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Inside UNF — September 10, 2026

UNF welcomes largest incoming class ever

Various UNF students holding 'First Day of College' signsThis fall, UNF’s total enrollment has reached approximately 18,900 Ospreys, the largest in University history, up from approximately 17,600 students in fall 2025.
 
For the second year in a row, the University of North Florida proudly welcomed its largest incoming freshman class, enrolling about 3,762 new Ospreys across full-time and part-time programs. That’s an increase of almost 19% from last year’s fall enrollment.
 
Of the new class, approximately 3,426 are first-time-in-college, full-time students.
 
The Class of 2030 represents an accomplished group of students, including 71 student-athletes. In addition, 34% of students are the first in their families to attend college.
 

TIME ranks UNF No. 58 among public colleges in America

UNF lettersThe University of North Florida is recognized as one of the nation’s top public higher education institutions, ranking No. 58 among 210 public colleges and universities in the inaugural edition of TIME’s America’s Best Colleges 2026–27.
 
UNF ranked No. 5 among the 12 public and private Florida colleges and universities that made the list. Overall, it ranked No. 150 among all 500 institutions recognized nationwide.
 
The ranking acknowledges UNF for delivering exceptional value, student success and a high return on investment.
 
The rankings were built on objective federal datasets, ensuring consistency and credibility.
 

UNF Graduate School enrollment soars to new heights

UNF Coggin graduate student presenting in front of his classmatesThe University of North Florida Graduate School reached its highest enrollment in history this fall with 2,831 students enrolled, up 6% since last fall.
 
Growth was driven by strong demand across several high-impact areas, including business, computing, healthcare and sciences. The MBA program, now the University’s largest graduate program, increased 37% in enrollment this fall as professionals continue to seek high-quality, flexible, affordable graduate education that helps advance their leadership careers. UNF ranks No. 1 among Florida’s state universities for placing master’s in business graduates into Florida jobs.
 
Graduate enrollment at UNF has increased 29% since Fall 2023, significantly outpacing relatively flat graduate enrollment trends among public four-year institutions in Florida and nationally.
 

UNF launches new graduate degree in sport analytics

Two UNF students viewing a laptop on the Hodges Stadium trackThe University of North Florida's Silverfield College of Education and Human Services launched a new Master of Science in Sport Analytics program this fall, preparing the next generation of data-driven professionals to meet rapidly growing demand across professional sports, collegiate athletics and sport technology industries. 
 
The global sport analytics market — valued at approximately $5.8 billion in 2025 — is projected to surpass $24 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of more than 22 percent, according to Fortune Business Insights.
 
The M.S. in Sport Analytics program is built around hands-on experience. Students will collaborate with UNF faculty, sport industry executives and professional and college coaches through the university's Sport Data Analytics Lab, analyzing real datasets from professional teams, athlete tracking systems and fan and business analytics platforms.
 

Coggin Executive Education strengthens workforce development

UNF Coggin College of Business building with red flowers in the foregroundWhen Ring Power Corporation wanted to further its leadership program, they looked to the University of North Florida Coggin College of Business executive education program for its expertise. 
 
Ring Power is the largest Caterpillar (CAT) equipment retailer in Florida, serving all North and Central regions. With over 2,000 employees in 20 locations, investing in the training of company leadership is critical.
 
The company sat down with UNF faculty and staff business experts to investigate what its leaders actually needed beyond the six-month program the company currently offers. Then UNF shaped the executive briefcase program around Ring Power's own priorities, culture and the challenges leaders face.
 
Coggin Executive Education offers a range of professional development workshops and programs for business leaders. The program partners with employers across industries including financial services, logistics, manufacturing and engineering to co-create fully custom experiences built around an organization's specific goals.
 

UNF students build civil discourse skills through leadership program

Seven UNF faculty and students in front of Washington, D.C. monumentA delegation of seven University of North Florida faculty and students participated in the Nantucket Project Summer Intensive in Washington, D.C., joining more than 60 participants from 25 colleges and universities across the country for a week of leadership development, civil discourse and collaborative learning. 
 
This marks the first time UNF participated in the project. 
 
