty and staff gathered to watch the launch. One of Delaney’s former mechanical engineering professors joined the party.
 

UNF unveils state-of-the-art chemistry labs

UNF leaders, students and donors cutting a ribbon at a campus eventThe University of North Florida Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrated the opening of newly renovated research and teaching facilities with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a significant investment in student learning and scientific innovation.
 
The renovations, completed by local construction firm CPPI, include a new organic chemistry teaching lab, a state-of-the-art instrumentation suite and a research lab designated for future faculty initiatives.
 
The expanded facilities will serve approximately 250 UNF undergraduate organic chemistry students each semester and support the department’s 25 faculty members, providing enhanced opportunities for experiential learning, undergraduate research and scientific collaboration.
 

UNF graduate plays key role in growing esports program

Claire Campo, UNF Esports assistant program manager
By Byron E. Jones
 
For Claire Campo, esports has always been about more than competition. What began as a childhood pastime playing Call of Duty with her younger brother has evolved into a career path, a research focus and a mission to help establish the University of North Florida as a leader in collegiate esports.
 
A recent graduate of UNF's sport management program, she is helping build one of the university's newest and fastest-growing initiatives as the assistant program manager for UNF Esports. In this role, Campo helps oversee daily arena operations in the UNF Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena, coordinates external events and manages the varsity Call of Duty team.
 
She is also pursuing a master's degree in higher education administration with a concentration in collegiate athletics.
 
Born in New York and raised in Orange County, California, Campo grew up in a sports-loving family.
 
"Being from New York, my whole family, we’re all Yankees fans and New York Giants fans," said Campo. "I definitely grew up in a sports household."
 

New scholarship to support future STEM leaders

Dr. Paul Schilling standing with group of UNF staff and studentsA transformational $1 million gift from Dr. Paul Schilling, radiation oncologist and longtime University of North Florida supporter, is helping UNF attract and retain promising science, technology, engineering and math students through the creation of the Schilling STEM Scholarship.
 
The new scholarship represents a significant investment in the future STEM workforce by providing financial support to high-achieving students who aspire to make an impact in STEM fields critical to innovation and scientific discovery.
 
Designed to recruit and support exceptional STEM students, the scholarship welcomed its inaugural cohort of 23 incoming freshmen this fall. Students are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per academic year, with awards renewable for up to four years, providing sustained support through their undergraduate education.
 

Google AI tools now available to the UNF community

To help the university community use AI technologies securely and responsibly, the University of North Florida now provides enterprise access to Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook for all students, faculty and staff via their UNF credentials.

Gemini Notebook and Gemini logos. Available in myWings.Find the AI Hub tile in myWings to access Gemini and Gemini Notebook

These powerful AI tools are available through UNF’s secure technology environment, helping protect institutional data and privacy.
 
"By introducing Google Gemini alongside our existing resources, we aim to ensure our students, faculty and staff gain hands-on experience with more than one major AI tool," said Megan Kuehner, interim chief information officer. "Familiarity with multiple AI platforms prepares our community for an evolving digital landscape and gives everyone more flexibility to choose the right tool for specific academic or professional needs."
 
Google Gemini is a versatile AI assistant designed to support productivity, creativity, and problem-solving across a wide range of academic and administrative tasks. Whether you're preparing course materials, conducting research, managing projects, or tackling daily administrative work, Gemini can help streamline tasks and save time.

Gemini and Copilot: Which Should You Use?

UNF provides access to both Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, giving the university community flexibility to choose the right AI tool for the task.
 
Most importantly, accessing either platform with a UNF enterprise account provides stronger privacy protections than using personal AI accounts. Under UNF's enterprise agreements, prompts, conversations, and uploaded files remain confidential and are not used to train public AI models.
 
As a best practice, always conduct university-related work using UNF-provided AI accounts to keep institutional data protected.

There is overlap between the two tools, however, each has distinct strengths:

Gemini shines when handling large volumes of content, including lengthy PDFs, extensive code repositories, videos, and audio files. Its integration with Google Search also makes it especially effective for real-time web research.
 
Copilot is designed to help users find and understand information stored within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, drawing insights from organizational documents, Teams conversations, emails, and SharePoint content.
 
By combining powerful AI capabilities with enterprise-level protections, UNF is making it easier than ever for the university community to create and work smarter with AI.
 