The UNF delegation included faculty members Dr. Nicholas Seabrook, professor and chair in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Russ Turney, university instructor in the Department of English and World Languages, along with five students representing political science, English and psychology. The yearlong immersive program focuses on bridging divides, fostering constructive dialogue and preparing participants to lead in complex environments.
 

Inside News Roundup

Michael ShannonPresidential Candidate Campus Visit Forums

Dr. Michael P. Shannon, finalist for consideration as UNF's eighth president, is visiting campus on today, Thursday, Sept. 10, for a staff forum from 11 to 11:50 a.m. and a faculty forum from 4 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Osprey Commons, Talon Room, fourth floor. These forums provide UNF staff and faculty with an opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Shannon, ask questions and share ideas. Access to the online forums is limited to authenticated UNF users.

Get Fit

Physical Activity Counseling is back for the fall semester. Meet with an on-campus exercise physiologist for personalized guidance on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. This service is open to all UNF students and staff. Schedule an appointment or learn about an eligible research study. For more information, contact Amanda Loomis at eim@unf.edu.

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.

Navigating Philanthropic Foundations

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) is hosting a webinar on Friday, Sept. 11 at noon, designed to help faculty learn practical strategies to find, pursue and secure funding beyond traditional federal grants. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. Visit NCFDD's website for more information and to register.

Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Application

The 2027-28 application deadline for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. Contact the Office of Faculty Excellence fellow for international initiatives or Dr. Seriea Stallings-Smith at s.stallings-smith@unf.edu to learn about available application support.

New Faculty Academy

Join the Office of Faculty Excellence for the first meeting of the New Faculty Academy on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. This program provides professional development and networking opportunities for faculty, especially those hired within the past three years. For details and registration, visit the New Faculty Academy UNF Central page or email Juliana Leding at j.leding@unf.edu.

Grants for Faculty Projects

The UNF Foundation Board allocates $100,000 annually in grants for faculty projects. Eligible applicants include tenured and tenure-earning faculty, lecturers and instructors. The Grants Committee will host an online faculty open house to discuss the proposal process on Friday, Sept. 25 at noon via Zoom at https://unf.zoom.us/j/7206180616.

Distinguished Voices Lecture: Ariel Ekblaw

Registration is now open for faculty and staff for the upcoming Distinguished Voices Lecture on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Adam W. Herbert University Center. "The Future Beyond Earth: How Space Innovation Is Transforming Science, Technology, the Global Economy, and Life on Our Planet" features Ariel Ekblaw, founder and CEO of Aurelia Institute and general partner of the Aurelia Foundry Fund, where she is advancing the future of human space exploration.

Engage UNF logoStudent Success/Office of Experiential Learning

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, Jamie Marchio, director of the UNF Center for Nutrition and Food Security in the Brooks College of Health. Learn more.

2026 Convocation: State of Osprey Nation

Kick off the academic year at Convocation 2026 on Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in UNF Arena, Building 34. Join Interim President Falconetti, students, faculty and staff as we celebrate the start of a new academic year. Hear from featured speakers, connect with the Osprey community and enjoy food, giveaways and UNF swag. Register for Convocation 2026 today.

OFE Peer Observation of Teaching Program

OFE's Peer Observation Program (POP) provides faculty with an opportunity to enhance their teaching and foster community by observing, sharing and discussing effective approaches to teaching and learning. Full-time faculty teaching an in-person or hybrid course during the fall 2026 semester are invited to apply through Friday, Sept. 18. Visit the POP UNF Central page for more information and to apply.

UNF Office of Teaching and Learning logoOffice of Teaching and Learning

The Office of Teaching and Learning will host an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. Faculty new to UNF and longtime faculty members are welcome. Learn about OTL resources, connect with colleagues and enjoy refreshments. Register for the open house.

Props to UNF Student Health Services

UNF Student Health Services received an FNA Icon Award from the Florida Nurses Association for promoting an environment of excellence in nursing practice.

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 Wednesday, Nov. 16. For the full call for proposals and eligibility details, email Honors Dean Will Pewitt at Will.Pewitt@unf.edu.