UNF to to expand nature and health initiatives

UNF students walking through a nature trail platformThe University of North Florida's Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) has received a $620,000 gift from Project One Health JAX to support the continued growth of the UNF Nature and Health Center and expand initiatives that promote health and well-being through stronger connections to nature.
 
Project One Health JAX selected UNF as a strategic partner because of the University's established leadership in nature and health research, student engagement, youth development and community collaboration. The investment reflects a shared commitment to improving youth and community health through increased access to nature, outdoor experiences and environmental engagement.
 
Together, UNF and Project One Health JAX are creating a model that integrates research, education, leadership development and community engagement to improve health outcomes and strengthen connections to nature throughout Northeast Florida.
 

Inside News Roundup

Attendees at UNF Employee Benefits Fair

Benefits Fair TODAY

Stop by the 2026 UNF Benefits Fair today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Adam W. Herbert University Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore your benefits, discover new options and plan your future! Bring your Osprey1 Card for easy check-in.

Engage UNF

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 Maker, Susan Trudeau, assistant director of the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement.

People viewing a map on a table in the Allen Lastinger Center for Florida HistoryAllen Lastinger Center for Florida History Open House

The Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History will be hosting an Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. Drop in to learn about the center's resources and view the exhibits and recent acquisitions, and enjoy beverages and snacks.

Virtual Lunchtime Chat

As we approach the seasonal time change, many people experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, energy levels, mood and daily routines. Join this timely Virtual Lunchtime Chat on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from noon until 12:30 p.m. During the session, Seanna will discuss the importance of healthy sleep habits, the effects of changing our clocks, and practical strategies to help you adjust smoothly and maintain overall well-being. The presentation will be about 15 minutes followed by a Q&A. RSVP by Oct. 20 to receive the Zoom link. All attendees will have a chance to win a $10 gift card at the end of the presentation. 

UNF Artist Talk event promotion showing paintings of a woman next to painting of a bedroomLibrary Artist Talk

In honor of International Artist Day, join the Carpenter Library for its inaugural Artist Talk event on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room of the Library. Two celebrated local artists, Dr. Susanne Schuenke and Mary Atwood, will give talks about their artwork and participate in a Q&A with attendees. Learn more about this Artist Talk event.

SAVE the DATE: STEM on the Lawn

UNF and the University of Florida are joining forces to bring STEM on the Lawn to the J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event is open to all UNF faculty and staff and their families. The event invites young learners to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through engaging activities and hands-on learning led by faculty and students. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the innovative work happening across STEM at UNF and UF. Learn more about this free community event.

2026 Homecoming Office Decoration Contest

This year’s Homecoming Office Decorating Contest theme is "Flock the Halls." All campus departments and offices are invited to participate and show their UNF spirit by transforming their spaces into a celebration of all things Osprey. Registration is open until Oct. 29, and judging will occur on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5. The winner will be announced in UNF Central.

Digital Osprey 1Card Library Entry

Students, faculty and staff can now access the Carpenter Library using their digital Osprey 1Card at the designated entrance, providing a convenient no-card entry option. Digital cards can be accessed from the myWings portal by clicking the "Osprey 1Card" tile or simply using the navigation's search bar. The card shows a QR code that can be scanned at the library's turnstiles for entry. Physical Osprey 1Cards are still required to check out materials from the first-floor desk.

Honors Colloquium: Call for Proposals

The Hicks Honors College is seeking faculty to create and teach an open-topic colloquium for first-year students in fall 2027. Courses may grow out of research, creative practice or community partnerships. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 16. For the full call for proposals and eligibility details, email Honors Dean Will Pewitt at will.pewitt@unf.edu.

Visiting Artist Lecture

The Department of Art, Art History and Design presents the next Visiting Artist Lecture on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in UNF Gallery of Art, Building 2, Room 1001. Featured artists include Kristen Tordella-Williams, a sculptor, educator and associate professor of sculpture at Auburn University and Jenny Hillenbrand, an interdisciplinary artist whose work combines sculpture, drawing, performance and community engagement.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campus

Coggin College of Business

Dr. Madeline Zavodny, professor of economics, along with co-authors Dr. Jennifer Hunt (Rutgers) and Pia Orrenius, wrote the paper “How Did the Post-Pandemic Migration Surge Affect Labor and Housing Markets?” featured in the fall 2026 edition of the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity.

College of Arts and Sciences

Art, Art History and Design

Dr. Meg McCrummen Fowler, assistant director of Hicks Honors College and art history instructor, led a class of interdisciplinary students in curating "Touring the Landscape: Art, Travel, and the Shaping of American Identity," which opened at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in January 2026. In September, the exhibition received the Bronze Award from the Southeastern Museums Conference in the Under $10,000 budget category.

Political Science and Public Administration

Dr. Nicholas Seabrook, professor and chair/director, Office of Public Policy Events, received an invitation from PBS News to be interviewed by Judy Woodruff at the Library of Congress for an episode of their “Crossroads: America at 250” series that will air before the upcoming midterm elections.

Psychological & Brain Sciences

Dr. Paul Argott, associate instructor, was awarded a grant in collaboration with UF Health to develop a training program for professionals who work or will be working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The training program will be a part of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) network and is the only one in North Florida. The program provides interdisciplinary training exposing participants to various disciplines aiming to train future leaders in their fields. The program will be supported by UNF faculty, UF Health faculty, and community partners who have offered their guidance for participants.

School of Music

Dr. David Salkowski, assistant professor, received a stipend from the National Endowment for the Humanities and signed a contract with Cambridge University Press for a forthcoming scholarly monograph, Music for an Imagined Liturgy: Orthodoxy and Community at the End of the Russian Empire.

MedNexus

Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, associate professor of public health, was named associate director of research for MedNexus. Dr. Stallings-Smith will guide the Research Innovation Fellow program.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Rakesh Maurya, associate professor, co-authored the research article "Perceptions of artificial intelligence use in online graduate coursework: A Q methodology study" in Q1 Journal of Research on Technology in Education.
 
Dr. Tara Frazier, associate director, was invited by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) to be the guest speaker on “Beyond the Word “Transition:” Whose Future Are We Preparing For?”. Dr. Frazier is the current president of CEC’s national Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT).
 
Dr. Caroline Guardino, professor and Silverfield Endowed Professor and Director, Exceptional Student Education programs, joined leaders in Deaf education at NextSense in Australia, where she shared her research and expertise as a keynote speaker with educators from Australia and New Zealand.

Free Things to Do

Four bowls stacked on top of each otherShared Table: An Empty Bowls Invitational

Exhibition on view now through Nov. 11, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The exhibition features ceramic bowls created for the nationally recognized Empty Bowls initiative and integrates student work with contributions from nationally renowned ceramic artists. Sales of the bowls will be directed to food banks in the Jacksonville area. Learn more about this exhibition opening today (Oct. 8).

Art with a Heart in Healthcare: From the Heart

Exhibition on view now through Jan. 10, 2027, MOCA Jacksonville
To celebrate Art with a Heart in Healthcare’s (AWAHIH) 25th anniversary, "From the Heart" centers on the young artists at the heart of our mission. Patients and siblings at Wolfson Children’s Hospital collaborated with AWAHIH Artists-in-Residence to create pieces that reflect who they are, what they love and what art-making with AWAHIH has meant during their time in the hospital. Learn more about this heartwarming art collection.

Project Atrium: Ryan Rasmussen - Glitch: Architecture Undone

Exhibition on view now through Feb. 14, 2027, MOCA Jacksonville
Glitch: Architecture Undone consists of two interconnected structural systems. A freestanding tower of extruded aluminum and acrylic, rising approximately 25 feet from the atrium floor, acts as “host” to a secondary material accumulation: raw wood scraps, industrial piping, backlit translucent panels, cable assemblies and found material in states of partial tension. Learn more about this unique art piece created by Rasmussen.

Morton Feldman headshotMorton Feldman Centenary (1926–2026) | “For John Cage” (Tom Chiu & Louis Goldstein)

Thursday, Oct. 8, 7 - 9 p.m., Recital Hall of the UNF Fine Arts Center
The University of North Florida celebrates the centenary of American composer Morton Feldman (1926–2026) with an evening dedicated to his groundbreaking and influential music. Presented by UNF English Professor Clark Lunberry. Violinist Tom Chiu and pianist Louis Goldstein perform Feldman’s "For John Cage," written in 1982 as a tribute to fellow American composer and longtime friend John Cage. Learn more about this free tribute performance and secure your ticket.