UNF Heart Walk Team

Join Team UNF at the 2026 First Coast Heart Walk in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8:45 a.m. at the Ford on Bay, 288 E. Bay St. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in support of heart health and the American Heart Association. Registration is free. All participants will receive a UNF Heart Walk T-shirt.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campus

Brooks College of Health

Nursing

Dr. Valerie Morrison, senior director student health services, was selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

Computing

Dr. Swapnoneel Roy, professor and director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Dr. Ayan Dutta, associate professor, received a three-year National Security Agency NCAE-C grant for “CyberJaxAI-PATH: Cyber AI Pathways for K–12 Education,” in August. Dr. Roy serves as principal investigator and overall coalition lead for the project, working with Dutta and Dr. Daniel Dinsmore, professor and associate dean of research, external funding and faculty development in the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

Engineering

Dr. Florentino De La Cruz, assistant professor, was invited to be a speaker at The Science of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance) conference in Durham, North Carolina, presenting the latest findings on PFAS air emissions published in Environmental Science and Technology. This paper is one of the most viewed articles in the journal currently. In addition, two research students, graduate student Abdeul Mfangavo and undergraduate Scott Henderson, were selected to present their work on PFAS destruction during biomass pyrolysis. Dr. De La Cruz currently serves as PI/co-PI for more than $750,000 in funded PFAS research projects.

Digital Learning and Innovation

Dr. Deb Miller, associate vice president, was a contributing author to the Professionalism Hallmark in UPCEA’s Hallmarks of Excellence in Digital Learning Enterprises, a national framework for strengthening leadership, governance, operations, innovation, and learner success, published July 2026.

Office of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Sarah Moukhliss, STEM online learning librarian, virtually presented "LGAS: A Pedagogical Peer Review Tool for Improving the Quality, Accessibility, and Inclusivity of Library Guides from Informational Lists to Learning‑Centered Design" at the Canadian 12th Annual Digital Pedagogy Institute Conference.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Rakesh Maurya, associate professor, co-authored the research article "Revisiting Empathy: A Model of Empathic Wisdom to Support Effective Counseling and Reduce Counselor Burnout," in Q1 Journal of Humanistic Counseling, an American Counseling Association journal.
 
Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich, associate professor, completed the first round in a 3-year research application-based research cohort with Elon University's Rethinking Engage Learning in the Age of GenAI.
 
Dr. Terrie M. Galanti, associate professor, co-authored the book chapter, "A Conceptual Framework for Cognitive Engagement and Human Agency in AI-Mediated Learning" with Sam Rhodes (Virginia Commonwealth University), Victoria Delaney (San Diego State University), Zuhal Yilmaz (North Carolina State University), Younggon Bae (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA), Zareen Aga (James Madison University), and Stephen Hutt (University of Minnesota). Published in Human Cognitive Agency in AI-Mediated Learning, the chapter presents a conceptual framework for educators as they consider when and how to orient their instructional practices toward AI integration.

Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Maria Atilano, student success and engagement librarian, presented "Libraries are FUNdamental: Supporting Student Wellness with Stress-Less Events" at the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Louisiana Chapter's 2026 Research Forum in August. She received the "Best Presentation" award.

Free Things to Do

Outside Looking In: The Paintings of Amer Kobaslija

Exhibition on view now through Sept. 20, MOCA Jacksonville
This exhibition features a collection of works by locally based, international artist Amer Kobaslija, tracing his career from early works to the present, including works from his multiple well-known artistic series. Learn more about this exhibition featuring Kobaslija's renowned paintings.

Ricder Ricardo, 'The Lake' and 'The Beach,' both 2026, oil and laser engraving on handmade paper.Voces y Caras: Latinx Communities of North Florida

Exhibition on view now through Sept. 20, MOCA Jacksonville
Created by Latinx students at the University of North Florida, Voces y Caras (Voices and Faces) is an oral history and digital humanities project documenting the voices of local Latinx residents in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. Learn more about the Voces y Caras project. Image Attribution: Left to right: Ricder Ricardo, 'The Lake' and 'The Beach,' both 2026, oil and laser engraving on handmade paper. Courtesy of the artist.

Zakriya Rabani: Dive Decks, Jax

Exhibition on view now through Sept. 24, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, Student Union 58E, Second Floor
The Lufrano Intercultural Gallery presents a new site-specific installation by Zakriya Rabani, whose work draws from skateboarding culture, everyday materials and personal memory to create immersive sculptural environments. Using found objects and playful shifts in scale, Rabani responds directly to the gallery’s architecture, inviting viewers to consider how movement, risk, humor and lived experience shape us and our connection to others.