Ready to Start a Business? Webinar

Tuesday, Oct. 13, Noon - 12:30 p.m., Online
Join UNF's Small Business Development Center's free webinar to learn the basics of starting your own business, including generating ideas, creating a business plan and marketing your product. Learn more and register to attend this free webinar.

Take Back the Night

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m., John A. Delaney Student Union, Osprey Plaza
The University of North Florida's Victim Advocacy Program annually hosts the Take Back the Night March and Candlelight Vigil during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. This year’s event includes an awareness and resource fair beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Student Union. Learn more about this year's Take Back the Night festivities.

Attorney Jake SullivanDistinguished Voices Lecture Series: Jake Sullivan

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 - 8 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Jake Sullivan, U.S. national security advisor, will present a lecture, "The State of the World in 2027: Major Developments, Crises, & Opportunities." Hosted by UNF and the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. Registration is now open; space is limited.

Opening Reception: Juried Student Exhibition

Thursday, Oct. 15, 5 - 7 p.m., UNF Gallery of Art
This exhibition features selected student work in a variety of forms including ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Presented by the Department of Art. Art History and Design. Learn more about this exhibition opening in the UNF Gallery of Art.

Physics and Astronomy Colloquium: Holding Space

Friday, Oct. 16, Noon to 12:50 p.m., Skinner-Jones Hall, Room 1704
Camille Bergin, chief marketing officer for space-energy startup Star Catcher, presents her talk, “Holding Space: How the Space Industry Is Carried by Its Storytellers,” highlighting career opportunities in science communication for both scientists and communicators. Learn more about this free lecture event hosted by the UNF Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Philosophy Slam: "What is Horror?" with Dr. Andrea Gaytan Cuestra

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Sahara Cafe and Bar
Enjoy this facilitated communal pondering about "What is Horror?" featuring a short presentation by Dr. Andrea Gaytan Cuestra, assistant professor in the Department of English and World Languages. Learn more about this philosophy slam discussion event.

A woman standing in a dimly lit studio or stage set, partially obscured by a wall.MOCA Free Movie Night: Backrooms (2026)

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
Settle into the MOCA Theater for a free film screening of Backrooms (2026). MOCA Free Movie Night recurs every third Wednesday. Learn more about this free movie event.

Glass Art Workshop

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1 - 3 p.m., Founders Hall, Suite 2100
Unleash your creativity and design a unique glass art masterpiece in this hands-on workshop. Space is limited. Learn more about this workshop and register today.

39th Annual Great American Jazz Series Concert

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center, Lazzara Performance Hall
Experience an exciting evening of live jazz celebrating musical excellence, education and the next generation of jazz musicians. Acclaimed trumpeter Terell Stafford takes the stage with UNF Jazz Ensemble 1 and the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble 1. Learn more about this free jazz concert series performance presented by the UNF School of Music.

Swoop Summary

Two UNF cross country student-athletes standing back to backWomen’s Cross Country Posts Seven In Top 20, Places Runner-Up At Georgia Tech XC Invitational

North Florida women's cross country placed three runners in the top 10 and seven in the top 20 to post a runner-up finish in the 6K event at the Georgia Tech XC Invitational at Foxhall Sporting Club on Friday, Oct. 2. Learn more about the UNF Women's Cross Country performance.

Men’s Cross Country Posts Four Runners In Top 10, Finishes Runner-Up At Georgia Tech XC Invitational

North Florida men's cross country placed four runners in the top 10 and seven in the top 20 in the 8K event to earn a runner-up finish at the Georgia Tech XC Invitational at Foxhall Sporting Club on Friday, Oct. 2. Learn more about the UNF Men's Cross Country performance.

Here are a few upcoming events:

Women's Swimming: Georgia Southern / Arkansas Little Rock / UNC Pembroke
Day 1: Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. & Day 2: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.  |  UNF Competition Pool Complex | Free Admission
 
Men's Soccer vs. College of Charleston (80's Night)
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (Charleston)
 
Volleyball vs. Stetson
Friday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets (Volleyball vs. Stetson)
 
Volleyball vs. FGCU (Camper Reunion and Youth Club Night)
Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets (FGCU)
 
Men's Soccer vs. Queens (Cancer Awareness Night)
Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (Queens)
 
Women's Soccer vs. JU (River City Rumble, Alumni, Youth Club and Family Night)
Sunday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (JU)
 
Women's Soccer vs. Stetson
Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (Women's Soccer vs. Stetson)