UNF Faculty Annual Exhibition Opening Reception, Building 2, September 10, 5 - 7 p.m.,Various works of art inside the UNF Gallery of ArtUNF Faculty Annual Exhibition Opening Ceremony

Thursday, Sept. 10, 5 - 7 p.m., UNF Gallery of Art
Join the Department of Art, Art History and Design to view new creations from its studio and design faculty. The exhibition will feature artworks exploring various mediums and techniques that enable faculty to showcase their conceptual concerns and studio practices. Learn more about this faculty exhibition event.

UNF Botanical Garden: Botanical Life, Art and Culture Tour

Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Starts at the John A. Delaney Student Union
Explore the beauty of nature through art and culture at UNF Botanical Garden on the second Saturday of each month. Learn more about this monthly garden tour event.

MOCA Free Movie Night: The Drama (2026)

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
Settle into the MOCA Theater for free film screenings of "The Drama" (2026). In this romantic dark comedy, an explosive confession throws the wedding of a seemingly perfect couple off the rails as they spiral to confront whether they can truly make it to "I do." Learn more about this free film screening event.

Philosophy Slam: What Is History? with Dr. David Sheffler

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Sahara Cafe and Bar
Join Dr. David Sheffler, chair and associate professor in UNF's Department of History, for an engaging discussion exploring the nature of history, how historical knowledge is created and why understanding the past remains relevant today. Learn more about this thought-provoking community conversation.

UNF Flocktoberfest logoUNF Flocktoberfest

Thursday, Sept. 17, 6 - 8 p.m., Boathouse @ the Student Union
Raise a stein and gather your flock for a special Oktoberfest-themed edition of Third Thursday. Inspired by UNF's long-standing fall traditions and the festive spirit of Oktoberfest, Flocktoberfest brings alumni together for an evening filled with Osprey pride, festive fun, and plenty of fall flavor. Learn more about this free alumni event.

39th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: UNF Jazz Faculty Scholarship Concert with Special Guests UNF Combo 1

Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center, Lazzara Performance Hall
Celebrating 39 years of the Great American Jazz Series, the UNF Jazz Faculty Scholarship Concert brings together the talented faculty and students of the University of North Florida’s Jazz program, with special guests UNF Combo 1. Learn more about this annual concert supporting the next generation of jazz musicians.

Faculty Percussion Recital: Dr. Andrea Venet

Saturday, Sept. 19, 4 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Contemporary solo and chamber music take center stage in this Faculty Percussion Recital featuring Dr. Andrea Venet, Associate Professor of Percussion at the University of North Florida. Learn more about this free percussion recital.

UNF Distinguished Voices Lecture Series: Ariel Ekblaw, Ph.D.

Monday, Sept. 28, 7 - 8 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Dr. Ariel Ekblaw, founder and CEO of Aurelia Institute and General Partner of the Aurelia Foundry Fund, will discuss how advances in space exploration and space technology are shaping not only future missions beyond Earth, but also innovation, economic development and scientific progress here on Earth. Hosted in partnership with The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. Learn more and register to attend this free lecture event.

Swoop Summary

2026-27 North Florida Basketball Season Tickets Secure Your Seats at unfospreys.com/buyticketsnow

Men's Basketball Finalizes 2026-27 Schedule

University of North Florida Men's Basketball Head Coach Bobby Kennen finalized the 2026-27 schedule with the addition of the non-conference slate on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Learn more about the upcoming schedule for UNF Men's Basketball.

Women's Basketball Finalizes 2026-27 Schedule

North Florida Women's Basketball finalized its 2026-27 schedule with the announcement of its non-conference slate on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Learn more about the upcoming competition schedule for UNF Women's Basketball.

Here are a few upcoming events:

Women's Soccer vs. Kennesaw State
Thursday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (Kennesaw)
 
Men's Soccer vs. West Florida
Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets (West Florida)
 
Men's Soccer vs. Stetson
Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium |  Purchase Tickets (Stetson)
 
Women's Soccer vs. Lipscomb
Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium |  Purchase Tickets (Lipscomb)